The Essentials to Know About the WA-1B Tube Optical Compressor
- Scandinavian "musical and forgiving" compression, fast and controllable, ideal from tracking to mastering.
- All-tube warmth thanks to a high-precision optical cell and through-hole components powered at 270 V.
- High-end signature with Lundahl transformers made in Sweden and selected JJ and Tung-Sol tubes.
- Modern control: ratio from 2:1 to 10:1, attack/release, fixed/manual/combined modes, calibratable VU meter, sidechain I/O.
A Scandinavian Icon, Reimagined for Today's Studios
The WA-1B pays tribute to a legendary optical compressor beloved by producers. Hand-wired to preserve the sonic DNA of its predecessor, it combines a generous tube section with an ultra-responsive optical cell to deliver that "forgiving" and musical compression, but with the speed and precision expected in modern workflows.
For Whom and For What Uses?
Designed for demanding engineers, the WA-1B excels on lead vocals, bass, synths, guitars, and acoustic tracks, while holding its place on an instrument bus. Its hardware bypass allows instant comparisons, and its analog behavior ensures tracking with no perceptible latency, whether during recording, mixing, or mastering.
Creative Control and Studio Precision
The combination of fixed/manual/combined modes offers several dynamic "personalities," from transparent smoothing to more pronounced pumping. The wide range of controls (gain, threshold, ratio, attack, release) enables a fine and repeatable workflow, while the switchable VU meter (input, reduction, output) with built-in calibration guarantees a consistent reference level from project to project.
The large-core Lundahl transformers and selected JJ and Tung-Sol tubes provide authentic harmonic density, solid low end, and silky highs. Professional balanced connectivity, sidechain insert on input and output, as well as extended frequency response ensure perfect integration into any hybrid or fully analog studio.
Technical Specifications
Circuit and Components
- Faithful recreation of a tube optical compressor
- 270 V circuit with through-hole components, premium parts, discrete signal path
- High-precision optical cell for ultra-fast operation
- Lundahl transformers (Made in Sweden)
- Selected tubes: JJ and Tung-Sol
Controls and Indicators
- Gain: from "off" to +30 dB
- Threshold: from "off" to -40 dB
- Ratio: from 2:1 to 10:1
- Attack and release adjustments
- VU meter selection: input, compression, output
- VU meter calibration
- Mode selector: fixed / manual / combined
- Bypass switch fully bypassing the circuit
Connectivity
- Balanced XLR and 6.35 mm jack inputs/outputs
- Impedance: 600 ohms
- Sidechain input and output
Performance
- Frequency response (-3 dB): 5 Hz to 25 kHz
- Noise floor: below -75 dBu at 30 dB gain
Power Supply and Format
- Internal IEC power socket 115 V / 230 V with voltage selector
- 2U rack format
- Dimensions: 230 x 480 x 90 mm
- Weight: 4.4 kg