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Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor

1-channel Tube Optical Compressor with All-discrete Signal Path, Custom Optical Photocell, and Cinemag Transformers
$949.00

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Warm Audio WA-2A Optical Compressor

Warm Audio's WA-2A set its target high: the most iconic tube compressor in history. How does Warm do it? Through economies of scale, mostly. They don't cut corners on components (the WA-2A employs a custom optical photocell and genuine US-made Cinemag transformers), but they do order parts and build in quantity, which helps to keep costs down. Like the original classic unit, the WA-2A gives you a completely discrete signal path and the same arrangement of controls. And yes, it replicates the original's coveted warm sound and forgiving nature. Elevate your studio to the next level with the Warm Audio WA-2A.

What can the WA-2A do for you?

Every studio needs a good compressor, and the Warm Audio WA-2A is designed after the mother of all compressors — the legendary LA-2A Leveling Amplifier. With its euphonic, fluid, forgiving sonics and all-discrete, all-tube signal path, the WA-2A is your go-to device for everything from caressingly warm dynamics control to full-tilt squashfest. It's fabulous on bass, kick drum, vocals — you name it. It's lovely for punchy parallel processing on drums, and if you have two of them, the possibilities become even greater.

Top-tier performance — and a stunning value

At Sweetwater, we're all about performance and value, and that's what the WA-2A gives you. At this amazing price, you can double your value and get two. With a pair of these in your rack, you can make that stereo piano sit proudly in the track, punch up your toms, strap them across your stereo bus for some mastering magic, and fortify your mix with serious warmth and glue.

Warm Audio WA-2A Features:

  • Faithful re-creation of the iconic LA-2A Leveling Amplifier in a 2RU chassis
  • Completely discrete, all-tube signal path:
  • Historically accurate 4-tube circuit
  • US-made Cinemag input and output transformers
  • Custom optical photocell
  • Warm Audio's 1-year warranty

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Warranty Info

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Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Tube/Optical
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Controls: Limit/Compress, Output Gain, Peak Reduction, Gain Reduction
  • Frequency Response: 15Hz to 20kHz
  • Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4"
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Height: 3.5"
  • Depth: 7"
  • Width: 19"
  • Weight: 12 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: WA-2A

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Warm WA2A compressor

Been waiting to pull the trigger on this to complete my analog vocal train. I always relied on the "Box" to mold the vocals, but having the WA2A now helps with tightening up on the performance, believe it or not. Mainly helps identify performance volume swings that once in the box, before, would be a big stretch to time consuming to correct or just sound good and sometimes need to be scratched and another session... With the WA2A we can hear, up front, if there is to large a volume variation and can address with tightening up the mic technique or even level boundaries to capture a better vocal, or just do another take. Also is of use for that awesome bass presence. I highly recommend the WA2A to anyone..
Music background: 50 years in the profession music business, drummer, music production
Rated 5/5

Great

Great compressor
Rated 5/5

The Vocal Chain King

Hands down my favorite compressor when working on vocals.

Incredibly simple controls, and an extremely transparent output. If you don't have one in your chain, you need it.

This 2A should be seen as the standard.
Music background: Co-Owner of Ari B Studios, Producer/Engineer
Rated 5/5

Fantastic compressor, great build and sonic quality!

I've recently started purchasing external hardware processors for my home studio. VST Plugins and emulations are great, but I wanted to experience true analog and tactile control over the recording process rather than using a mouse and presets, etc. I bought the Warm Audio WA76, WA2A and EQP-WA units and they are fantastic. Great quality, great build and fantastic sonically. You just can't go wrong with this units. Highly recommended!!

As always, thanks to my account rep, Evan Mehre, for years of great service and support.
Music background: Recording and performing musician
Rated 5/5

WA2A

LOVE THIS COMPRESSOR USE IT EVRY DAY FOR RECODING VOCALS ITS AWSOME
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