Product Description
The Warm Audio WA - 2A is an amazing single - channel optical tube compressor. There's nothing quite like the warm, forgiving, and fluid qualities of the classic '2A optical compressor. For years, the well - known ‘2A style circuit has been the top choice for smoothly handling vocals, bass, and many other instruments. At Warm Audio, we believe in making high - end audio accessible. That's why we've created the WA - 2A at an affordable price. This high - voltage, Class - A opto - compressor features large - core CineMag USA Transformers, four top - notch vacuum tubes, and the world - famous Kenetek opto - cell. Key features include a 2A style, transformer - balanced design, use of premium CineMag USA transformers for input and output, a USA - made Kenetek opto - cell attenuator module that can be retro - fitted, premium Tung - Sol and Electro - Harmonix tubes, and a fully discrete signal path. Technical specs: It has variable pre - emphasis for compression hipass filtering, is stereo - link capable via a TRS connector. Input and output impedance is 600 ohms. Frequency response is +/- 1 dB from 15 Hz to 20 kHz. Gain is 40 dB ±1dB, with input level maxing at +16 dB and output level at +10 dB nominal and +16 dB maximum. Distortion is less than 0.1% THD at ±10 DBM, and noise is - 74dB. Attack time is 10 milliseconds, and release time varies. The meter shows both dB gain reduction and dB output. It runs on 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz, and comes in a 19' rackmount chassis, 2U (19' X 7' X 3.5').
Using the Warm Audio WA - 2A is easy. First, connect your instrument or audio source to the balanced XLR or TRS inputs. Make sure to check the input impedance is set correctly. Then, connect your output to your audio system using the balanced outputs. Adjust the gain to suit your needs, and use the variable pre - emphasis for a bit of tone control. When it comes to stereo - linking, use the TRS connector. Remember, the attack time is set at 10 milliseconds, and the release time will adjust depending on the audio. Keep an eye on the meter to see the gain reduction and output levels. As for maintenance, keep the compressor in a clean and dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. If you need to change the tubes, be sure to use the recommended Tung - Sol and Electro - Harmonix tubes. And if you want to experiment with different opto - cells, the Kenetek module is socketed for easy retro - fitting. Always switch off the power and unplug it before any maintenance or tube replacement.
