Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor

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Warm Audio WA-2A Tube Optical Compressor

Brand New
  • $949.00
In store now

Description & Specs

Though digital technology and software have made great strides in recent years; we still believe that nothing compares to the level of articulation, depth, realism, and responsiveness of a well-built piece of analog gear. When you hear the bottom-end presence and top-end detail of quality analog gear, the difference is astounding. The cost of most boutique analog equipment is financially out of reach for many recording artists. Our mission is to change this, and introduce as many people as we can to recording and mixing with real, dedicated hardware.

No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of the classic '2A optical compressor. For decades, the renowned ‘2A style circuit has become the go-to device for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and a wide variety of other instruments and program material in an effortlessly smooth way.

Releasing the WA-2A would be for nothing if we couldn’t make it affordable. Since the start of Warm Audio we have striven to give an unprecedented value to our customers, by putting high end audio within the reach of more people than ever before. This philosophy drives everything we do, and every product we offer.

The WA-2A is a high-voltage, Class-A opto-compressor, utilizing large-core CineMag USA Transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell - considered by many to be the world’s finest.

The WA-2A operates on four tubes: two 12AX7’s, one 12BH7, and one 6aq5 (or 6P1J). We proudly use Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix brand tubes in the signal path, which sound very 'open' and LARGE. All 4 tubes are socketed for easy swapping and replacement.

  • 2A STYLE, TRANSFORMER BALANCED, HIGH VOLTAGE, OPTO TUBE COMPRESSOR​.
  • UTILIZES PREMIUM GRADE INPUT AND OUTPUT CINEMAG USA TRANSFORMERS.
  • USA MADE KENETEK OPTO-CELL ATTENUATOR T4' STYLE MODULE. SOCKETED TO ALLOW RETRO-FITTING WITH OTHER OPTO-CELLS.
  • PREMIUM TUNG-SOL AND ELECTRO-HARMONIX TUBES. 2X 12AX7, 1X 12BH7, 1X 6AQ5 OR 6P1.
  • FULLY DISCRETE SIGNAL PATH.
  • VARIABLE PRE-EMPHASIS, ALLOWS FOR COMPRESSION HIPASS FILTERING (TONE CONTROL).
  • STEREO-LINK CAPABLE VIA TRS CONNECTOR.
  • INPUT IMPEDANCE - 600 OHMS, BRIDGES-T CONTROL (FLOATING).
  • XLR AND TRS BALANCED LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS - 600 OHMS IMPEDANCE.
  • XLR AND TRS BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUTS - 600 OHMS IMPEDANCE.
  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE +/- 1 DB, 15 HZ TO 20KHZ.
  • GAIN 40 DB ±1DB.
  • INPUT LEVEL +16 DB MAXIMUM.
  • OUTPUT LEVEL +10 DB NOMINAL, +16 DB MAXIMUM.
  • DISTORTION LESS THAN 0.1% THD AT ±10 DBM.
  • NOISE = -74DB.
  • ATTACK TIME - 10 MILLISECONDS.
  • RELEASE TIME - 0.06 SECONDS FOR 50% RELEASE - 0.5 TO 5 SECONDS FOR COMPLETE RELEASE.
  • METER DISPLAYS BOTH DB GAIN REDUCTION AND DB OUTPUT.
  • POWER - 115/230 VOLTS (SWITCHABLE), 50/60 HZ.
  • DIMENSIONS - 19" RACKMOUNT CHASSIS, 2U. 19" X 7" X 3.5".

You read that right! Any orders over $75 ship for free!*

The CME Difference:  CME's mission is to make sure your shipment will arrive quickly, carefully, and correctly. We realize that the online ordering of guitars and instruments, in general, can be a nerve-racking experience. We are here to put your mind at ease and make your transaction smooth and enjoyable! As musicians ourselves, we want to make sure everything gets to you the way it should, every time.

Most orders ship the same or next day:  
We greatly appreciate your patience, and are working hard to fulfill all requests as quickly as possible, while practicing recommended safety guidelines.

Our Bottom line: We care! This is something we take very seriously, because it's what you deserve. Our shipping, sales, and customer service teams are always striving to create the best experience for you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we want to know.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to support@chicagomusicexchange.com, or call us directly at 773-525-7773.

*Special exceptions do apply.

STORE HOURS (CST)

APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon

day-Tuesday
12PM-7PM Wednesday-Friday

10AM-7PM Saturday

10AM-5PM Sunday

Before & After Hours: Try us! 
If we are not available, our commitment is to get back to you no later than the next day.


US & International: +1 (773) 525-7773


Fax: 773-525-2775



LOCATION 

3316 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657


We're right off the CTA Brown Line 'Paulina' Stop Just North of Belmont and just West of Ashland.

We’re all musicians here at Chicago Music Exchange and we want you to love the gear you get from us. We understand that sometimes you get a piece of gear that doesn’t work out for you. That’s why we offer an easy return policy to take the stress out of purchasing from us.

If you decide you'd like to return an item, please contact your Sales Rep, chat us, or give us a call.

If you placed your order on Amazon or eBay, we advise issuing the return request from your account on the platform of purchase - our Customer Service team will process a refund upon receipt of the item(s).

Most new items may be returned within 30 days of delivery and most vintage & used items may be returned within 3 days of delivery for a full refund, exchange, or store credit. Please pack the product safely for the journey back to us. If the product was shipped for free, the charge will be deducted from refund, unless the reason for the return is outside normal circumstances.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your order was received incorrectly, damaged, or defective. Most times we will give you an RA number (Return Authorization). Why is that number important? This will allow us to speed up the process of the return.

We reserve the right to charge a restocking fee based on the return condition. Some items we just can’t take back for returns, due to a one time function like strings or drums heads and other times it’s not sanitary to do so with microphones or harmonicas. If you aren’t sure if what you bought falls into a category like this, call us (773) 525-7773!

We strive to get your return processed quickly. Most of the time we have it done within two business days. Funds going back to credit cards usually takes two to four business days. CME strives to make sure all customers are happy with their experience. It is our priority to provide great service along with great gear. We always want to be helpful, and open to your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts! If you have any questions, we’re here for you!

Feel free to email us at customerservice@chicagomusicexchange.com or give us a call at (773) 525-7773.