Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Optical Compressor w/ WA-HR HeadRoom Headphones, Black

Warm Audio WA-1B All-Tube Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor

All-Tube, Transformer-Balanced Optical Compressor Accurately Recreating World-Class Scandinavian Compression Combining Smooth Tube-Optical Warmth with Precision Controls

The WA-1B accurately recreates world-class Scandinavian compression, combining smooth tube-optical warmth with precision controls. Like its original inspiration, favored by producers and engineers from Chris Lord-Alge to Rick Rubin, the WA-1B delivers that revered “forgiving” musical compression of tube-optical circuitry with speed and control more closely associated with modern dynamics processing. Hand-wired to authentically recreate the sound of a renowned circuit, the WA-1B combines custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden, select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, and a premium high-precision optical element for ultra-fast and accurate operation without sacrificing authentic analog warmth.

Tube-Opto Tone with Extended Control: Delivering that revered “forgiving” musical compression with the added speed and control functionality, the WA-1B excels on highly dynamic sources that demand analog warmth.

True-to-Original Controls: To deliver extended dynamics processing, the WA-1B features all of the classic controls of its modern-classic inspiration.

• Threshold: The WA-1B supports a variable threshold giving maximum control to the user regarding how much compression is applied to any signal at various input levels.
• Ratio: The WA-1B ratio is variable and has infinite controls between 2:1 and 10:1. From soft musical dynamic control all the way to hard-smashing compression!
• Attack & Release: The Attack/Release controls on the WA-1B are unique in that the attack/release operations can be switched from a fixed setting, manual (variable) setting, or a combined setting. In the “fixed” mode, the WA-1B delivers the natural attack & release time of the optical element. The combined setting in particular creates the opportunity for a more nuanced release-time curve. This dueling time-constant circuit operation is a special feature of the WA-1B and its original inspiration.
• Meter Switch: The WA-1B meter switch has three settings: input, compression, and output levels. Set to “input”, the VU meter is reading the level at the input connector. Set to “compression”, the VU meter is reading gain reduction. The steady state is "0", and the amount of compression is shown as the needle moving right-to-left away from 0dB. Set to “output”, the VU meter is reading the level at the output connector.
• On/Bypass: The on/bypass switch on the WA-1B activates or bypasses the compressor. This is a hard bypass, meaning no signal passes through the circuitry in bypass mode.

Premium Components: The WA-1B is a 270v circuit with hand-wired through-hole circuitry, and 100% discrete analog signal path. The custom large-core transformers from Lundahl Sweden bring the full Scandinavian-style analog tone of the WA-1B circuit to life. Paired with select tubes from JJ and Tung-Sol, the high-precision optical element applies sweet analog warmth to audio signals with unrivaled accuracy.

Warm Audio WA-HR HeadRoom Closed-Back Professional Studio Headphones, Black

The WA-HR headphones are closed-back professional studio headphones with premium drivers and designed for ultimate comfort. The 45mm neodymium drivers reproduce sound with incredible detail. The swappable, studio-tested circumaural ear pads provide added cushioning and support for long listening sessions. WA-HR headphones combine ergonomics and audio quality, making them perfect for tracking, mixing, monitoring, & critical listening.

Premium Drivers (Sound Profile): HeadRoom headphones are designed for serious musicians and audio engineers who demand both accuracy and comfort. Outfitted with powerful 45mm Neodymium drivers and custom ear cup design, WA-HR provides the accuracy you need for professional monitoring, recording and rehearsing.

Professional Closed-Back Design: The WA-HR headphones use a tried-and-true closed-back studio design for added isolation, great for controlling unwanted outside noise while recording, mixing, and editing.

Durable, Comfortable, Lightweight: With an adjustable, low-tension headband, HeadRoom headphones fit tightly without squeezing too much. The ergonomic ear cups and headband pad are designed with premium materials to provide added comfort during longer listening sessions. All of these features combine with a durable yet lightweight metal frame to support longer-lasting creativity by reducing ear fatigue.

Professional Accessories: WA-HR ships in a custom, molded case for convenient protection during travel and storage. With detachable straight and coiled cables, extra earpads, and gold 3.5mm jack & 6.35mm TRS adapter, HeadRoom headphones are prepared for any listening experience.

Hand-Tested In Austin, TX: Like all Warm Audio gear, WA-HR headphones are tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin, TX USA.

WA-HR Features

• For Professional Tracking, Mixing, Editing, Critical Listening, & More
• Premium 45mm Neodymium Drivers For Exceptional Detail
• 45 Ohm Impedance For Professional Sound Reproduction Across A Variety Of Audio Devices
• Custom-Tuned For Enhanced Sonic Detail And Exceptional Midrange Clarity
• Swappable, Studio-Tested Circumaural Ear Pads For Superior Sound Isolation & Ultimate Comfort
• Removable Straight Or Coiled Cable For Compact Storage And Easy Portability
• Rugged Craftsmanship & Construction