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| UK Distribution Hub: | 5 |
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2-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee included
If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.
Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee
Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
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We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.
In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.
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This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.
| UK & Europe | EU Standard | Gear4music Standard | Gear4music Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Period | 14 days | 30 days | up to 180 days |
| Standard delivery charges refunded? | Yes | Yes | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Upgraded delivery charges refunded? | Standard costs only | Standard costs only | Standard costs only |
| Free collection on cancellation | No | No | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 30 days |
We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.
Key Features
The Warm Audio WA-2A is a classic optical compressor designed for musicians, producers, and engineers who want smooth, vintage-style dynamics control. Its tube-driven circuit and premium CineMag transformers add rich harmonic warmth, making it ideal for vocals, bass, acoustic instruments, and more. The simple two-knob operation provides effortless control over peak reduction and output gain, while the high-pass sidechain filter offers added flexibility. Basing its design on a classic vintage compressor the WA-2A retains the tone and character of the original with a range of modern updates.
Product Ref: 68611
The WA-2A is built to replicate the most sought-after optical compression circuit of all time. Favoured by engineers and producers for its smooth, musical response, this style of compression preserves dynamics while subtly enhancing tone. Instead of clamping down aggressively on transients, the optical circuit reacts naturally to incoming signals, ensuring a transparent and organic sound.
One of the key elements of this compressor is its tube-driven design. Using high-quality vacuum tubes, the WA-2A injects warmth and harmonic richness into the audio signal, creating a fuller and more polished sound. This makes it particularly effective on lead vocals, where it helps achieve a professional, radio-ready tone. Additionally, bass guitars benefit from the compressor’s ability to tighten the low end while keeping the performance dynamic and expressive.
Inside the WA-2A, USA-made CineMag transformers play a crucial role in shaping its sound. These transformers introduce harmonic overtones and subtle saturation, adding depth and warmth as the output gain is increased. The result is a smooth, vintage-style compression that enhances the overall character of a recording.
Transformers are an essential part of classic analog gear, and the WA-2A stays true to this tradition. The carefully selected CineMag components allow the unit to produce a rich, full-bodied tone that blends seamlessly into a mix. Whether used for tracking or mixing, this compressor helps achieve a natural and cohesive sound without excessive EQ or additional processing.
The WA-2A includes a high-pass sidechain filter, giving users more control over how compression is applied. With the filter set to the flat position, the compressor reacts to the entire frequency spectrum. As the control is adjusted, it reduces sensitivity to lower frequencies, allowing high-frequency transients to trigger compression more effectively.
This is particularly useful when working with bass-heavy sources. Low-frequency energy can sometimes cause a compressor to overreact, leading to unwanted pumping effects. By filtering out some of the lower frequencies in the sidechain, the WA-2A ensures smoother and more consistent compression, making it ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, and mix bus processing.
For those working with stereo sources, the WA-2A offers a dedicated stereo link input. Connecting two units together allows them to share a common threshold response, ensuring even compression across both channels. This is particularly useful for bus compression on drum overheads, stereo instruments, or mix bus processing.
When using the stereo link function, it is important to manually match the front-panel controls, especially the output gain. This ensures a consistent balance between the two units, providing smooth and transparent stereo compression. The ability to link two compressors makes the WA-2A a versatile tool for both individual tracks and full mixes.
Each WA-2A is meticulously hand-tested at Warm Audio’s facility in Austin, Texas. Every unit is inspected by skilled technicians to ensure it meets high standards of performance and reliability. By using high-quality components and precise assembly techniques, Warm Audio ensures that every WA-2A delivers consistent results in both studio and live environments.
This attention to detail makes the WA-2A a reliable choice for engineers and producers who need a compressor they can trust. Whether used for tracking vocals, mixing a full band, or adding the final polish to a master, the WA-2A provides the smooth, musical compression that has made optical compressors a staple in professional studios for decades.
Any electrical items in your order may have been designed to work with a 240V circuit, using a United Kingdom G type plug connection or a 220V circuit, using an EU plug connection. An adapter or transformer may be required for these items to work properly and safely in your country. Some items work with a range of voltages, or have a switchable voltage control built in. Please refer to the specific product details for further information.
