The Warm Audio WA-2A is a single-channel tube optical compressor that recreates a classic leveling amplifier originally released in the late 1950s. With Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes, dual CineMag transformers, and a Kenetek opto-cell, the WA-2A offers smooth, warm compression ideal for vocals, bass, guitars, drums, and parallel submixes. Its discrete signal path is terminated with balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS input and output connectors, and delivers a high output with minimal noise.

Use compress mode for moderate peak attenuation, or switch to limit mode for more aggressive gain reduction. Operation is simple and efficient, thanks to the adjustable gain and peak reduction controls. The "Pre-Emphasis" serves as a tone control for the sidechain; use this control to make the compressor's detector circuit less sensitive to either high or low frequencies, or keep it flat at the noon position. A large VU meter allows easy viewing of gain reduction or output level, and can be calibrated via a dedicated potentiometer.

The WA-2A supports stereo linking to a second WA-2A through a 1/4" TRS cable (available separately). If you decide to link two units in stereo, you can make use of the rear-panel Stereo Link Adjust control. This feature helps you fine-tune any differences in how either unit responds to the threshold of compression, thereby achieving a more stable stereo match while avoiding unwanted shifts in the stereo field.

Leveling Amp with Discrete Signal Path    Selectable Compress/Limit Mode    Adjustable Gain & Peak Reduction    Adjustable Sidechain Tone Control    Tung-Sol & Electro-Harmonix Tubes    Dual CineMag Transformers    Kenetek Opto-Cell    Balanced XLR & 1/4" TRS I/O    Stereo Link via 1/4" TRS    VU Meter with Selectable Display Mode

Transformed-balanced, high-voltage, optical tube compressor built in the classic "2A" style

Up to 40 dB of gain reduction

Up to 40 dB of make-up gain

CineMag USA input and output transformers

USA-made Kenetek opto-cell attenuator T4-style module

Socketed construction to allow retrofitting of other opto-cells and tubes

Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes including two 12AX7s, one 12BH7, and one 6P1

Fully discrete signal path

Variable pre-emphasis allows for reducing high frequencies in the sidechain

Supports stereo linking via 1/4" TRS

Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS I/O

VU meter with selectable display of gain reduction or output at +4 dB / +10 dB above the meter reading

Rear-panel meter adjust function for easy VU calibration

Occupies 2 RU of rack space

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I use this to convert output from a BLX to USB?

A: Yes, you can send the XLR or 1/4" output from the BLX receiver to the input on the MOTIV MVi, just as you would connect a wired mic or instrument.

Q: 2. Hey! I have a Sennheiser MD 46 dynamic microphone. Do you know if the preamps in the linkflex-ad2 are good enough to boost this dynamic microphone? I would like to use the linkflex to connect the MD 46 to an iPhone (and possibly my good old Zoom H2). Would that work?

A: As previosly answered: 6249490Approved The Linkflex specs show up tp 20dB of gain. which may be enough gain, depending on your subjects volume level. One question is, how much electronic noise will be added to the signal? Another question is, how will the MD46 sound if you must turn the Linflex up to full level on its level control. A big part of how a microphone will sound, is the impedance of the mic pre (the Linkflex) amplifier. The noise spec is not listed in the spec sheet, so I would be weary of this. It may be a lot to include, but this is the reason these; Cloudlifter CL-1, are included in the signal chain with dynamic mics, to improve, not only gain, but performance... Comica Specs: Comica Audio LINKFLEX-AD2 Specs General In-Line Accessory Type Pre-Amplifier Gain Up to +20 dB Connectivity I/O 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRRS Male Output 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Headphone Output 1 x Combo XLR-1/4" TS Female Mic/Hi-Z Input Performance Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB THD+N 0.02% (2-Kilohm Load)

Q: 3. I have a huge hiss problem connecting my beeznees mic to the bae compressor in to this la2a what could it be?

A: Hissing in any piece of audio gear is indicative of electronic noise, due to either poor quality in components or improper gain staging. Keep in mind every time an audio device is added to the chain, the noise floor increases.

Q: 4. Will the Shure MOTIV MVi interface retain the last panel settings (volume / mode / mute) when it is disconnect & reconnected? What happens when you unplug it from one computer & plug the USB into another?

A: There is no internal battery, therefore settings would not be saved once power is disconnected.

Q: 5. How would you compare this one to the dbx 286s - Microphone Preamp/Channel Strip? I'm very new to channel strips, so any comments would help.

A: The DBX 286s is a great, straight forward, channel strip offering the essentials of a decent mic pre, compressor, de-esser, expander and gate. The Art Voice Tube Channel strip offers the same functions, but allows for more detailed control over the compressor and EQ. As well, the included tube and variable impedance knob will allow for more variety in tone shaping your signal. And this unit includes multiple outputs, including digital AES, optical, SPDIF, and USB.

Q: 6. Would this be a good stereo-pair to stream Chorus concerts on YouTube?

A: The Warm Audio WA-14SP Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Stereo Pair), B&H # WA14SP, could work very well for choral concert recording.

Q: 7. Will this work with a 2' quasar crossfade?

A: Considering the size of 2' Quasar Science Crossfade which is 24.5 x 1.5 x 1.5" / 62.2 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm vs. 1.8' Astera Helios Tube RGB LED Tube Light 21.6 x 1.6" / 54.9 x 4.1 which this was made for it won't fit due to 2' Quasar Science Crossfade being longer by 2.9 inches.

Q: 8. Is the power requirements strictly US (i.e. 105-125V AC@60Hz)? If I ordered it will suit my power ratings in my country? (240V AC)

A: The units available here at B&H are designed to operate at 105 to 125 VAC/ 60 Hz only. Unfortunately we are not able to offer a 240 VAC unit.

Q: 9. Is Digiface USB, USB class compliant?

A: Yes it is: The Digiface USB has a Class Compliant mode. Like any audio interface the Digiface USB should have a data transmission to the computer as undisturbed as possible. The easiest way to guarantee this is to connect it to its own bus, which should be no big problem as most USB 2.0 interfaces are a double bus design. A check in the Device Manager can be done as follows: ¾ Connect the Digiface USB to a USB port ¾ Start the Device Manager, View set to Devices by Connection ¾ Select ACPI x86-based PC, Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System, expand PCI Bus

Q: 10. Is the Art TubeOpto configured for 230 V when it's sent to Europe?

A: I had the Art TubeOpto sent to Australia and it was not configured for 240 V so I am using a power transformer to use it.