Warm Audio at NAMM: BUS-COMP and Direct Boxes Announced

BUS-COMP

The Warm Audio BUS-COMP is an all-analog, 2 channel, stereo VCA bus compressor based on classic circuitry that has provided silky smooth tone for decades. Stereo VCA bus compressors are masterful at controlling dynamics on many sources, but they have become widely known for their magic touch on stereo mixes.

The BUS-COMP will perform well on stereo mixes, drum mixes, drum overheads, acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, orchestral instruments, voice-overs and an array of other sources. The BUS-COMP is primarily designed for stereo use, but it can be used just as successfully on individual mono sources. VCA bus compressors of this type have become widely loved for their ability to control dynamics effortlessly but also for the added tone and depth they provide to the audio signal that passes through them, even when no compression is applied.

A Look Inside

Re-creating legendary VCA bus compressor technology was the focus of the BUS-COMP’s design, however, adding options and improvements was just as important during its development. One feature is the BUS-COMP’s ability to have US-made CineMag transformers inserted into the signal path driven by fully discrete operational amplifiers. With a single push of a front panel switch, these custom transformers are inserted into the audio’s path providing increased depth, tone and vibe!

As with all of the products from Warm Audio, the BUS-COMP was designed with a price point in mind. With efficient, modern manufacturing techniques we are proud to bring this boutique quality, classic VCA bus compressor to the market at a quality-to-price ratio previously unseen. More studios than ever before will now have access to analog quality VCA bus compression. Our desire is for all musicians to be heard the way they want to be heard and we feel the BUS-COMP is the perfect tool to perfect any mix!

Features:

• All analog, 2 channel, stereo VCA bus compressor
• Based on legendary VCA bus compressor technology
• Selectable discrete opamp stage with CineMag USA transformers
• External side chain source select
• Selectable Hi-pass Filter: 30, 60, 105, 125, 185 Hz
• Compressor engage switch for easy A/B compress vs. no-compress comparison
• Performs well on stereo mixes, drum mixes, drum overheads, acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, orchestral instruments, voice-overs and endless other sources
• Can be used on stereo as well as individual mono sources
• THAT 2180 VCA’s
• Optimally provides both XLR and TRS connectivity
• Noise: < -90dBu
• Headroom: > +29dBu, 20Hz – 20kHz
• Dynamic Range: > 120dB
• Frequency Response: 18Hz – 22kHz
• THD + Noise, 20Hz – 20kHz, +20dBu input: < .05%
• Input Impedance: 10k Ohms
• Output Impedance: 50 Ohms

Direct Boxes

Whether you play guitar, bass, keyboards or another stringed instrument, you’ll need a direct box that won’t diminish your instrument’s tone, like the Direct Box Active and Direct Box Passive from Warm Audio. Every aspect of these direct boxes are designed for maximum sonic integrity, from the custom-wound CineMag transformer to the rugged metal knob and switches. You can expect warm, rich tone even after long cable runs, and the extruded aluminium enclosure ensures a long life span. When you need to convert an instrument-level signal to mic-level, with sonic quality as your top priority, you’ll be well-served with the Direct Box Active and Direct Box Passive from Warm Audio.

Built around world-famous CineMag USA Transformer topology and engineering, like no other DI Boxes in the world. Constructed with top-tier discrete components housed in rugged aluminium chassis’ that include switches, knobs and connectors that are all designed to withstand heavy abuse on the road or in the studio.

The Direct Box Active & Passive by Warm Audio are stunningly transparent. It will not diminish your instrument’s original sound or tone in any way…other than making it sound better. 

Get the rare versatility of having an onboard variable pad which attenuates your input signal anywhere from -3dB to -30dB. This allows you to easily tame any instrument’s input source. 

Direct Box Active is best for instruments with passive pickups, especially acoustic instruments. The Direct Box Active can also operate in “passive” mode. Direct Box Passive is best for balancing the signal of instruments with active electronics, but still performs extremely well on passive pickups by producing a frequency range that exceeds the bandwidth of most passive DI boxes on the market.

Both of our Direct Boxes offer a Thru-put jack that is jumpered to the input jack. It is a convenience jack allowing you to send your instrument’s signal to a second place in addition to the live mixer or recording device. Direct Boxes can also take a recorded signal at line level and send it to another line input while simultaneously sending signal out of the XLR mic level output of the Direct Box.

A Look Inside

Every aspect of our Direct Boxes are designed for maximum sonic integrity, from custom-wound CineMag USA transformers, to their metal switches and connectors, to their gold-plated circuit traces. You can expect warm, rich tones coming from these small, yet extremely rugged Direct Boxes.

Direct Box Active Features:

• Custom-wound CineMag USA transformer.
• Converts instruments to mic-level signals without signal degradation.
• Ideal solution for plugging your instrument direct into any mic pre, mixer or recording device.
• Top-quality discrete components with gold-plated traces on circuit board. 
• Rugged aluminium chassis construction.
• Pad: Variable from -3dB to -30dB.Balanced Output: 600 ohms, mic level.
• Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohms.THD: .01% from 20Hz to 50Hz. Less than .003% from 50Hz to 20kHz.Frequency Response: 10Hz to 90kHz +/- 0.5dB.
• Linear Performance: +/- 0.05dB 20Hz to 50kHz.
• Power: 48V Phantom or two 9V batteries. Can also be used passively.

Direct Box Passive Features:

• Custom-wound CineMag USA transformer.
• Converts instruments to mic-level signals without signal degradation.
• Ideal solution for plugging your instrument direct into any mic pre, mixer or recording device.
• Top-quality discrete components with gold-plated traces on circuit board. 
• Rugged aluminium chassis construction. 
• Pad: Variable from -3 to -30dB.
• Balanced Output: 600 ohms, mic level.
• Input Impedance: 1 Meg Ohms.
• THD: .01% from 20Hz to 100Hz. Less than .004% from 100Hz to 20kHz.
• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 70kHz +/- 0.5dB.