The team at US analogue hardware manufacture Warm Audio are very pleased to announce a new piece of hardware to join their ever-growing product range. The BUS-COMP is a 2 channel, stereo VCA compressor featuring an all analogue signal path based on that classic design made famous by a well known UK console manufacturer. This style of stereo VCA compressors are fantastic at taming dynamics on many different sound sources, but they have become best known for their silky smooth sound and their magic glue on stereo mixes.

The Warm Audio BUS-COMP

The new BUS-COMP from Warm Audio has been designed to sound great on your stereo bus, drum bus, drum overheads, stereo acoustic guitars, keyboards, piano, orchestral instruments, voice-overs and pretty much anything you apply it to. The BUS-COMP has been designed mainly for stereo use, but it can be used on individual mono sources as a single-channel device. VCA compressors like the BUS-COMP have become widely loved for their ability to impart dynamic control but without sounding like you are trying to hone things in. However, in doing this they can often add a very specific tone and depth to an audio signal that has become synonyms with this style of stereo compression.

Take A Look Inside

It’s never easy trying to re-creating a legendary piece of audio gear. The VCA compressor technology was the focus of the BUS-COMP’s design, however, Warm Audio wanted to add options and improvements to this classic to bring it into the 21st century. One such feature is the ability to insert USA made CineMag transformers into the signal path, which are driven by fully discrete operational amplifiers. Hit the front panel switch and these custom USA made transformers are inserted and help increase the depth, the tone and the vibe of your audio. It’s a transformer thing.

As with all of the products that Warm Audio develop, the BUS-COMP was designed with final pricing in mind. Modern and efficient manufacturing techniques help bring this quality classic VCA compressor out at the incredible price of just $699 USD or €749 (Euro) including tax.

Full Specification

• All analogue, 2 channel, stereo VCA compressor

• Based on legendary VCA 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 compressed vs. non-compress comparisons

• 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

The new Warm Audio BUS-COMP will be shipping worldwide from January 15th, 2020.

To find out more about the new Warm Audio Bus-Comp and the entire range of Warm Audio products please check out the Warm Audio website.