The mystique of old-school analog gear is undeniable, with some pieces achieving legendary status. One is the classic VCA stereo bus compressor that has graced countless hit records with its signature mojo and unmistakable vibe. However, we know that these historic units can be pricey, making them unaffordable for some home engravers and project studio owners. So Warm Audio has made it their mission to break the cost ceiling and put the sound magic of classic design in as many hands as possible with the Warm Audio Bus-Comp Stereo VCA Bus Compressor. But they didn't stop at the original spec, adding new features and functionally expanding on the Bus-Comp inspiration, including the ability to insert CineMag transformers into the signal path for greater depth and color.

Boutique bus compressor, ready-to-wear price

To feed the Bus-Comp its boutique-caliber sounds, Warm Audio chose premium components like custom CineMag transformers made in the USA and VCAs from That Corporation. Using modern and efficient manufacturing techniques, Warm Audio has eliminated unnecessary unit costs, keeping the price low without compromising on quality. That means you get all the vibrant compression of VCA at a fraction of the price!

Familiar functionality with some welcome additions

The Warm Audio Bus-Comp is deceptively simple, with six knobs for controlling Threshold, Attack, Ratio, Release, HPF, and Makeup gain. Still, it's extremely flexible and capable of handling any level of compression, from light mastering-style compression to super-compressed heavy sounds while maintaining a musical tone. Other controls include a compressor bypass switch for quick A/B comparison, external sidechain engagement and transformer triggers to add rich harmonics and color to the compressed signal.

Characteristics

• Classic VCA bus compressor design with modern details
• Premium components including CineMag transformers and VCAs from That Corporation;
• 5 aspect ratio settings, from 1.5:1 to 10:1;
• Attack times from 0.3 to 30ms; release times from 0.3 seconds to 1.2 seconds, plus automatic release;
• 30Hz to 185Hz high-pass filter and external sidechain input
• Compressor engagement switch for quick A/B comparison;
• Insert transformers into the signal chain to add color and depth;
• Great for splicing together a stereo mix or adding impact to overheads, room mics and other audio sources.

Specifications

• Type: VCA bus compressor;
• Number of channels: 2 (stereo, dual mono);
• Controls: Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Make-Up, high-pass filter;
• Threshold: -20dB to +20dB;
• Ratio: 1.5:1 to 10:1;
• Equalizer: high-pass filter: 30Hz, 60Hz, 105Hz, 125Hz, 185Hz;
• Frequency response: 18Hz–22kHz;
• Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4 in;
• Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4 in;
• Side Chain I/O: 1x XLR;
• Rack Spaces: 1U;
• Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable.