Back in the day I built my 1176 intentionally with OEP transformers on both input and output, so it's really colorful and has lots of saturation. It's great when needing a dirty vocal :)
I sawr an angel, by my side With tears from heaven, as she cried I sawr reflection, in those eyes Like a ghost in the night, while we were dancing (pre-chorus?) Will you take me by surprise? Will you take my breath away? Will you take me by the hand, and lead my out into the night? (chorus?) In this wooooooooooooooorld. In this wooooooooooooooooooooorld.
Hey Ed, cool idea for a video but I don't feel it hit the mark. I believe that "saturation" you were talking about coming out of the WA is just clipping, not the desired warm sound. To make sure the signal isn't getting too hot you need to flip your compressor into the Output monitoring mode and don't let it get above or too close to 0dB. Then on your 73 output, gain stage it according to those 5 LEDs and based off the input meter on your DAW. Hope this helps. I have the EQ73 into a 76 setup and use it mainly as a way to record at a louder average level into my DAW and ensure that I will never clip on a perfect take that gets too loud. Cheers
I was gonna let that go! Lol. But, yeah you really wanna get the signal-flow and gain-staging down, or you'll just make a mess. That metering knob on the right is your friend. (A perfect example of why I don't like the RUclips regurgitation of "conventional wisdom" that says "mix with your ears!" As if to say "Totally Blind Folded!" The meters, input, output, VU, PPM, GR, dBFS, LUFS, True-Peak, ALL OF THEM, are there for a reason. I say Mix with your Mind! All of your senses send information to your mind, which can then make informed decisions. Your Ears absolutely tell you what the listener is going to hear. But your Eyes tell your Hands how to get there. Also, ever see Pianists, Keyboard Players, Guitarists, or Drummers use both Hands AND both Feet? Well the Engineer's instruments include buttons, knobs, faders, keyboard shortcuts, mice, and transport controllers with Foot Pedals to Start/Stop and Punch-In. All informed by the what their eyes are seeing on the Meters and Waveforms, and what their Ears are communicating to their soul.
I was told to put the output to 0 then adjust the red gain knob to taste, think am going to go back to the drawing board, how do you set yours up into 76
Ed, once again a great vid. I've just purchased some WA products and will be WA47>WA73EQ>WA76>Clarette Pres....looking forward to getting some hybrid going and most certainly will play with using the 76 as an insert as well as in-line. Question regarding your 'no-longer-use' of the 76 as an insert...just a preference thing now to go straight in series?
Question 1: as you mentioned, you are letting the signal pass through your audio interface, and you are dialing in the volume of the interface. I was was earlier told to keep the interface volume level 0 and just let the wa73 signal pass through. What is the standard way? Or is it to your preference? Thanks you!
Love the content Ed! Man, I was hoping you covered how it was all connected to the Apollo Twin. Or maybe you already have a video covering that. Is it possible to use the WA273 with the Twin Duo to process pre recorded tracks in your DAW? I'd love to run tracks through the 73 for added depth.
Brillaint videos. I've got a sound skulptor mp573 but miss my TLA 5051 ivory which coloured the sound and gave it grit. Thinking of adding eq unit or something with saturation or maybe UAD is the way forward can't decide!
You can only bypass the preamps on the rack mounted X series Apollos. But, if you use the line ins set to minimum gain (10dB) you will experience minimal preamp influence.
Thanks, Ed. I hope you enjoyed the break. I just watched the "1000 Subs" that you did. One of the best and most interesting vids I have seen! I think you have one of the best productions out there. (Camera angles, content...etc)
Curious if you tried keeping the insert button in on the wa73eq and routing the preamp send to interface to track the raw preamp only and then setup the external routing to send to the other analog comps and EQ section of the wa73eq and back into interface to run as per normal external gear. That way you basically just use the EQ section of the wa73eq as if a normal separate piece of analog gear and can adjust in post. Or is that what you did here?
Interesting question. I haven’t done that. I either record with the EQ and commit it, or bypass the EQ and adjust later using plugins. You could bypass the EQ, record into you daw, then later send back out through the insert return to bypass the preamp and use the EQ yeh but that’s sounds like more work than necessary. That would save on buying a WA-EQP device.
Hi! I have done all the cabeling like you said but unfortunately it does not work. I go from the line out from the apollo to the line input on the back of the wa73. Is that right? Thanks!
Thanks for this video, I wasn't sure how I'd run the 2A after my WA73's without a bypass. Question please, if I already have the WA Bus Comp as an insert on my WA73, is it still fine to run the 2A on the output of the WA273?
Yeh that will work. As long as the pre is first and you keep an eye on gain staging each device you’ll be good. Seems a waste of the stereo Bud Comp though… The WA76 could be a good alternative to free up the stereo unit.
@@EdThorne If I were to use the WA2A I wouldn't have the Bus Comp engaged at that time. I just want to try out a 2A style tube compressor and see if I like it over the VCA Bus Comp. I could aternate using them. Thank you for your reply.
Many thanks! Can you help me to get it....why i can not go into my EQ xlr in, then with the output of it into the input xlr of the compressor and then to the interface? I mean for direct recording. Maybe my english isnt good enough to get this point with the inserts and vox return thing you did.... Thanks a lot
Hi there. You absolutely can do as well. Mic-preamp-compressor-interface. This is called ‘in-line’, or ‘in series’ processing (rather than an ‘insert’). I actually do this now myself with two compressors.
Yes, it have inserts send and Return. Can i use balanced trs on insert and return outputs, in your video you have used unbalanced cables as well. I really dont know whats the purpose of balanced and unbalanced cables. Can you give me a genuine idea to connect please?
Hi there, just bought the WA 73 and WA 2A, I routed everything correctly as in the video as I am getting sound into my interface from the mic when I put the gain up on the WA 2A and 73 but WA 2A is not compressing. It’s only giving more gain when I play with the gain nob, no reduction. Is there any solution to that my friend ? 🙏🏼
This is always an issue for me in the studio. Finding the best gain structure between hardware, specially when they dont have meters to see whats going on. You running straight into your Apollo...thats interesting. You can bypass their preamps correct? So it does end up coloring the sound
On my version (Twin mkii) you cant bypass the preamps but going in at the lowest level (10dB) apparently removes all influence of the preamp sound. Alternatively go in with TRS. You can bypass the preamps on the new X models.
Hi! hope you can answer my question:) how often do you think or in based of ur experience, does tubes on the wa2a last? i wanna buy one but i know tube gear is expensive in long terms. Thanks! Also, how hot does it get on intensive use?
Hi there, I don’t use my 2A excessively and my longest session has probably been 3-4 hours. They don’t get too hot and I’ve not had to replace a tube yet in two years.
Thanks a lot for the explanation!! are you able to print on a stereo track with this compressor for mastering purpose or you need two of these unit to do so. I couldn’t find any videos on this. Thanks again
It’s a mono unit. You may have phase issues using two. I’d definitely opt for a specific stereo device for mastering. The WA Bus-Comp is a great compressor. Not sure I’d consider it mastering grade though. It curtails the top end and very low end slightly.
Hey Ed, I’m trying to use the wa73eq as a hardware insert in logic. I seem to just be getting a lot of feedback when I push up the eq. I’m going into a presonus 1810c. Any ideas? Cheers for your time
Hi there, are you using the Logic I/O plugin? This is a tricky one to explain in text form but research how to set up the I/O plugin. I am overdue doing a video on this because it is fiddly.
@@EdThorne hey, cheers for getting back to me. I think the problem was universal control mixer for presonus software was playing out as well software monitoring. If you could include how to correctly print audio tracks using buses that would be great! Got there but more by luck than a clear understanding haha. Thanks again man and look forward to more videos!!!
Hi, I’ve briefly explained what it is in this video at 1:50, with a bit more detail during the bass guitar sound comparison later in the video: ruclips.net/video/hQWA1xqivZc/видео.html
@@EdThorne thank you. I also had another question regarding the gain on my external pre. I have the golden age premier 73 dlx and I notice the warm and this unit has line and mic markers on the gain knob. Noticed that your gain at slightly above line but nowhere near mic and I have a condenser as well but have the gain at mic. I’m wondering if that’s too much and if I should lower it and adjust the gain on my wa76 and Wa2a?
@@Prodby_duke The 'Line' and 'Mic' gain markings are suggested guide gains. I believe they're there to remind you the Line/Instrument input circuits are different and require different gains. The input gain depends on the mic/instrument (high for a dynamic mic such as the SM7b, 50-70dB), and much lower for a condenser like my JZ v67 (20-40dB). Gain level is subject to performance/sound source, loud or quiet etc, and how much you want to push the preamp. The more you push the preamp the more saturated the sound will be. The best thing is to experiment and listen to what sounds you get.
What’s the diffrence in using balance vs unbalanced patch cables? I’m currently using unbalanced 1/4 cables with my 76 compressor in line with my wa73. Seems to be ok so far but just wondering if a swapped the cables out if there would be any quality difference? Thanks
I am looking to get a tone beast tb12 black with a wa76. I would love to see that on your channel. And good job on this follow up video it’s really helpful for me.
@@EdThorne Yes! Its like six preamps in one with all the setting that you can do to tailor make your sound. then just add a wa76 in the mix to get awesome compression and then your off to the races.
Hey I just got the WA73 + EQ, along with the new ssl 12 interface. Having some trouble getting signal from my mic, through the preamp, to the interface. I connected my condenser to the back “Mic In” xlr of the 73, then a trs from “line out”, into ssl in. Not getting signal though. I’ve engaged phantom power on the 73, and made sure the ssl is taking the input as line. Am I missing something?
That all sounds correct. Check the gains at the input and output stages on the WA73, and on the interface. You will need some gain on the line-in on the SSL.
@@jackmmarsden You want minimum gain on the SSL to minimise the influence of the preamp, but unless you can physically bypass the preamp (like you can on iD44mkii or Apollo X6), you have to have some gain on the line in otherwise it will be effectively be muted.
@@EdThorne weird. It’s working now. I plugged the mic into the front mic in on the 73, and now I’m getting signal. The gain on ssl is all off too. Wonder why the rear xlr mix in on 73 isn’t working? Do I have to press one of the line, insert, instr on from panel of 73 in order to engage the rear mic in?
Wouldnt u not want to push the interface since it has built in pre amps? Wouldnt that defeat the purpose of gain staging on the 73 pre amp and the la2a compressor ?
To maximise the benefit of th external preamp, and minimise influence of the interface preamp you want to go in with as little interface gain as possible (the level coming from the 73 and 2A).
Why won’t my wa73 work independently from my wa2a. Like bypassing the wa2a to see how much signal I’m using from my preamp before applying the compression?
Hi Angelo, that’s a great hardware chain. I use the same set up for vocals (with an Apollo instead on Lynx) like so: Mic-WA73 - WA76 - WA2A - Interface. So the chain is inline, I don’t use the inserts (anymore), and use XLRs to connect throughout. Balanced TRS also possible.
@@AngeloDevinci The insert send is a pre-output gain on the WA73 so if using a WA2A, which doesn't have an input level dial, besides your input gain you don't have control over how much signal level is hitting the compressor. A compressor like the WA76 is fine to use as an insert because you have an input gain dial so you can control how hard you hit the compressor. I like using both these compressors in series (in-line). I could use them as an insert inline but I believe the insert is also pre-EQ, and if I use the EQ, I'd rather it was pre-compression, so using it after the WA73 entirely makes sense. There's several configurations you can use.
If you thought there was some fizz, I would’ve tried the compressor after the preamp, instead of inserting it. Just to hear the difference. Did you do that? Also, gaining down the WA2A is a thought.
Just wanted to say how much I appreciated this video. I am looking to get the WA73 and a WA2A this month, and this video was extremely useful in figuring out how I should set them up in my studio. Earned an instant subscription. Looking forward to more content from you.
Thanks so much, Ed. I've got both pieces of gear in my studio, and had been running them with the WA-2A simply in line after the WA73-EQ. After seeing your earlier video on both products (ruclips.net/video/JL9ke6BxNZs/видео.html), I tried the "insert" setup, wiring it based on your responses to my questions in the comments. So glad I did! Thanks again for all your efforts. Great channel - keep it up!
Markiso Wickstorm Yeh, I’m not sure the WA2A is the right compressor for vocals. I’m hopefully getting a WA76 soon which doesn’t have tubes so shouldn’t distort.
@@EdThorne The LA-2a does not distort if you gain stage correctly. A little bit of harmonic distortion that brightens it up a bit, yes but not like that.
I love this channel ✌️any chance you could do a video on just using the warm audio compressor into the Apollo twin ? I need help on setting this up to record vocals ? Cheers
Thanks Philip. I can look into that, I assume you have a preamp? Which compressor, the WA76 or WA2A? I have and use both in my vocal signal chain. now.
A compressor needs a line level signal so the mic needs to go through a preamp first otherwise it won’t create enough voltage to actively the compressor. I’ve heard great things about the Tone Beast or I can highly recommend the WA73+EQ. You could use the compressor as an insert by sending it out of your DAW using outputs 3&4 on your Twin, through the compressor and back into inputs 1&2 to re-record the audio with the applied compression. I’ve done this a few times and it works really well.
Is the "mic input" on the back of the WA73-EQ the exact same as the one in the front? The description on the manual for both of them is exactly the same! Is this just a convenience thing?
@@EdThorne Thanks, so can you have 2 mics connected and which ever one is operational will just work? That would be handy as I have a handheld condenser and a mic stand mounted condenser.
@@stoneroofstudios4700 The primary difference between connecting the compressor in-line (after the preamp) or as an insert, is whether you can utilise the output make up gain on the preamp or not. In this video for example I needed the mic input gain quite hot to hit the Opto compressor because it doesn’t have an input gain dial. This would have been better being after the preamp output gain so I could hit the Opto compressor harder. A WA76, which has an input gain dial, would better suited as an insert compressor. Nowadays I use both in-line (Preamp - WA76 - WA2A - Audio Interface).
Greg West Hi Gregg, good question. No, unfortunately it doesn’t, it’s listed as 4 out device but they’ve included the stereo headphone out in that, with two outs for your monitors. The Twin has an extra two outputs for outboard/Alt speakers.
@@EdThorne Do you happen to know if it's possible to use one of the two extra outputs for one alt speaker (a mix cube) and the other to send out to the hardware to run already recorded tracks through?
Braedon Horbacio You can re-assign the two monitor outputs on the SOLO for different things but then you’ll have no monitors. The other two outputs listed are to the stereo headphone jack output. You could use this as a monitor out with a stereo to mono jack cable.
Actually.... Yeah, if you haven't bought a Solo/Arrow yet, you'll be better off with a used Twin, because it Does have 2 inputs AND 4 real Line Outputs, in addition to the Headphone out. (And ADAT in, so for a couple hundred bucks, you can add 8 more inputs later) That said: A) This video was about a Front end, before the inputs. Hooking up an external Mic Pre/EQ, inserting a Compressor, all to track through Before you hit the Converters. The Solo, and ANY interface can do that. B) Now, let's say that you have Tracks that are recorded already. And you want to send them Out of your DAW, process them on your Sweet Analog Gear, and then back Into your DAW to mix. That's a form of "Hybrid Mixing", going back and forth between Analog and Digital, and it's the only thing that makes life worth living. So, with a Twin, you connect Outs 1/2 to your L/R Monitors as suggested, your Headphones are free to setup as you choose, and Outs 3 & 4 are free to use for Hardware sends. (Except in ProTools, which makes everything a PITA, but you can still get there, just with more routing for Hardware Inserts.) If you had this video's Outboard gear, you could Send say a vocal Out of 3, into the Line input on the 1073, gain staging in as much saturation as you like, then back Out, to Line-In 1 on the Apollo Twin. But while you're at it, you can switch in the EQ on the 1073 and give the vocal that 12K air that we all love. AND, you could Either Insert the LA2A into the 1073, just like in the video, which places the Compressor BEFORE the EQ, Or you could unplug the cable from your Twin Line-In 1, plug it into the LA2A Input, then take it's Output into the Twin. That places the Compressor AFTER the 1073 EQ. There's no Right way, it's up to you, and I do both given the situation. But wait, there's more. You only have 1 LA2A, and it's not doing much for the vocal. But it might be sweet on the Bass. Well send the Bass out of Twin Out 4, into the LA2A, out of that, into Twin Line-In 2. Now your Vocals are getting the classic Transformer & EQ treatment, and you're Bass is getting some Fat Tube love! (Gain-staging is EVERYTHING here!) Got any other tracks that could benefit from these "Original Plugins"? Just Print those two tracks, reset all the knobs, and send the next two lucky candidates through the tunnel of love. Sooooo, can you do all that with the $500 Solo? Was that your question? In most cases YES, you can! But you have to Either use your headphones to Monitor, using the Line-Outs 1/2 for the Sends; Or, get a good "Insert Cable" that separates out the Unbalanced Stereo 1/4" TRS Headphone Jack, into 2 Unbalanced Mono 1/4" TS Jacks. Inside the Computer, you'll have to Route to those Headphone Outs, Left and Right separately, which can be confusing, but is doable once you figure it out. On many systems, you MAX the Headphone Volume to get a Line Level, and the fact that it's Unbalanced usually doesn't matter because the cables are short, and on much Outboard the I/O is really Unbalanced anyways, and if it is balanced, it will still happily accept Unbalanced inputs. Then you send the Balances Outs of your Outboard, to the Line-Inputs of your Interface like before. So, the Solo may be a bit more work to set up, but Will almost certainly work and sound fantastic. (And don't forget that it's UAD, so you have Unison Preamps and Realtime processing on your way back In. You can add a UAD LA2A as a Plugin on that Vocal, and add a UAD 1073 EQ on that Bass. That's the beauty of Hybrid. And that's why you pay a premium for UA, the DSP is Realtime and the Emulations are among the best. Especially the Emulations of Their Own Hardware, LA2A, LA3A, 1176, 610, etc. You bought it, Use It!)
On my WA73-EQ, I like to crank the input for my mic up to the first notch where it says MIC. The tone gets very sweet at that notch (this directs the sound through my favorite transformer in this preamp). I will of course decrease the output to compensate. I will also use the pad on my mic so I don't overload the preamp and if I can turn up the output on the preamp a little more (if I use the pad on my mic, I can boost the output a little more) that helps that extra sweetness to come through. I use the Klark Teknic KT-2A which sounds more natural and clean than the WA-2A. The WA-2A sounds muffled to my ears or it sounds like a blanket has been thrown over the sound. I do like running my compressor through the inserts of the preamp like you did. It adds a nicer tone to the compressor because the compressed sound will go through the output transformer on the preamp.
@@EdThorne yes I did and they were great, told me to try a bunch of different test, but when I went to try them the unit wasn’t working at all. Need to contact them again.
Check out the WA73 & WA2A in action with the awesome JZ Microphones v67 on a drum room mic here: ruclips.net/video/JL9ke6BxNZs/видео.html
@Gregory Giovanni that says a lot about your securities. Big yikes.
Back in the day I built my 1176 intentionally with OEP transformers on both input and output, so it's really colorful and has lots of saturation. It's great when needing a dirty vocal :)
I’ve got a neve pre going into a wa76 into a tube tech cl1b and it makes any mic sound tight! Analogue all the way
That’s a powerful Opto compressor. Does it work in the same non-linear/exponential fashion a typical Opto does without the attack and ratio dials?
Same set up without the 1v, Zack it’s your boy Omar PCruz friend from Orlando🇵🇷
I sawr an angel, by my side
With tears from heaven, as she cried
I sawr reflection, in those eyes
Like a ghost in the night, while we were dancing
(pre-chorus?)
Will you take me by surprise?
Will you take my breath away?
Will you take me by the hand, and lead my out into the night?
(chorus?)
In this wooooooooooooooorld.
In this wooooooooooooooooooooorld.
Hey Ed, cool idea for a video but I don't feel it hit the mark. I believe that "saturation" you were talking about coming out of the WA is just clipping, not the desired warm sound. To make sure the signal isn't getting too hot you need to flip your compressor into the Output monitoring mode and don't let it get above or too close to 0dB. Then on your 73 output, gain stage it according to those 5 LEDs and based off the input meter on your DAW. Hope this helps. I have the EQ73 into a 76 setup and use it mainly as a way to record at a louder average level into my DAW and ensure that I will never clip on a perfect take that gets too loud. Cheers
Thanks Michael, I’ll give that a try. I appreciate the input 🙂🙏
@@EdThorne Great! Really awesome channel, looking forward to all your future content
Michael Cambanis Thanks Michael 🙂
I was gonna let that go! Lol.
But, yeah you really wanna get the signal-flow and gain-staging down, or you'll just make a mess.
That metering knob on the right is your friend.
(A perfect example of why I don't like the RUclips regurgitation of "conventional wisdom" that says "mix with your ears!" As if to say "Totally Blind Folded!"
The meters, input, output, VU, PPM, GR, dBFS, LUFS, True-Peak, ALL OF THEM, are there for a reason.
I say Mix with your Mind!
All of your senses send information to your mind, which can then make informed decisions.
Your Ears absolutely tell you what the listener is going to hear.
But your Eyes tell your Hands how to get there.
Also, ever see Pianists, Keyboard Players, Guitarists, or Drummers use both Hands AND both Feet?
Well the Engineer's instruments include buttons, knobs, faders, keyboard shortcuts, mice, and transport controllers with Foot Pedals to Start/Stop and Punch-In.
All informed by the what their eyes are seeing on the Meters and Waveforms, and what their Ears are communicating to their soul.
I was told to put the output to 0 then adjust the red gain knob to taste, think am going to go back to the drawing board, how do you set yours up into 76
I have the WA-8000 mic
With the Apolo Solo
I want to purchase this to hopefully help my sound.
What kind of cable is coming from the microphone ??? He clearly didn’t show that. It’s confusing
Ed, once again a great vid. I've just purchased some WA products and will be WA47>WA73EQ>WA76>Clarette Pres....looking forward to getting some hybrid going and most certainly will play with using the 76 as an insert as well as in-line. Question regarding your 'no-longer-use' of the 76 as an insert...just a preference thing now to go straight in series?
Question 1: as you mentioned, you are letting the signal pass through your audio interface, and you are dialing in the volume of the interface. I was was earlier told to keep the interface volume level 0 and just let the wa73 signal pass through. What is the standard way? Or is it to your preference?
Thanks you!
Love the content Ed! Man, I was hoping you covered how it was all connected to the Apollo Twin. Or maybe you already have a video covering that. Is it possible to use the WA273 with the Twin Duo to process pre recorded tracks in your DAW? I'd love to run tracks through the 73 for added depth.
Thanks. It sure is, simply route out of outputs 3&4, into the WA, then back into inputs 1&2 line-in at minimum gain.
Maaaaannn I was looking for this video, TY‼️‼️
Brillaint videos. I've got a sound skulptor mp573 but miss my TLA 5051 ivory which coloured the sound and gave it grit. Thinking of adding eq unit or something with saturation or maybe UAD is the way forward can't decide!
Do you use the pre emphasis knob when tracking with the wa2a?
I don’t personally, I leave it flat for vocals and acoustics. I sometimes play with it if I’m running bass through it.
Okay awesome thank you!
Why connect the wa2a as an insert and not just connect it the normal way ? Like mic into pre amp then trs balance into input and output
You can do either but insert is pre EQ.
@@EdThorne Thank you so much for responding is pre eq better ? So that’s basically compression happening before eq right ?
@priiintplayzz6219 it’s always worth trying both.
Thanks so much for this video! Running the Wa2A through the insert worked perfectly. Great help!
Can you connect the compressors to the preamp with TRS cables?
Yes!🙂
Could you please tell me how to use the comp as just an insert?
Preamp is okay.. compression hardware is something I’d only get
Really liked your video. KT-2A user here with GA Premier Pre-73 but similar setup :)
nickamandote Thank you 🙂🙏 I’ve heard good things about the GA and hoping to compare my WA2A with the KT2A soon 🙂
Great video and I have the exact setup. U have one question. What should the vocals level be on the VU Meter be?
Hi Ed, thanks for the great vid! Is there a way to bypass the preamp of the apollo twin since you are using the wa73?
You can only bypass the preamps on the rack mounted X series Apollos. But, if you use the line ins set to minimum gain (10dB) you will experience minimal preamp influence.
I did what you did in this video, now I have the warm Audio TUBE EQ how do I connect that one to the preamp
Set the EQ in-line after the preamp before your interface.
@@EdThorne what if i had an Audio Mixer in the chain ? Where would i put that ?
Thanks, Ed. I hope you enjoyed the break. I just watched the "1000 Subs" that you did. One of the best and most interesting vids I have seen! I think you have one of the best productions out there. (Camera angles, content...etc)
Randall Hibbard Ah that’s really nice of you to say, thank you 😊
Curious if you tried keeping the insert button in on the wa73eq and routing the preamp send to interface to track the raw preamp only and then setup the external routing to send to the other analog comps and EQ section of the wa73eq and back into interface to run as per normal external gear. That way you basically just use the EQ section of the wa73eq as if a normal separate piece of analog gear and can adjust in post. Or is that what you did here?
Interesting question. I haven’t done that. I either record with the EQ and commit it, or bypass the EQ and adjust later using plugins. You could bypass the EQ, record into you daw, then later send back out through the insert return to bypass the preamp and use the EQ yeh but that’s sounds like more work than necessary. That would save on buying a WA-EQP device.
Hi!
I have done all the cabeling like you said but unfortunately it does not work. I go from the line out from the apollo to the line input on the back of the wa73. Is that right? Thanks!
Mic - WA73 - Apollo!
@@EdThorne yes i understand. But in addition i need to go from the line out from the apollo to the line in on the back of the wa73?
Really awesome review I wish I could buy at least one item of analog gear
Thanks Alexei. Man I wish I could buy more, lol.
Look into the financing options of zzounds and American music supply. They're limited on 500 racks but they have a lot of 500 modules and rack joints
Thanks for this video, I wasn't sure how I'd run the 2A after my WA73's without a bypass. Question please, if I already have the WA Bus Comp as an insert on my WA73, is it still fine to run the 2A on the output of the WA273?
Yeh that will work. As long as the pre is first and you keep an eye on gain staging each device you’ll be good. Seems a waste of the stereo Bud Comp though… The WA76 could be a good alternative to free up the stereo unit.
@@EdThorne If I were to use the WA2A I wouldn't have the Bus Comp engaged at that time. I just want to try out a 2A style tube compressor and see if I like it over the VCA Bus Comp. I could aternate using them. Thank you for your reply.
Nice vid! Can you pad the signal with WA73? Thank you!
Precise Audio Blog Thank you. There is no pad button, but the gain dial goes to -20 on the line in setting, so I guess that does the same thing.
Is just not working
Many thanks! Can you help me to get it....why i can not go into my EQ xlr in, then with the output of it into the input xlr of the compressor and then to the interface? I mean for direct recording. Maybe my english isnt good enough to get this point with the inserts and vox return thing you did.... Thanks a lot
Hi there. You absolutely can do as well. Mic-preamp-compressor-interface. This is called ‘in-line’, or ‘in series’ processing (rather than an ‘insert’). I actually do this now myself with two compressors.
@@EdThorne yeah okay, thank you mate
Hey ed, thanks for you video. Is it same on how to connect cables if i got Neve 1073 SPX , apollo x twin quad and Golden Age 3a compressor?
It should be yeh. Does the SPX have inserts?
Yes, it have inserts send and Return. Can i use balanced trs on insert and return outputs, in your video you have used unbalanced cables as well. I really dont know whats the purpose of balanced and unbalanced cables. Can you give me a genuine idea to connect please?
@@lochaze Balanced should be fine. Connect them as I’ve shown in the video.
Hi there, just bought the WA 73 and WA 2A, I routed everything correctly as in the video as I am getting sound into my interface from the mic when I put the gain up on the WA 2A and 73 but WA 2A is not compressing. It’s only giving more gain when I play with the gain nob, no reduction. Is there any solution to that my friend ? 🙏🏼
This is always an issue for me in the studio. Finding the best gain structure between hardware, specially when they dont have meters to see whats going on.
You running straight into your Apollo...thats interesting. You can bypass their preamps correct? So it does end up coloring the sound
On my version (Twin mkii) you cant bypass the preamps but going in at the lowest level (10dB) apparently removes all influence of the preamp sound. Alternatively go in with TRS. You can bypass the preamps on the new X models.
❤
Brilliant video and excellent song - you have a lovely voice, Ed. Cheers!
You’re very kind, thanks David. I’ll be mixing the fully recorded version of this song on Wednesdays for the next few weeks (7pm UK/2pm EST).
Do you keep the ground switch lifted?
I can’t remember, I’d have to check. I haven’t switched anything though since it was delivered.
Hi! hope you can answer my question:) how often do you think or in based of ur experience, does tubes on the wa2a last? i wanna buy one but i know tube gear is expensive in long terms. Thanks! Also, how hot does it get on intensive use?
Hi there, I don’t use my 2A excessively and my longest session has probably been 3-4 hours. They don’t get too hot and I’ve not had to replace a tube yet in two years.
@@EdThorne thankyou for the response, ill be geting one:)
Thanks a lot for the explanation!! are you able to print on a stereo track with this compressor for mastering purpose or you need two of these unit to do so. I couldn’t find any videos on this. Thanks again
It’s a mono unit. You may have phase issues using two. I’d definitely opt for a specific stereo device for mastering. The WA Bus-Comp is a great compressor. Not sure I’d consider it mastering grade though. It curtails the top end and very low end slightly.
@@EdThorne wow I wasn’t expecting a reply this quick! You’re the man!! Subscribed haha thanks again brother
I have the WA73 EQ but my lights beneath the output knob never turn on. Is there a way to fix this so i can monitor more accurately?
Hey Ed, I’m trying to use the wa73eq as a hardware insert in logic. I seem to just be getting a lot of feedback when I push up the eq. I’m going into a presonus 1810c. Any ideas? Cheers for your time
Hi there, are you using the Logic I/O plugin? This is a tricky one to explain in text form but research how to set up the I/O plugin. I am overdue doing a video on this because it is fiddly.
@@EdThorne hey, cheers for getting back to me. I think the problem was universal control mixer for presonus software was playing out as well software monitoring. If you could include how to correctly print audio tracks using buses that would be great! Got there but more by luck than a clear understanding haha. Thanks again man and look forward to more videos!!!
Thank you so much for this video Ed - Perfect time to publish it as the delivery truck is heading my way to deliver the WA2A as I type this :-)
Hashim Al Alawi Excellent. I hope it helps. Any questions, let me know on here and I’ll see if I can help. Enjoy the WA2A 🙂
Could you explain how the pre emphasis knob works on the Wa2a?
Hi, I’ve briefly explained what it is in this video at 1:50, with a bit more detail during the bass guitar sound comparison later in the video: ruclips.net/video/hQWA1xqivZc/видео.html
@@EdThorne thank you. I also had another question regarding the gain on my external pre. I have the golden age premier 73 dlx and I notice the warm and this unit has line and mic markers on the gain knob. Noticed that your gain at slightly above line but nowhere near mic and I have a condenser as well but have the gain at mic. I’m wondering if that’s too much and if I should lower it and adjust the gain on my wa76 and Wa2a?
@@Prodby_duke The 'Line' and 'Mic' gain markings are suggested guide gains. I believe they're there to remind you the Line/Instrument input circuits are different and require different gains. The input gain depends on the mic/instrument (high for a dynamic mic such as the SM7b, 50-70dB), and much lower for a condenser like my JZ v67 (20-40dB). Gain level is subject to performance/sound source, loud or quiet etc, and how much you want to push the preamp. The more you push the preamp the more saturated the sound will be. The best thing is to experiment and listen to what sounds you get.
What’s the diffrence in using balance vs unbalanced patch cables? I’m currently using unbalanced 1/4 cables with my 76 compressor in line with my wa73. Seems to be ok so far but just wondering if a swapped the cables out if there would be any quality difference? Thanks
You get better signals with balanced cables..its just better
I am looking to get a tone beast tb12 black with a wa76. I would love to see that on your channel. And good job on this follow up video it’s really helpful for me.
Malcom Fitzpatrick Thanks Malcom. I keep hearing great things about the ToneBeast. I may have to acquire one 🙂
@@EdThorne Yes! Its like six preamps in one with all the setting that you can do to tailor make your sound. then just add a wa76 in the mix to get awesome compression and then your off to the races.
Great video, thanks!
You’re welcome. Stay tuned for a video about the WA76 soon.
@@EdThorne Nice, That'll be handy
You think i can do the same setup with the Klark Teknik KT-2A ?
Alessandro Manuel You can, yes. 🙂 As long as you’re preamp has an insert send/return.
Thanks dude!@@EdThorne
Hey I just got the WA73 + EQ, along with the new ssl 12 interface. Having some trouble getting signal from my mic, through the preamp, to the interface. I connected my condenser to the back “Mic In” xlr of the 73, then a trs from “line out”, into ssl in. Not getting signal though. I’ve engaged phantom power on the 73, and made sure the ssl is taking the input as line. Am I missing something?
That all sounds correct. Check the gains at the input and output stages on the WA73, and on the interface. You will need some gain on the line-in on the SSL.
@@EdThorne oh I see. I thought I need to bypass the preamp on the ssl by turning the gain all the way down, so I rely on the gain from the 73?
@@jackmmarsden You want minimum gain on the SSL to minimise the influence of the preamp, but unless you can physically bypass the preamp (like you can on iD44mkii or Apollo X6), you have to have some gain on the line in otherwise it will be effectively be muted.
@@EdThorne weird. It’s working now. I plugged the mic into the front mic in on the 73, and now I’m getting signal. The gain on ssl is all off too. Wonder why the rear xlr mix in on 73 isn’t working? Do I have to press one of the line, insert, instr on from panel of 73 in order to engage the rear mic in?
@@jackmmarsden Glad you got it working. Guess the SSL line in has a minimum gain (likely 10dB). No idea why the rear panel XLR wouldn’t be working.
Wouldnt u not want to push the interface since it has built in pre amps? Wouldnt that defeat the purpose of gain staging on the 73 pre amp and the la2a compressor ?
To maximise the benefit of th external preamp, and minimise influence of the interface preamp you want to go in with as little interface gain as possible (the level coming from the 73 and 2A).
Why won’t my wa73 work independently from my wa2a. Like bypassing the wa2a to see how much signal I’m using from my preamp before applying the compression?
Please elaborate on your question, I don’t understand?
thanks bro for sharing. well done!
Soe Win You’re welcome. Thanks for watching 🙂🙏
I have wa73 wa76 wa2a how would I do this? Wa76 going into wa2a into lynx aurora converter
Hi Angelo, that’s a great hardware chain. I use the same set up for vocals (with an Apollo instead on Lynx) like so: Mic-WA73 - WA76 - WA2A - Interface. So the chain is inline, I don’t use the inserts (anymore), and use XLRs to connect throughout. Balanced TRS also possible.
@@EdThorne why did you stop using inserts?
@@EdThorne Thank you by the way
@@AngeloDevinci The insert send is a pre-output gain on the WA73 so if using a WA2A, which doesn't have an input level dial, besides your input gain you don't have control over how much signal level is hitting the compressor. A compressor like the WA76 is fine to use as an insert because you have an input gain dial so you can control how hard you hit the compressor. I like using both these compressors in series (in-line). I could use them as an insert inline but I believe the insert is also pre-EQ, and if I use the EQ, I'd rather it was pre-compression, so using it after the WA73 entirely makes sense. There's several configurations you can use.
What gain do you have it set at without using insert? On the wa73?
If you thought there was some fizz, I would’ve tried the compressor after the preamp, instead of inserting it. Just to hear the difference. Did you do that? Also, gaining down the WA2A is a thought.
Yeh, now I used them in-line. Also with the WA76 before the 2A👌
Hey, Ed how is it going, thanks for the videos. quick question why does the cable have to be unbalanced?
This is what WA recommend for inserts (and short distance cabling).
Really a great video. I loved the review. I have a question,
Is the wa-73 good for indian vocal recording?
The WA73 is great for recording any vocals. It’s smooth, warm and clear.
@@EdThorne thank you so much. I forgot to ask you. I have Neumann tlm 103 and Audient id 14 interface. So can this wa-73 be good to go with my setup?
@@shravankulkarni8736 Yeh, that’s a great set-up. Make sure to go line-in on your interface from the WA73
@@EdThorne yes, thank you very much. So according to your opinion I can buy this wa-73 without fear. Thank you once again.
How do you only have 2.7k subs dude, ace video thank you!
Dan Desmond Ha. This comment has made my day, thank you. I only started (rebrand and decided to push) the channel in January so it’s early days 🙂
@@EdThorne haha legend I did think that might have been the case :) keep em coming!
Just wanted to say how much I appreciated this video. I am looking to get the WA73 and a WA2A this month, and this video was extremely useful in figuring out how I should set them up in my studio. Earned an instant subscription. Looking forward to more content from you.
Glad it was useful. Thanks.
Yessir Ed🙌🏽 Good Stuff
Warren Henry That’s Warren, I appreciate that from an Avid WA fan and quality video producer like yourself 🙂🙏
Thanks so much, Ed. I've got both pieces of gear in my studio, and had been running them with the WA-2A simply in line after the WA73-EQ. After seeing your earlier video on both products (ruclips.net/video/JL9ke6BxNZs/видео.html), I tried the "insert" setup, wiring it based on your responses to my questions in the comments. So glad I did! Thanks again for all your efforts. Great channel - keep it up!
I’m so glad it’s helped. I’m loving the WA gear too. Thanks for the support 🙂
@@EdThorne May I ask what the benefit is setting up the wiring this way versus Mic to WA73 to WA2A and then to audio interface?
Chris Abad The compression is post preamp but pre-EQ like this.🙂
Fantastic video
Thanks. Hopefully it was helpful 🙂🙏
thx to this wow :) love it
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching 🙂
That vocal is harsh and distorted tbh
Markiso Wickstorm Yeh, I’m not sure the WA2A is the right compressor for vocals. I’m hopefully getting a WA76 soon which doesn’t have tubes so shouldn’t distort.
@@EdThorne The LA-2a does not distort if you gain stage correctly. A little bit of harmonic distortion that brightens it up a bit, yes but not like that.
@@wickstorm_records Yeh, listening back, I think I had the gain on the first recording a fraction too hot. Living and learning.
Ed Thorne. Humble answers. Thanks for your videos, you’re great!
Eduardo Jiménez Lostaunau It’s the only way to learn and improve. Thanks for the kind words there 🙂
So the insert is after the eq?
The insert is pre-EQ. Of course if you want compression after the EQ, just link the units is series.
@@EdThorne thank you, you da best
I love this channel ✌️any chance you could do a video on just using the warm audio compressor into the Apollo twin ? I need help on setting this up to record vocals ? Cheers
Thanks Philip. I can look into that, I assume you have a preamp? Which compressor, the WA76 or WA2A? I have and use both in my vocal signal chain. now.
@@EdThorne I only have the Apollo twin and wa76, I’m saving up for a preamp lol Will I be able to use these together without a preamp ?
A compressor needs a line level signal so the mic needs to go through a preamp first otherwise it won’t create enough voltage to actively the compressor. I’ve heard great things about the Tone Beast or I can highly recommend the WA73+EQ. You could use the compressor as an insert by sending it out of your DAW using outputs 3&4 on your Twin, through the compressor and back into inputs 1&2 to re-record the audio with the applied compression. I’ve done this a few times and it works really well.
@@EdThorne Cheers Ed I really appreciate all your help 👍 I’ll let you know how I get on when I decide on a preamp 😎
@@philipwright2873 Happy to help 🙂
Why unbalanced cables?
I'm not sure why they specify that. Maybe an impedance thing. An only of course if you're linking short distances, otherwise always go balanced.
Ed Thorne Music Production thanks
Is the "mic input" on the back of the WA73-EQ the exact same as the one in the front? The description on the manual for both of them is exactly the same! Is this just a convenience thing?
Yes and yes. 👌
@@EdThorne Thanks, so can you have 2 mics connected and which ever one is operational will just work? That would be handy as I have a handheld condenser and a mic stand mounted condenser.
Thank you as always Ed.
This was a fantastic video Ed, thank you for sharing.
You’re more than welcome. Glad it was useful 🙂
@@EdThorne I was just wondering if there is any difference in patching in my one after the other or as an insert? Or same thing really?
@@stoneroofstudios4700 The primary difference between connecting the compressor in-line (after the preamp) or as an insert, is whether you can utilise the output make up gain on the preamp or not. In this video for example I needed the mic input gain quite hot to hit the Opto compressor because it doesn’t have an input gain dial. This would have been better being after the preamp output gain so I could hit the Opto compressor harder. A WA76, which has an input gain dial, would better suited as an insert compressor. Nowadays I use both in-line (Preamp - WA76 - WA2A - Audio Interface).
@@EdThorne Thank you again ed! Completely makes sense, and it sounds like you have a great rig! I appreciate your time.
Does the Apollo solo have enough input/outputs to include some outboard gear? Cheers.
Greg West Hi Gregg, good question. No, unfortunately it doesn’t, it’s listed as 4 out device but they’ve included the stereo headphone out in that, with two outs for your monitors. The Twin has an extra two outputs for outboard/Alt speakers.
@@EdThorne Understood! Cheers!
@@EdThorne Do you happen to know if it's possible to use one of the two extra outputs for one alt speaker (a mix cube) and the other to send out to the hardware to run already recorded tracks through?
Braedon Horbacio You can re-assign the two monitor outputs on the SOLO for different things but then you’ll have no monitors. The other two outputs listed are to the stereo headphone jack output. You could use this as a monitor out with a stereo to mono jack cable.
Actually....
Yeah, if you haven't bought a Solo/Arrow yet, you'll be better off with a used Twin, because it Does have 2 inputs AND 4 real Line Outputs, in addition to the Headphone out. (And ADAT in, so for a couple hundred bucks, you can add 8 more inputs later)
That said:
A) This video was about a Front end, before the inputs. Hooking up an external Mic Pre/EQ, inserting a Compressor, all to track through Before you hit the Converters. The Solo, and ANY interface can do that.
B) Now, let's say that you have Tracks that are recorded already. And you want to send them Out of your DAW, process them on your Sweet Analog Gear, and then back Into your DAW to mix. That's a form of "Hybrid Mixing", going back and forth between Analog and Digital, and it's the only thing that makes life worth living.
So, with a Twin, you connect Outs 1/2 to your L/R Monitors as suggested, your Headphones are free to setup as you choose, and Outs 3 & 4 are free to use for Hardware sends. (Except in ProTools, which makes everything a PITA, but you can still get there, just with more routing for Hardware Inserts.)
If you had this video's Outboard gear, you could Send say a vocal Out of 3, into the Line input on the 1073, gain staging in as much saturation as you like, then back Out, to Line-In 1 on the Apollo Twin.
But while you're at it, you can switch in the EQ on the 1073 and give the vocal that 12K air that we all love.
AND, you could Either Insert the LA2A into the 1073, just like in the video, which places the Compressor BEFORE the EQ, Or you could unplug the cable from your Twin Line-In 1, plug it into the LA2A Input, then take it's Output into the Twin. That places the Compressor AFTER the 1073 EQ.
There's no Right way, it's up to you, and I do both given the situation.
But wait, there's more.
You only have 1 LA2A, and it's not doing much for the vocal. But it might be sweet on the Bass. Well send the Bass out of Twin Out 4, into the LA2A, out of that, into Twin Line-In 2.
Now your Vocals are getting the classic Transformer & EQ treatment, and you're Bass is getting some Fat Tube love!
(Gain-staging is EVERYTHING here!)
Got any other tracks that could benefit from these "Original Plugins"?
Just Print those two tracks, reset all the knobs, and send the next two lucky candidates through the tunnel of love.
Sooooo, can you do all that with the $500 Solo? Was that your question?
In most cases YES, you can!
But you have to Either use your headphones to Monitor, using the Line-Outs 1/2 for the Sends;
Or, get a good "Insert Cable" that separates out the Unbalanced Stereo 1/4" TRS Headphone Jack, into 2 Unbalanced Mono 1/4" TS Jacks.
Inside the Computer, you'll have to Route to those Headphone Outs, Left and Right separately, which can be confusing, but is doable once you figure it out.
On many systems, you MAX the Headphone Volume to get a Line Level, and the fact that it's Unbalanced usually doesn't matter because the cables are short, and on much Outboard the I/O is really Unbalanced anyways, and if it is balanced, it will still happily accept Unbalanced inputs.
Then you send the Balances Outs of your Outboard, to the Line-Inputs of your Interface like before.
So, the Solo may be a bit more work to set up, but Will almost certainly work and sound fantastic.
(And don't forget that it's UAD, so you have Unison Preamps and Realtime processing on your way back In. You can add a UAD LA2A as a Plugin on that Vocal, and add a UAD 1073 EQ on that Bass. That's the beauty of Hybrid. And that's why you pay a premium for UA, the DSP is Realtime and the Emulations are among the best. Especially the Emulations of Their Own Hardware, LA2A, LA3A, 1176, 610, etc. You bought it, Use It!)
Great stuff brother. Subbed
Jorge Salas Thanks Jorge 🙂🙏
Explained it beautifully. Thanks man.
Dear Ed, have you thought about building a series 500 rack?
I have, many times. It’ll happen at some point I’m sure 🙂🤘
On my WA73-EQ, I like to crank the input for my mic up to the first notch where it says MIC. The tone gets very sweet at that notch (this directs the sound through my favorite transformer in this preamp). I will of course decrease the output to compensate. I will also use the pad on my mic so I don't overload the preamp and if I can turn up the output on the preamp a little more (if I use the pad on my mic, I can boost the output a little more) that helps that extra sweetness to come through. I use the Klark Teknic KT-2A which sounds more natural and clean than the WA-2A. The WA-2A sounds muffled to my ears or it sounds like a blanket has been thrown over the sound. I do like running my compressor through the inserts of the preamp like you did. It adds a nicer tone to the compressor because the compressed sound will go through the output transformer on the preamp.
Good info Mark, thanks for sharing. I’ll try your settings on my next vocal session. 🙂
My WA2A died after one year of use, maybe 3 hours of max uses, stay away please...
Ian harris That’s a shame. What broke? And did you contact Warm Audio? I’ve heard their after care customer service is great.
@@EdThorne yes I did and they were great, told me to try a bunch of different test, but when I went to try them the unit wasn’t working at all. Need to contact them again.