As we know, the WA-47jr can pack a serious punch and handle a variety of sources, even at an unbelievable $299 price point. Your sound will drastically elevate when you pair this with the WA12 MKII preamp alone; however, with a $1,500 budget, we’ve priced these units so that you’re able to dive into the world of analog compression as well.

Cue the WA76. An accurate reproduction of the most powerful and precise studio compressor of all time. The classic '76 was a major breakthrough in limiter technology and used on hundreds of hit records since its inception. Engineers have craved the ultra-fast attack time and trademark sound of the '76 for decades, and now it is finally affordable.

If your goal is to get the most bang for your buck, this is the setup for you. Adding an analog preamp, compressor, and studio microphone of this quality to arsenal all for under $1,500 is almost unheard of. Check out the product pages below for sound samples, demo videos, and some additional information on each piece of gear mentioned.

Sans preamp setups for under $1,500? Let’s do it.

For this scenario, let’s assume you’ve already added an analog preamp and studio microphone to your setup but you’ve got some budget and really want to polish your sound even further. That, or you’ve hit a wall and just can’t seem to achieve a professional-quality sound with lackluster and watered-down software or plugins.

Pairing your preamp with our WA76 compressor & EQP-WA tube equalizer gives your signal chain the versatility to capture any source and shape your tone with precision. The EQP-WA is a fully discrete, all-analog tube EQ that can pull euphoric sonics from any track and bring brilliance and luster to mixes that are nearly impossible to achieve inside the box. Give your music the sweet tones and sonic balance it deserves.

This setup may provide the most versatility out of any of our suggested signal chains. Including British analog color with the versatility of EQ, plus compression, plus the choice of any mic from our lineup (WA-8000 puts you just north of $2,500), you get full control of your sound and a wide range of vintage-inspired, tone-shaping tools at your fingertips.

Pairing the Tone Beast 12 with our WA76 not only adds an accurate reproduction of the most powerful and precise studio compressor of all time to your signal chain but also gives you true American console flavor and powerful tone-shaping features right on your preamp. For under $2,500, complete your chain with ANY of the vintage-inspired mics from our lineup. With a wide range of mics to choose from and a variety of tone-shaping tools in your signal chain, this combo provides the flexibility to handle any aspect of your recording session.

If you’ve got your eye on the WA-14, an accurate recreation of the original studio workhorse - the most truthful microphone in every locker, this suggested signal chain is really tough to beat for under $2,500. The EQP-WA is a faithful recreation of the industry-standard tube equalizer and can make a massive difference in the balance and tone of your tracks. Meanwhile, you still have room in your budget to add some American console flavor with the WA12 MKII mic preamp.

Most who are familiar with classic analog gear know the smooth, dynamic-preserving compression with uncompromised tone that a vintage 2A-style compressor can offer. The WA-2A makes this legendary and unattainable sound now affordable. For under $2,500 this signal chain pairs our authentic reproduction of the most coveted compressor and leveling amplifier in recording history with classic British console color & built-in EQ. Round out your mic locker with the WA-87R2, a faithful reproduction of the most popular studio vocal mic of all time, and you have a seriously professional signal chain capable of capturing any source with impeccable clarity and tone.