Warm Audio WA-C1 Mod – Analog Chorus & Vibrato
One of the most iconic analog chorus sounds ever created – rebuilt for the modern pedalboard without losing the magic of the original.
The Warm Audio WA-C1 Mod is a compact, 100% analog recreation of the legendary chorus and vibrato circuit that helped define some of the most celebrated guitar tones in history. At its heart is a premium Bucket Brigade Device analog chorus, combined with the famous analog preamp and a beautifully rich vibrato section.
But this isn't simply a vintage recreation. Warm Audio has added some seriously useful upgrades including independent Depth and Rate controls, switchable input impedance and a completely bypassable analog preamp – giving you the character of the original with considerably more flexibility.
The Definitive Analog Chorus – With Modern Mods
The WA-C1 Mod captures the deep, dimensional modulation of the classic analog circuit while fitting into a much more pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
Unlike many modern chorus pedals, there is no digital emulation here. The entire signal path is analog, using a premium MN3007-style BBD chip together with carefully selected components to recreate the movement, depth and musical character of sought-after vintage units.
That Legendary Analog Preamp
A huge part of the original sound comes from its distinctive analog preamp. The WA-C1 Mod faithfully recreates this circuit, adding bite, depth and a subtle natural compression that can make a guitar feel more immediate and responsive.
With the new Vintage/Modern switch, you decide whether you want that preamp character or prefer to bypass it completely. Vintage mode keeps the classic preamp in the signal path, while Modern mode makes the WA-C1 Mod easier to integrate into pedalboards where precise gain staging is important.
Deep, Lush Bucket Brigade Chorus
This is chorus the old-fashioned way: warm, wide and beautifully three-dimensional.
The WA-C1 Mod uses a premium MN3007 BBD recreation and carefully tuned clocking to reproduce the rich modulation of the original circuit. From subtle movement and widening to deep, swirling analog chorus, it retains clarity while adding unmistakable texture and dimension.
Separate Depth & Rate Controls
Vintage units used a single Intensity control where modulation depth was essentially fixed. WA-C1 Mod removes that limitation with independent Depth and Rate controls.
This dramatically expands the usable range of the circuit. Dial in a slow and subtle shimmer, classic lush chorus or deeper and more dramatic modulation while retaining the fundamental character of the vintage design.
Rich, Three-Dimensional Vibrato
Switch over to Vibrato and the WA-C1 Mod becomes an entirely different animal. From gentle pitch movement to fast, bouncing modulation and rotary-inspired textures, the vibrato section is fantastic for funk, fusion, blues, jazz and more experimental sounds.
A flashing LED provides instant visual feedback of the modulation rate while performing.
Selectable Hi-Z Input
The rear-panel impedance switch lets you choose between the vintage-style 50 kΩ input impedance and a modern 1.1 MΩ Hi-Z setting.
The Hi-Z setting is particularly useful with passive guitars and basses, helping preserve high-frequency detail and clarity. The impedance selection also remains active when the effect itself is bypassed.
True Stereo Possibilities
With one input and dual outputs, the WA-C1 Mod makes it easy to create wide stereo modulation rigs with two amplifiers or stereo signal chains. Top-mounted audio connections also make it considerably easier to squeeze onto a crowded pedalboard.
Controls
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Input Sensitivity – High/Low input sensitivity selection
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Preamp Level – Controls the level of the analog preamp
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Chorus Depth – Controls chorus modulation depth
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Chorus Rate – Controls chorus modulation speed
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Vibrato Depth – Controls vibrato depth
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Vibrato Rate – Controls vibrato speed
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Chorus/Vibrato – Selects modulation mode
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Vintage/Modern – Selects classic preamp operation or preamp bypass
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Hi-Z – Selects 50 kΩ vintage or 1.1 MΩ high-impedance input
Highlights
- 100% analog chorus and vibrato
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly version of a legendary vintage circuit
- Premium MN3007 BBD chip recreation
- Classic analog preamp with bypass option
- Independent Chorus Depth and Rate controls
- Dedicated Vibrato Depth and Rate controls
- Vintage 50 kΩ and modern 1.1 MΩ Hi-Z input impedance options
- Stereo outputs
- Top-mounted audio jacks
- Flashing modulation-rate LED
- Three premium Texas Instruments audio op amps in the signal path
- 11 discrete transistors
- 3 FETs
- Dual DC-DC voltage conversion for vintage-correct internal operation
Specifications
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Type: Analog Stereo Chorus & Vibrato
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Input: 1 x 1/4"
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Outputs: 2 x 1/4"
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Power: 9V DC
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Current draw: 200 mA
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Dimensions: 2.8" W x 4.5" L x 2.4" H
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Weight: 1 lb
If you want the unmistakable depth and movement of a great vintage analog chorus but need something that actually works with a modern pedalboard, the WA-C1 Mod hits the sweet spot – authentic BBD character, legendary preamp coloration and just the right modern upgrades.
