Best Condenser Mic for Vintage Style Sounds
Warm Audio WA-251
The WA-251 gets you close to the vintage vibe of mics costing nearly 10 times more. Its harmonically rich midrange and sweet tonality make it great for modern pop vocal recordings and acoustic guitars.
Disclaimer: We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Gearank High Notes
- 2022.06: Highest Rated Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic Under $1000
- 2021.04: Highest Rated Large-Diaphragm Condenser Mic Under $1000
Specifications
- Type: Tube Condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Max SPL: 132dB SPL
- Applications: Recording vocals, percussions, drums and acoustic instruments
- Power Requirements:Warm Audio External Power Supply (included)
Gearank Recommended
User Feedback
With vintage and reissues often exceeding the $9000 mark, users were happy to have access to something close to these examples with the WA-251.
Even engineers that owned the originals note that while the WA-251 sounds different, it captures the vibe and the sweetness that comes from the originals very well.
Some vintage examples sound great on their own but don’t mix well with modern music; owners of these vintage examples mentioned that the WA-251 fits modern mixes better while still retaining the rich midrange harmonic the original units are known for.
Some users mentioned the shock mount included with the mic felt cheap compared to the unit itself.
Others that have the originals felt the WA-251 still lacking compared to them.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| ProTools Expert | James Ivey | 94/100 |
| MusicTech | John Pickford | 90/100 |
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Best Condenser Mic for Vintage Style Sounds
Warm Audio WA-251
The WA-251 gets you close to the vintage vibe of mics costing nearly 10 times more. Its harmonically rich midrange and sweet tonality make it great for modern pop vocal recordings and acoustic guitars.
Disclaimer: We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.