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Warm Audio WA-47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 9 Polar Patterns, External PSU, Shockmount, and Wood Presentation Box
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An Inspired Re-creation of a Tube Mic Icon

Their acclaimed vintage-inspired compressors, preamps, and mics have famously upset the pro audio price/performance ratio; so when Warm Audio turned its attention to the granddaddy of large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones, you know it had to be good. And it is. With its discrete, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and custom reproduction capsule, the WA-47 nails the huge, bold sound of the beloved and revered '47 — a sound heard on countless iconic recordings.

Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1960s. You'll see the venerable '47 everywhere. It was Sinatra's vocal mic of choice and one of George Martin's go-to microphones on Beatles sessions, and it now occupies a lofty perch in the pantheon of the greatest microphones ever made. It's this classic circuit design — dating back more than half a century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA-47. But this is no mere clone, and innovations abound. Nine available polar patterns and robust 140dB SPL handling translate to incredible versatility; there's literally no source the WA-47 can't finesse with its inimitable seductive sonics. Engineers at Sweetwater who have worked with the iconic original are beyond impressed. And you will be, too.

Nine polar patterns = amazing flexibility

The WA-47's nine polar patterns — cardioid, omni, and figure-8; plus six in-between patterns — give you amazing flexibility when it comes to exploring different recording techniques. Cardioid, with its moderate side and near-total rear rejection, is useful for just about any studio task. Omni is great for capturing room ambience along with your source. Use a figure-8 technique to overdub a sax with natural slap or record two singers on one mic (just be sure of the balance).

With two WA-47s, you can implement stereo techniques such as spaced pair (A/B), X-Y (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S). And don't forget those six in-between pickup patterns, which open up yet another world of possibilities!

A '47 for the rest of us

What can you achieve with the WA-47? Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics, and the Warm Audio WA-47 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA-47 on anything — with world-class results. It's simply stunning on vocals, acoustic guitars, double bass, electric guitar and bass cabs, piano, drums and percussion, strings, brass, woodwinds, and any other source you'd care to throw at it. In fact, you could mic an entire symphony orchestra with nothing but three judiciously placed WA-47s set to omni.

Considering its amazing price, it would be wise to at least double your value and get two for recording tracks in stereo. You haven't lived until you've heard a grand piano spring to life when miked with a pair of '47s. For drum room mics, use two WA-47s and nuke the stereo signal with a fast compressor. Positively explosive!

Quality components make the Warm difference

How does Warm Audio do it? They order parts and build in quantity, which keeps costs down and delivers amazing value, but they do not cut corners on parts. The WA-47 is built with premium all-discrete components, such as a JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube, Wima and Solen French capacitors, a TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer, and a custom reproduction of the capsule used in the vintage '47, designed with the same hole configuration and frequency response.

A large part of any microphone's sound is contributed by its capsule. The complexity of the k47 capsule used in the WA-47 requires a painstaking manufacturing process; such high quality is typically not found in affordable condenser mics. For Warm Audio, premium parts and meticulous design deliver a superior-sounding microphone — one that doesn't cost a fortune. Stellar performance, top-shelf parts, and amazing value: that's the Warm Audio formula — and the WA-47 nails it.

Warm Audio WA-47 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone Features:

  • Custom reproduction '47-style k47 capsule
  • TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA output transformer
  • JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube
  • Wima and Solen French polystyrene capacitors
  • Polar patterns: 9 patterns — Cardioid, Omni, figure-of-eight + 6 mixed patterns
  • Self-noise: 11dBA
  • Dynamic range: 130dBA
  • Maximum SPL: 140dB (<0.5% THD)
  • Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Output impedance: 200 ohms
  • Rated load impedance: ≥2k ohms
  • S/N ratio: 82dBA
  • Equivalent noise: 10dBA (IEC651)
  • External IEC grounded PSU
  • Gotham 5-meter GAC-7, 7-pin tube microphone cable
  • Includes wood presentation box, shockmount, and IEC power cable

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: Mono
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Figure-8, Omni (6 additional mixed patterns)
  • Diaphragm Size: Dual large diaphragm
  • Max SPL: 140dB SPL <0.5% THD
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 82dB (A weighted)
  • Self Noise: 11dB (A weighted)
  • Tube: Tung Sol 5751
  • Color: Nickel
  • Power Source: Warm Audio External Power Supply (included)
  • Connector: 7-pin connector with mic cable
  • Dimensions: 10" x 2.36"
  • Weight: 9 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shockmount, 7-pin GAC cable, Power Supply
  • Manufacturer Part Number: WA-47

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

I love it!

I love my wa47!! It's my go to
Music background: Musician, home recording
Rated 5/5

Loved

The best tube microphone I purchased the vocals are so clear and crispy the even my customers noticed the difference I highly recommended
Music background: I’m a home recording Studio also I’m a producer,writer beats maker and raper
Rated 5/5

U47 Vibe excels

I've been Producing and Engineering for over 20 years. In my own mic collection I have a Neumann U87, Manley Tube Reference, 414, Audio Technica 4050, 4033, 4047. Sennheiser 421, RE20. You get the idea. I have some mics. The Warm Audio W47 is a mic thats value is def three times
of what they are asking price wise. It is a great sounding mic. It is def in the U47 soundscape, but slightly different in that it is a tube mic. Acoustic guitars tracked with it are coming out warm yet not cloudy. Very pleasing to the ear. Vocals the same, full bodied but def a smooth top end sheen.
I know they are promoting it as a U47 clone but its a great mic in its own right. Obviously every mic will have its pros and cons depending on the source material. This mic, I can already tell will be a mic that will instantly get some work in the studio. To be fair, I am using very good mic pres, (Avalon 737, LA 610 Mk II and Neve Portico, which certainly can have an impact on the sound of a mic. That being said though this mic delivers
a top notch quality reproduction of anything you point it at. I'm happy to have this in my mic collection. I highly recommend it.
Music background: Member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. AES and SPARS. Grammy Nominating and Voting Producer/Engineer. Ballot Nominations as Producer/Engineer in 60th and 61 Grammy Awards. Have over 150 songs and album credits listed on major musi
Rated 5/5

It captures the soul of your sound

I am classical pianist and composer. This microphone is the one and only one I will need. (Yes, eventually second one for stereo). In my tests I recorded violin, piano, saxophone.
The recordings sound as large as life. From deepest bass on a grand piano to shimmering highs of violin harmonics it sounds as good as I heard anywhere. It is difficult to believe that this kind of sound is acheavable for such reasonable price.
The presentation, packing box, power supply, cables, gorgeous wooden box, all look and feel of highest quality.
Microphone looks like a work of art.
But it is the sound that counts and it brings out the soul of the music.
My chain is as follows:
WA-47 to Golden Age pre 73 (fantastic preamp which improved the sound a lot) to Apogee Duet FireWire interface to Apple Logic.

My wooden garage turned into studio has good natural acoustic but is not sound treated. I am planing to install some quadratic sound diffusers.
I am looking forward to do streaming concerts and recordings on this rather incredible setup.
Bravo to the good folks at Warm Audio.
Does it sound like Neuman U-47? I can only tell by YouTube shootouts. When I was listening and not looking at the text indicating the switch, I sometimes would not notice the change.
If you have a budget for U-47 you can afford to compare.
But if you are independent musician who is looking for a microphone to capture the most beautiful aspects of your voice/instrument I think this is the mic for you.
Music background: Classical pianist and composer.
Rated 5/5

THE REAL DEAL!

This microphone is the real deal. I have used Shure's, Neumanns, AKG's, the list goes on and on but this thing just has that little something special. I have been recording a lot of acoustic / folk / pop / Americana as of late and this is the first mic I reach for when it comes to both the vocals and the acoustic instruments. Even a mono drum overhead! This microphone definitely punches above its price point. Warm Audio always seems to get it right, it is built like a tank too! Couldn't recommend more!
Music background: Audio Engineer, Producer, Composer
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