NAMM 2019: Warm Audio launches WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone

A classic microphone for a new generation.

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Warm Audio has unveiled the WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone, a handsome option for classic design lovers. The new microphone will ship in February.

In a nutshell, the WA-251 is large condenser microphone that features a large diaphragm, vacuum tubes and balanced transformers. It builds upon classic 251 designs that have been used on hit records over the last five decades.

If you’re wondering about application, Warm Audio says the new mic is good for everything ranging from professional recording and home studios to broadcast and live use. Deploy it for vocals, guitars, basses, drums, piano and a smorgasbord of other sources.

Here are a couple of other highlights:

All-brass capsule

The WA-251 makes use of an all-brass capsule that captures all the warm sonics and rich top ends of the original CK12 capsule. It does, however, also use a variant CEK-12 backplate to overcome the limitations of its predecessor. Its other major vintage-leaning feature is a 24K gold-sputtered NOS PET film diaphragm.

Tube and transformer

The mic uses a Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube and CineMag USA transformer. The former provides it with a smooth, vintage quality, while the latter allows for a prominent top end and substantial bottom end to be picked up.

And here are its other features:

  • Gotham five-metre GAC-7, seven-pin tube microphone cable
  • Wima, solen French, and polystyrene capacitors
  • Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, figure-of-eight
  • Dynamic range: 125dBA
  • Maximum SPL: 132dB (<0.5% THD)
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz~20 kHz
  • Output impedance: 200 ohms
  • Rated load impedance: ≥2kOhms
  • S/N ratio: 80dBA
  • Equivalent noise: 12dBA (IEC651)
  • External IEC grounded PSU
  • Total weight: 5.44kgs
  • Mic dimensions: 247mm x 46mm

Available for pre-orders at $799. Arrives February 2019. More information at warmaudio.com.

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