PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Sound Like A Legend

The WA-251 was created to offer a classic microphone design to a new generation of recording artists at an affordable price. We spent a great deal of time listening to different ‘251 microphones to determine what people liked about them and why, how various styles of components impact the tone, and how to give the WA-251 microphone a signature that pays homage to the vintage classic, but also stands out on its own.

A sound heard on countless iconic recordings

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 godfather of large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones, you know it had to be good. And is it ever! With its discrete, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and custom reproduction capsule, the Warm Audio WA-251 nails the huge, creamy sound of the beloved and revered ’251 — a sound heard on countless iconic recordings.

No source the WA-251 can’t finesse

Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1960s, and you’d see the venerable ’251 everywhere. Now it occupies a lofty perch in the pantheon of the greatest microphones ever made. It’s this classic circuit design — dating back more than a half century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA-251. This faithful replica uses a custom all-brass true CK-12-style capsule. Three polar patterns and robust 132dB SPL handling translate to incredible versatility; there’s literally no source the WA-251 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.

Explore the sonic possibilities

The WA-251’s three polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 — give you immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. With two of these superb microphones, you can implement stereo techniques such as spaced pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S). For full orchestra, add a third WA-251 for the minimalist — and highly effective — Mercury Living Presence technique: three spaced omnis across the orchestral soundstage, centered above the conductor’s podium. Set all three channels for unity gain, trim for the loudest musical peaks, and leave those faders alone. Let the conductor balance the orchestra (as nature intended).

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone Features:

• Faithful replica of the classic ’251-style large-diaphragm condenser mic
• Custom all-brass CK-12-style capsule
• Custom CineMag USA transformer
• JJ Slovak 12AY7 vacuum tube
• Gotham 5-meter GAC-7 7-pin tube microphone cable
• WIMA, Solen French, and polystyrene capacitors
• 3 polar patterns: cardioid, omni, figure-8
• Dynamic range: 125dBA
• Maximum SPL: 132dB (<0.5% THD)
• Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz
• Output impedance: 200 ohms
• Rated load impedance: ≥2k ohms
• S/N ratio: 80dBA
• Equivalent noise: 12dBA (IEC651)
• External IEC grounded PSU
• Includes 7-pin cable, wood box, power supply, and shockmount