Warm Audio is now shipping their new WA-47, a vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern condenser microphone. The WA-47 utilizes a custom reproduction of the vintage k47 style capsule that was used in the classic ‘47 microphone with the same hole pattern and frequency response, and heard on countless hit records for the last fifty years.
The Warm Audio WA-47jr is an FET transformerless modern version of the classic ‘47 microphone. The WA-47jr utilizes the same “true ’47” k47 style capsule found in our flagship WA-47 tube condenser microphone with a low-noise and discrete signal path, but at a very affordable price point.
The classic ’47 became extremely popular in the 1960’s and is now considered a classic. Even though it’s still widely used today in professional recording studios, it has become extremely rare and expensive to acquire.
Designing the WA-47 to sound like the classic ‘47 was no easy task for Warm Audio, considering that some of the vintage components are no longer available. Thus, the company focused on finding the right quality components to ensure thenew WA-47 was the best sounding product possible. The WA-47 is packed with top end components that are carefully sourced from many of the top pro audio component suppliers in the world.
The WA-47 utilizes a custom reproduction of the vintage k47 style capsule that was used in the classic ’47 microphone, but with the same hole pattern and frequency response. Every Warm Audio capsule is made in the same small assembly house in a clean-room environment, and packaged in its own protective jewel case until the moment it is loaded into the microphone. Our version of this capsule (model# WA-47-B-80v) is carefully manufactured by an Australian capsule manufacturer who’s precision and repeatability allows us to nail the vintage sonics of the most important sonic piece of this classic style of microphone.
Warm Audio WA-47 Specifications:
» Custom true ’47 capsule reproduction (k47 style) – Model# WA-47-B-80v
» Capsule makeup: Gold sputtered, dual large diaphragm, single backplate, 6 microns NOS mylar (PET film)
» TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA output transformer
» JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube
» Gotham 5 meter GAC-7, 7-pin tube microphone cable
» Wima, Solen French, and 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: 20 Hz~20 kHz
» Output Impedance: 200 ohms
» Rated Load Impedance: ?2kOhms
» S/N Ratio: 82dBA
» Equivalent Noise: 10dBA (IEC651)
» External IEC grounded PSU
» Total Weight - 9 lbs
» Mic Diameter: 90mm
» Mic Length: 254mm
» Includes: Microphone, Wood box, PSU, Shockmount, Gotham 7 pin GAC-7 cable, IEC power cable
A Slovak Republic JJ 5751 vacuum tube is a lower gain, low noise tube that forces much of the sonics of the capsule and transformer to be heard more significantly than some higher gain tubes might allow. Warm auditioned four different tube brands and fell in love with the JJ 5751. The frequency response of the JJ 5751 and the way it contributes to the circuit is tonally smooth and vintage in nature. The WA-47 utilizes an American made TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA transformer with large core imported German laminations. This transformer helps provide the creamy smooth top end, and the big bottom end one would expect from a ’47 style condenser microphone.
The WA-47jr is an FET transformerless version of the highly renowned classic ‘47 microphone that has been used on countless hit records for the last 50+ years. The WA-47jr is fully discrete, has 3 polar patterns and is designed for pro studio, home studio, live, and broadcast applications. The WA-47jr sounds great on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources.
The WA-47jr proudly utilizes a custom k47 style capsule reproduction, designed with the same hole pattern and frequency response as the vintage design. Our version of this capsule (model# WA-47-B-80v) is carefully manufactured by an Australian capsule manufacturer with careful precision and repeat-ability that allows the most important sonic piece of the classic mic to be heard and influence the tone and signature of the WA-47jr. The WA47jr’s low-noise and discrete signal path, when paired with this excellent true ’47 style capsule, allows it to obtain a very similar tone to the classic ‘47 microphone, but at a much lower price tag. The WA-47jr utilizes the same k47 style capsule found in our flagship WA-47 tube condenser microphone.
Warm Audio WA-47jr Specifications:
» FET transformerless ’47 style condenser microphone.
» Custom true ’47 capsule reproduction (k47 style) – Model# WA-47-B-80v.
» Capsule makeup: Gold sputtered, dual large diaphragm, single backplate, 6 microns NOS mylar (PET film).
» Fully discrete signal path, Toshiba FET’s, Wima film capacitors, Panasonic electrolytic capacitors.
» Polar Patterns: Cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional.
» High-pass filter: 70Hz
» Pad: -10db
» Self-noise: 9dBA
» Dynamic range: 138dBA
» Maximum SPL: 147/157dB (@1kHz 1kOhms 0.5% THD, 0/-10dB)
» Frequency Range: 20 Hz~20 kHz
» Sensitivity: 10mV/Pa or -40dB
» Output Impedance: 100 ohms
» Rated Load Impedance: ?1kOhms
» Maximum output: 16dBu @1kHz, 1kOhms, 0.5% THD
» S/N Ratio: 85dBA (IEC651)
» Equivalent Noise: 9dBA (IEC651)
» Dynamic Range: 138dBA (IEC651)
» 48v phantom powered
» 3-Pin Gold-Plated XLR
» Nickel Plated
» Weight: 1.1 lbs
» Diameter: 52mm
» Length: 210mm
» Includes: Shockmount, hardmount, zipper storage pouch
The WA-47jr circuit uses high quality Toshiba FET’s, Wima film capacitors and Panasonic electrolytic capacitors. The circuit is modernized and more simple than the classic ‘47 tube microphone, but the components and circuitry are top-notch, and have a sound quality and tone that punches far above anything we’ve ever heard in this price range.
Warm Audio’s WA-47 and WA-47jr are available now for $899 and $299 respectively.
Warm Audio
