The Warm Audio WA-251 is an all-tube, large-diaphragm condenser microphone that pays homage to the vintage classic. The WA-251 was created to offer a classic mic design at an affordable price. Warm Audio spent a great deal of time listening to how various components impact the tone of original versions, combining the best modern elements to achieve traditional tone.
The WA-251 is designed for pro studio, home studio, live, and broadcast applications. It sounds great on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources.
Features
- Custom true CK12 style capsule - WA-12-B-60v
- CineMag USA output transformer
- JJ Slovak 12AY7 vacuum tube
- Gotham 5 meter GAC-7, 7-pin tube microphone cable
- Wima, Solen French, and Polystyrene capacitors
- External IEC grounded PSU
More from Warm Audio
The Capsule
The WA-251 utilizes a custom reproduction of the vintage CK12 style capsule used in the classic 251 microphone — designed with a similar hole pattern and frequency response. Our version of this capsule (model# WA-12-B-60v) is carefully manufactured by an Australian capsule supplier and precisely reproduced to vintage specs. This allows us to nail the sonics of the most important piece of the formula.
The Tube
A Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube is used in the WA-251. We auditioned three tube brands and chose the JJ 12AY7 for its smooth, vintage tonal character and frequency response.
The Transformer
The WA-251 utilizes an American-made CineMag USA transformer, providing the present top end and the large bottom end expected from a 251-style condenser microphone.
The Cable
One often-overlooked component of a tube microphone is the 7-pin cable that connects the microphone to its power supply. When testing the WA-251 and other tube microphones, we learned how shielding and wire gauge can drastically change the sound. We partnered with Gotham Audio in Switzerland to use their high-end 7-pin GAC-7 cable, which increases top-end presence and recorded image size by reducing phase shift and parasitic effects found in poorly built cables.
The Capacitors
The WA-251 uses polystyrene coupling capacitors, Wima film capacitors throughout, and an imported Solen French capacitor on its output.
Specifications
- Polar Patterns: 3 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)
- Total Weight: 12 lbs (Mic, PSU, shockmount, cables)
- Mic Dimensions: 247mm x 46mm
