The Warm Audio WA-251 is a faithful replica of the classic ’251-style large-diaphragm condenser microphone. The original, introduced in 1960, is reverentially considered to be one of the most gorgeous-sounding mics ever made. With rare working-condition vintage ’251s going for big money, the WA-251 is a no-brainer if you’re after that uniquely smooth, present, and open sound you’ve heard on countless hits. Simply put, this microphone delivers sumptuous results on any instrument. Stock your mic locker with a meticulous rendition of a classic: the Warm Audio WA-251.
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.
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 Music Experience who have worked with the iconic original are beyond impressed. And you will be too.
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.
What can you achieve with the WA-251? Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics, and the Warm Audio WA-251 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA-251 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-251s set to omni. Considering its amazing value, it would be wise to 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 ’251s. For drum room mics, use two WA-251s and nuke the stereo signal with a fast compressor — positively explosive!
The WA-251 is a true recreation of a studio classic revered for its warm and balanced tones. The WA-251 delivers the same sound profile of the original mic, easily considered to be one of the greatest condenser microphones ever created. Known for its natural, rich sound reproduction so often used on vocals and acoustic instruments, the original was used by a long list of legendary vocalists including Adele, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, and many more.
The WA-251 captures natural sound with controlled bass and smooth high-end — just like the vintage 251-style microphones. Looking at the frequency response, the WA-251 essentially has an “always-on” 50 Hz high pass filter. With most usable bass frequencies running from 60–250 Hz, the WA-251 is a great choice for capturing lows and mids that sound tight in the mix rather than muddy or boomy. The 5–10 kHz dip in cardioid mode smooths out the highs to deliver a top end that never sounds harsh.
Like the original 251-style mic, the WA-251 includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.
The WA-251 uses a true reproduction of the CK12-style capsule in the original 251 tube mic — perfect for recordings where vintage vibe is a must.
Three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8) give you a variety of options to choose how you want to capture sound and reject noise.
The WA-251 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube to complement the CK12-style capsule for smooth tone and vintage warmth without harsh high end.
The custom USA-made CineMag transformer drives the bold sound captured by the capsule, delivering the tight lows, present mids, and smooth highs out of the WA-251 circuit.
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
|---|---|
| Mono/Stereo | Mono |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional |
| Diaphragm Size | Large diaphragm |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz |
| Max SPL | 132dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 80dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 12dB (A weighted) |
| Tube | JJ Slovak 12AY7 |
| Features | Custom CineMag USA transformer |
| Power Source | External power supply |
| Connector | 7-pin (mic), XLR (power supply) |
| Dimensions | 9.72" x 1.81" |
| Included Accessories | Shockmount, Gotham Cable, Wood box |
| Manufacturer Part Number | WA251 UPC: 860191002128 |
