Warm Audio's acclaimed vintage-inspired compressors, preamps, and mics have famously upset the pro audio price/performance ratio. So, when the company turned its attention to the granddaddy of large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones, you knew it had to be good. And indeed, it is. With its discrete, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and custom reproduction capsule, the WA-47 nails the huge, bold sound of the beloved and revered '47 — a sound heard on countless iconic recordings.
Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1960s. You'll see the venerable '47 everywhere. It was Sinatra's vocal mic of choice and one of George Martin's go-to microphones on Beatles sessions, and it now occupies a lofty perch in the pantheon of the greatest microphones ever made. It's this classic circuit design — dating back more than half a century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA-47. But this is no mere clone, and innovations abound. Nine available polar patterns and robust 140dB SPL handling translate to incredible versatility; there's literally no source the WA-47 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-47's nine polar patterns — cardioid, omni, and figure-8; plus six in-between patterns — give you ample flexibility when it comes to exploring different recording techniques. Cardioid, with its moderate side and near-total rear rejection, is useful for just about any studio task. Omni is great for capturing room ambience along with your source. Use a figure-8 technique to overdub a sax with natural slap or record two singers on one mic. With two WA-47s, you can implement stereo techniques such as spaced pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S). Those six in-between pickup patterns open up yet another world of possibilities.
What can you achieve with the WA-47? Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics, and the Warm Audio WA-47 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA-47 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 throw at it. You could even mic an entire symphony orchestra with three judiciously placed WA-47s set to omni.
Considering its amazing price, it’s smart to double the value and get two for stereo work. A grand piano miked with a pair of ‘47s is a revelation. For drum room mics, use two WA-47s and absolutely crush them with a fast compressor — the results are explosive.
How does Warm Audio do it? They order parts and build in quantity, keeping costs down without compromising on quality. The WA-47 is built with premium all-discrete components, including a JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube, Wima and Solen French capacitors, a TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer, and a custom reproduction of the original vintage '47 capsule, designed with the same hole configuration and frequency response.
A microphone’s capsule contributes significantly to its sound. The complexity of the k47 capsule used in the WA-47 requires painstaking manufacturing — the type of quality not commonly found in affordable condenser microphones. With premium parts and meticulous design, Warm Audio delivers a superior-sounding microphone that doesn’t cost a fortune. Stellar performance, top-tier components, and remarkable value — that’s the Warm Audio formula, and the WA-47 delivers it beautifully.
The WA-47 is an authentic reproduction of the most coveted tube condenser microphone, hailed for its timeless studio sound. The WA-47 accurately matches the sonic profile of the prized vintage originals, delivering the deep bass, rich midrange, and smooth highs that made it a favorite of legendary recording artists like Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Elton John and many more.
The WA-47 is designed and built to deliver the most authentic vintage 47-style sound with zero corners cut. Just like the original, the WA-47 circuit allows a lot of low-end and mid detail to come through. While the lows and mids come together to capture all the rich warmth and detail of acoustic instruments, vocals benefit greatly from the smooth and pleasing top end of the WA-47. The coveted and unmistakably vintage sound profile of the WA-47 makes it the perfect choice to create timeless music.
Like the original 47-style mic, the WA-47 includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.
The WA-47 uses a true reproduction of the K47-style capsule in the original 47 tube mic. Perfect for recordings where vintage vibe is a must.
The custom USA-made AMI transformer drives the bold sound captured by the capsule, delivering the full body, warmth, and richness out of the WA-47 circuit.
The premium 5751 vacuum tube in the WA-47 delivers rich analog tone with exceptionally low gain — ideal for intimate recordings, especially on vocals.
The WA-47 has three key polar patterns: Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8. Six additional patterns in-between provide ultimate flexibility and versatility for a variety of recording applications.
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
|---|---|
| Mono/Stereo | Mono |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Figure-8, Omnidirectional (continuously variable) |
| Diaphragm Size | Dual large diaphragm |
| Max SPL | 140dB SPL <0.5% THD |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 82dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 11dB (A weighted) |
| Tube | Tung Sol 5751 |
| Color | Nickel |
| Power Source | External power supply |
| Connector | 7-pin connector with mic cable |
| Dimensions | 10" x 2.36" |
| Weight | 9 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Shockmount, 7-pin GAC cable, Power Supply |
| Manufacturer Part Number | WA47 UPC: 713541493117 |
