Warm Audio WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone & WA12 MKII Black Microphone Preamp

Warm Audio WA-CX12 Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

A faithful recreation of one of the most natural and balanced tube condenser microphones of all time, the WA-CX12 captures the true sound of sources and rooms with extreme accuracy. Used over and over again by some of the world’s most recognized engineers and artists, the original microphone stands out as open, airy, and natural. Pairing the CK12-style capsule with the large-core TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer helps the CX12 capture musical bass, organic mids, and polished high end. With no-compromise components and elite build quality, the WA-CX12 delivers that iconic sound that no personal or professional mic locker is complete without.

Feature Bullets

• Faithful Recreation of the Most Natural and Balanced Tube Microphone of All Time: The WA-CX12 cuts no corners in achieving a highly accurate sound profile compared to the original, known for its organic tones and elevated room sounds.
• Smooth Highs and Vibrant Midrange: The WA-CX12 captures organic and natural sounding tone with pleasing high end and colorful midrange so you feel the performance come through.
• Custom, Solid Brass CK12-Style Capsule: Dual capsule, edge terminated, and custom machined out of solid brass. Meticulously spec’d to match the detail and warmth of the original
• Custom TAB-Funkenwerk USA Output Transformer: Large-core imported German laminations drive all of the full natural sound captured by the capsule.
• Premium Tube: Rigorously tested, hand-selected 12AY7 Vacuum Tube.
• 9 Polar Patterns: Including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns plus 6 intermediate stages for ultimate versatility, especially in stereo-pairs
• Boutique 7-pin GAC-7 tube cable from Gotham Switzerland: Using vintage-correct construction methods and highly-upgraded components, our 7 pin cable achieves near-perfect signal transfer.
• Includes vintage hard carrying case for all components: Safely transport your mic anywhere with the custom, ultra-durable, vintage-vibe tweed carrying case.

Warm Audio WA12 MKII Black Discrete Microphone Preamp, Cinemag Transformers Raising The Volume

A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of microphones and instruments, but many pres today are doing only that: raising the volume. These “super clean” designs often leave the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it, which ends up requiring a lot of work in post-production to get instruments to wake up and sound big in a mix.

If you’re looking for a preamp to actually improve and shape your signal instead, you will most definitely love the WA12 MKII Black. This preamp is designed to transform the tone of plain instruments and vocals into exciting sounds that can stand on their own - so if your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you’ve always wanted, the the WA12 MKII Black is the affordable answer.

Packed With Performance

The WA12 MKII Black is a completely discrete, high voltage, dual-transformer microphone preamplifier design with high gain (+71dB), high headroom, low noise, and exciting sonic performance – which makes it an ideal choice for all types of recording applications. A high-quality mic preamp is one of the most critical pieces needed to achieve that elusive ‘larger than life’ sound, and the WA12 MKII Black delivers on that promise every single time.

Premium Components

The WA12 MKII Black is based around the X731 discrete op-amp, which is our own reproduction of the classic Melcor 1731 - considered by some to be the warmer predecessor to the modern 2520-style op-amp. The X731 can achieve vibrant, clean and lifelike tones, but it can also be driven into mild saturation at much higher gain levels. While the effects of that saturation can range from subtle to obvious, they always remain very pleasing to the ear, and because it was designed around the X731 the WA12 MKII Black can accept any discrete op-amp on the market that conforms to the +/-16v, 2520 pinout standard.

Our ears played a big part in the process of designing the WA12 MKII Black, and we didn’t stop tweaking until anything we ran through it sounded better. Using CineMag USA transformers and an all-discrete signal path, we ensured that this preamp would have the building blocks to compete with the best-sounding preamps on the market, and we’re very proud to offer such a robust and professional design in a small and affordable package.

Specifications Warm Audio WA-CX12 Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

• Custom edge terminated, dual-backplate, all-brass vintage CK12-style capsule
• Custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer
• Premium 12AY7 vacuum tube
• Premium Capacitors
• Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, + 6 additional mixed patterns
• Max SPL: 149dB
• Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 73dB
• EIN / Self-noise: 22 dB-A
• Power Source: External IEC grounded PSU
• Cable: Gotham 5 meter GAC-7, premium 7-pin tube microphone cable
• Total Weight: 17 lbs, Mic only: 2lbs 7oz
• Mic Dimensions: 11 ⅝” x 2” (29.5cm x 5cm)
  
  

Warm Audio WA12 MKII Black Discrete Microphone Preamp, Cinemag Transformers

• Utilizes premium-grade input and output transformers from Cinemag USA
• Fully discrete design with a robust 71dB of gain
• Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731-style opamp, which can be swapped with other designs that conform to the 6-pin, 2520 footprint +/- 16VDC standard for varying tone and flavor
• 20db pad.
• Tone button - switches the input impedance from 150 to 600 ohms and changes the tone of both the mic and hi-Z inputs
• Mic level balanced input: XLR
• 2 MegOhm true hi-Z input on the front panel which sends the signal through the entire circuit, including both Cinemag transformers and the X731 opamp - great for guitars, bass, keys, keyboards and any instrument with a 1/4” output jack
• Balanced outputs: XLR and 1/4″/TRS
• 48 volt Phantom Power
• LED Meter gain indication
• Output attenuation control (positioned after the Cinemag output transformer) allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation
• Switchable 115/230 volt IEC power inlet