Warm Audio WA-87 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel)

Overiew:

The nickel WA-87 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone from Warm Audio features all discrete, premium components such as Fairchild FETs, tantalum, polystyrene, and WIMA film capacitors, and is rounded off with a CineMag USA output transformer. It can be used to capture audio in several environments such as recording studios, live stage, theaters, and is suitable for brass, woodwind, and string instruments.

Featuring a custom reproduction of the classic K-87 dual-backplate/dual-diaphragm capsule found in the early “87” mics, the WA-87 provides a selection of three polar patterns: Figure-8, omnidirectional, and cardioid. It has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and comes with a shockmount, a hard mount, and a wood box for storage. In addition, it uses a 3-pin, 24tk gold-plated XLR output connector.

Features:

• Fairchild FETs
• CineMag USA Output Transformer
• Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8
• 1″-Diameter Gold-Sputtered Membrane
• -10 dB Pad
• 80 Hz High-Pass Filter
• 20 Hz to 20 kHz Frequency Response
• 24kt Gold-Plated 3-Pin XLR Output

More Features:

A Classic Made Affordable

The classic ‘87 is arguably the most widely-used large diaphragm condenser microphone in popular recording history. Rather than base the WA-87 circuit on current incarnations of this mic, WA decided to closely follow the early circuit designs that date back nearly half a century.

As is true with many classic microphones, engineers who have worked with different versions of these microphones often prefer the warmer, more forgiving nature of the earlier commercially available models. The desire to re-introduce the warm tone of this classic mic at an affordable price to an all new generation of recording artists was the inspiration behind the WA-87.

It All Starts With The Microphone

The importance of a good microphone cannot be overstated; but unfortunately, finding a truly great microphone within a budget has always been challenging for aspiring engineers. There are very usable microphones available for those on a budget; but top shelf, classic studio microphones are financially out of reach for most people. WA applied all that they knew about bridging this barrier into crafting a microphone that reaches the level of quality and sonics mostly found only in top shelf products, yet sells for a price that is down to earth.

Quality Components Make A Better Mic

The WA-87 features all discrete, premium components such as Fairchild FETs, tantalum, polystyrene, and WIMA film capacitors, and is rounded off with a CineMag USA output transformer.

The WA-87 proudly uses Warm Audio WA-87-B-50V custom capsule reproduction stylized after the classic K87 dual backplate/dual diaphragm capsule found in the early ‘87 microphones.

Born Out Of Need

When designing their first microphone Warm Audio knew that the single greatest challenge would be to offer a capsule that was built to a high standard and priced in a range that every-day musicians and engineers could afford. They already knew where to find great microphone transformers, precision resistors, polystyrene, tantalum and WIMA film capacitors; but they came to realize that a quality affordable microphone capsule that met their specifications simply wasn’t out there.

The WA (Warm Audio) brand of capsule is the result of several years of research, a lifetime of listening, and a passion for great sound. Above all else, Warm Audio capsules came from the desire to give customers far more quality/value than what they are used to getting in an affordable microphone. 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.

Every capsule visually inspected and electrically tested for imperfections. Every capsule is also made with all brass parts (no teflon or other cost saving material), and is carefully skinned from the same supply of high purity NOS Mylar (PET film).

Specs:

• LARGE CONDENSER STUDIO MICROPHONE BASED ON THE CLASSIC “87-STYLE” CIRCUIT.

• POLAR PATTERNS: CARDIOID, FIGURE OF EIGHT, AND OMNIDIRECTIONAL.

• WA-87-B-50V CAPSULE. REPRODUCTION OF CLASSIC DUAL BACKPLATE (FOUR WIRE TERMINATION) K87 CAPSULE.

• -10DB PAD.

• CINEMAG USA OUTPUT TRANSFORMER.

• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20HZ – 20KHZ.

• SPL: .5% THD @ 125DB (WITHOUT PAD),132DB.

• DIAPHRAGM: 6 MICRON THICKNESS, 1 INCH DIAMETER, GOLD SPUTTERED MEMBRANE, NOS MYLAR (PET FILM).

• OUTPUT: 150 OHMS, 24K GOLD PLATED, 3 PIN XLR.

• HIGH PASS FILTER: 80HZ.

• NOISE: -117DB.

• MICROPHONE INCLUDES SHOCK MOUNT, HARD MOUNT AND WOOD BOX.

• COLOR: NICKEL.