Warm Audio’s Classic FET Condenser, Better Then Ever

Their acclaimed compressors and preamps have famously upset the pro audio price/performance ratio. When Warm Audio turned its attention to microphones with the WA-87, they set a high target: one of the most iconic large-diaphragm, multi-pattern FET condenser mics in history.  Now with the WA87 R2, Warm Audio have made their modern classic better than ever. Featuring a sleek new design with a rounded grille, optimized metalwork, and performance enhancements that include a genuine Cinemag transformer, the Warm Audio WA87 R2 is a workhorse mic that deserves a place in your mic locked

• 3 switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8
• Designed after a classic, studio-standard large-diaphragm FET condenser mic
• Incorporates a faithful reproduction of the original vintage 87-style circuit
• WA87-B-50V capsule reproduction of the vintage dual-backplate K87
• Exceptional build quality with premium, all-discrete components
• NOS Fairchild transistors and WIMA/Nichicon capacitors
• Custom Cinemag USA output transformer
• Nickel-plated brass body; 10dB pad; 80Hz highpass filter
• Diaphragm: 6 micron, 1-inch gold-sputtered membrane
• Frequency response: 20kHz–20kHz; Noise: -117dB
• SPL (.5% THD): 132dB (pad engaged), 125dB (pad disengaged)
• 24k gold-plated, 3 pin XLR (150 ohms)
• Includes shock mount, hard mount, and wooden storage box

Affordable modern incarnation of a legendary mic

Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1970s. You’ll see the venerable ’87 everywhere. On toms, overheads, guitar cabs, brass, congas, vocals . It’s these circuit designs — dating back a half century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA87 R2. Stellar performance, top-shelf parts, and amazing value: that’s the Warm formula — and the WA87 R2 nails it.

What can the WA87 R2 do for you?

Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics, and the Warm Audio WA87 R2 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA87 R2 on anything — with world-class results. It’s great for vocals. It makes drums sound huge. It’s a must-have for adding a bit of room to complement a close dynamic or ribbon on a guitar cabinet. It’s an ideal choice for any acoustic instrument — strings, brass, woodwinds, or percussion. We’ve even used it on kick drum (where the 10dB pad comes in handy)! It’s equipped with an 80Hz highpass filter that’s useful for killing low-end mud and rumble. And its three polar patterns further increase this microphone’s already impressive versatility.

Explore the sonic possibilities

The WA87 R2’s three switchable polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 — give you immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. Figure-8 (bi-directional) is perfect for capturing face-to-face recordings such as two background singers on one mic. This pattern also features aggressive side rejection, which makes it a useful option for miking backline amps and speaker cabinets. With two of these superb mics, you can implement stereo techniques such as Spaced Pair (A/B), X-Y (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S). You could even mic an entire symphony orchestra and the ambience of the hall it’s in with just three judiciously placed WA87 R2 microphones set to omni.

Specifications

Microphone Type: FET Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL: 125dB SPL
Low Cut Filter: 80Hz
Pads: -10dB
Color: Nickel-plated Brass, Black Finish
Connector: XLR
Weight: 6 lbs.
Included Accessories: Wooden Case, Hardmount, Shockmount
Manufacturer Part Number: WA-87 R2B