Warm Audio WA-47 Tube Condenser Microphone



Warm Audio WA-47

The Warm Audio WA-47 is a high-performance, multi-pattern, large-diaphragm, transformer-balanced, tube condenser microphone. This microphone is specifically designed to produce the tonal characteristics of classic U47 microphones for musicians, recording engineers, and vocalists in project, home, and commercial recording studios.

As with the WA-87 and WA-14, modern reproductions of the legendary Neumann U87 and AKG C414, Warm Audio has not skimped on quality. The classic U47 sound from the WA-47 is not only fitting for vocals, but sounds great on a variety of instruments including drums, guitar, piano, strings, woodwind or brass instruments and a wide-range of sounds.

In the 1960’s, the classic ’47 was widely used as a vocal microphone in studios across the world. Today, it is dubbed as one of the greatest microphones ever made. Even though it is still used today, it has become extremely expensive and rare. For people who are looking for the same tone and similar performance at an affordable price, the WA-47 is considered a great option.

If you are thinking of purchasing the WA-47, this review provides insight into this vintage-inspired recording microphone. We’ll cover its features, pros and cons, and other important information to consider before purchasing.

WA-47 Specs and Features

• Dual large diaphragm
• JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube
• 130dBA dynamic range
• 20Hz–20kHz Frequency range
• 9 polar patterns
• TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer
• 11dBA Self-noise
• 200 Ohms Output impedance
• External IEC grounded PSU
• 7-pin connector with mic cable



The Pros:

This microphone delivers stellar performance.

This vintage-inspired condenser microphone features top-shelf parts. That is to say, it’s built with premium components such as a JJ Slovak 5751 vacuum tube, TAB-Funkenwerk output transformer, and Wima and Solen French capacitors. This microphone demands a painstaking manufacturing process in order to guarantee a high standard of quality. And, it performs quite well, delivering a smooth, silky and warm sound reminiscent of the classic U47.

It’s a high-quality mic that won’t cost a fortune.

Warm Audio meticulously designed this condenser microphone using premium parts, yet made sure it is affordable on a budget. At the standard retail price of $899, the WA-47 gives you similar tonal characteristics of the classic ’47 microphone at a lower price. This allows you to achieve a warm vintage sound without breaking the bank.

It offers significant flexibility.

The WA-47 takes pride in its nine polar patterns, including the figure-eight, omnidirectional, and cardioid patterns. These patterns provide plenty of flexibility when it comes to exploring various recording techniques. You can use the cardioid pattern for most common recording tasks, but the omnidirectional pattern performs particularly well for capturing room ambience. These various patterns make the WA-47 a versatile microphone which can be useful for much more than recording vocals.

The Cons:

Don’t expect a sound equal to the classic ’47 microphones.

Some of the components of the WA-47 are not the same as with the classic ’47. This is because some of the vintage components of the latter are no longer available. The VF14M tube which hasn’t been manufactured since 1954, which is also another reason classic 47 microphones are especially coveted. Although, the WA-47 shares similar tonal characteristics and many of the same components, these differences in their build do separate the mics from each other, not just physically, but also in terms of overall sound quality.

WA-47: Final Thoughts

With its superb flexibility, high-quality audio components and excellent performance, the WA-47 microphone is perfect for both amateur and professional music producers, singers, and music enthusiasts who are looking for vintage sound at an affordable price.

While it’s certainly not equal to a $15,000 vintage Neumann U47, the Warm Audio WA-47 tube condenser microphone at $899, with its smooth tone, warm sound, and overall flexibility, is a product worth buying.