The Warm Audio WA-67 condenser microphone has taken the recording world by storm. Praised for its ability to capture the smooth, creamy sound of vintage mics used on countless hit recordings, the WA-67 offers professional sound quality at a price that’s more accessible than ever before. I’ve had firsthand experience working with the mic in the studio and can say it has many qualities that make it a must-have powerhouse. In this Warm Audio WA-67 review, I’ll explain all the key features of the WA-67. We’ll explore in detail how each element contributes to its exceptional performance.
Warm Audio WA-67 Review
Capturing the Essence of a Classic: The WA-67 Circuit
At the heart of the Warm Audio WA-67 lies a meticulous recreation of the classic ’67-style pentode tube circuit.
Unlike many microphone manufacturers who focus solely on outward appearance, Warm Audio’s attention to detail is astounding. They’ve successfully recreated the discrete circuitry of classic mics using modern, professional-grade components.
This ensures the WA-67 faithfully delivers the tonal characteristics prized by recording professionals for decades. These include a rich low end, a clear and present midrange, and a smooth, airy top end.
The Heart of the Beast: The Custom Capsule
We all know the saying, “garbage in, garbage out.” This is especially true for microphones, where the capsule plays a critical role in capturing the nuances of sound.
The WA-67 doesn’t skimp here.
Warm Audio has painstakingly recreated the original K67-style capsule. The Wa-67 utilizes a large-diaphragm design with a gold-sputtered Mylar membrane just 6 microns thick.
This combination delivers notable transient response and the ability to capture even the subtlest details in your performance.
But Warm Audio goes beyond simply mimicking the original design. They’ve cleverly leveraged modern construction materials to achieve the coveted vintage sonic character while ensuring consistent performance and reliability.
Furthermore, the entire capsule assembly, including the tensioning hoops, is crafted from brass. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the capsule resonates like the original.
It ultimately contributes to the microphone’s signature warmth and weight.
The Supporting Cast: High-Quality Components Make the Difference
A great circuit and capsule are only part of the equation. No WA-67 review would be complete if we didn’t mention that it boasts a selection of premium components that work harmoniously to deliver pristine audio fidelity.
Here are some of the key players:
- High-bandwidth polystyrene capacitors: These capacitors provide a fast and transparent signal path, ensuring the microphone captures the full spectrum of your audio source without coloration.
- Boutique polypropylene capacitors from Wima and Solen: These capacitors add a touch of warmth and musicality to the overall sound, further enhancing the vintage character of the WA-67.
- Large output capacitor from Solen: This capacitor plays a crucial role in the microphone’s low-frequency response, contributing to a rich and full bottom end.
- Custom large-core transformer from Lundahl, Sweden: This top-shelf transformer is the unsung hero of the WA-67. It plays a significant role in shaping the microphone’s smooth high-frequency response and expansive three-dimensional sound image.
- Hand-selected EF86 Pentode Tube: The inclusion of the EF86 Pentode tube is pivotal in maintaining the WA-67’s top-end clarity while infusing recordings with the warm, rich tones characteristic of vintage tube microphones. This careful selection underscores Warm Audio’s dedication to capturing the essence of the classic sound without compromise.
The Finishing Touch: The Premium Gotham Audio Cable
The 7-pin cable that connects the WA-67 to its power supply also plays a significant role in its performance.
This cable carries both the audio signal and the voltage required to power the microphone’s tube. A poorly designed cable can introduce noise and signal degradation, compromising the microphone’s performance.
Recognizing this, Warm Audio partnered with Gotham Audio of Switzerland to include their high-end GAC-7 cable with the WA-67.
This premium cable ensures the WA-67 operates at its full potential by delivering clear audio signals and maintaining consistent voltage delivery to the tube.
Built to Last: A Microphone You Can Depend On
The WA-67 isn’t just about capturing great sound; it’s also built to withstand the rigors of everyday studio use.
The microphone body and headbasket are constructed from nickel-plated brass, providing impressive strength and durability.
This robust design protects the delicate internal components of the mic. It also helps to shield the microphone from unwanted electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can degrade audio quality.
Versatility for Any Recording Scenario
The WA-67’s unique character transcends the limitations of a single application.
With its switchable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight), the WA-67 becomes a true chameleon in the studio.
- Cardioid: This is the most commonly used polar pattern, offering excellent off-axis rejection. This makes it it ideal for isolating a single sound source, such as vocals, acoustic guitar, or electric guitar cabinets.
- Omnidirectional: Omnidirectional patterns pick up sound equally from all directions. This makes them an excellent choice for capturing a room’s ambiance. They’re also great for recording instruments like choirs, drum overheads, or pianos in a more natural and spacious way.
- Figure eight: This bidirectional pattern picks up sound primarily from the front and back of the microphone, rejecting sound from the sides. This makes it useful for recording two sound sources facing each other. It would be helpful in situations with a vocalist and a duet partner or for capturing the crack of a snare drum while minimizing cymbal bleed, for example.
The WA-67’s switchable high-pass filter allows you to roll off low-frequency rumble, such as stage noise or room resonance, without affecting the desired tonal character of your instrument or vocal.
Additionally, the microphone features a -10dB pad. This will be ideal when recording loud sound sources like drums or electric guitar cabinets to prevent clipping and distortion.
Who Can Benefit from the Warm Audio WA-67?
As we have shown in this WA-67 review, this is a microphone that can find a home in a wide range of recording environments. Here are some examples:
- Professional Recording Studios: The WA-67’s detailed sound quality and versatility make it a valuable asset for any professional studio. Its ability to capture a wide range of instruments and vocals in stunning detail makes it a go-to choice for recording engineers of all genres.
- Home Recording Enthusiasts: The WA-67 is an excellent choice for home studio musicians and producers who want to elevate the quality of their recordings. Its user-friendly design and competitive price point make it a compelling option for those who want to achieve professional-sounding results without breaking the bank.
- Live Sound Reinforcement: While primarily designed for studio applications, the WA-67 can also be used effectively in live sound reinforcement scenarios. Its robust build quality and cardioid polar pattern can handle the rigors of live performance. At the same time, its smooth and flattering sound can enhance the character of vocals and instruments on stage.
Closing Thoughts: A Modern Legend in the Making
As you can see from our Warm Audio WA-67 review, this is more than just a microphone. It’s a testament to the enduring power of classic design principles. With the WA-67, Warm Audio has delivered a microphone that captures the essence of vintage sound while offering professional-grade performance and value.
Whether you’re a seasoned audio professional or an aspiring musician, the WA-67 is a versatile tool that can elevate the quality of your recordings and help you achieve your audio goals.
With its exceptional sound quality, robust build, and user-friendly features, the Warm Audio WA-67 is sure to become a perennial legend.
