Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone w/ Cable and Pop Filter

Manufacturer's Description

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone WA251

Sound Like A Legend

The WA-251 was created to offer a classic microphone design to a new generation of recording artists at an affordable price. We spent a great deal of time listening to different ‘251 microphones to determine what people liked about them and why, how various styles of components impact the tone, and how to give the WA-251 microphone a signature that pays homage to the vintage classic, but also stands out on its own.

The WA-251 is an all vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern, large condenser microphone, based on the classic ‘251 that has been used on countless hit records for the last 50+ years. The WA-251 is designed for pro studio, home studio, live, and broadcast applications and sounds great on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources.

Design

The classic ‘251 became extremely popular as a vocal microphone in the 1960’s and is now considered to be one of the greatest condenser microphones ever created. The classic ‘251 is still widely used today in professional recording studios but has become extremely rare and cost prohibitive to acquire.

Designing our WA-251 to sound like the classic ‘251 was no easy task, especially since some of the vintage components are no longer manufactured or available. We are pleased to release such a gorgeous sounding classic to the market at a price that’s reachable to more people than ever before.

A Look Inside

All Brass Capsule

The WA-12-B-60V is an all-brass, edge-terminated capsule that captures all the smoothness, rich top end, and warm vintage sonics of the original CK12 capsule. The WA-12-B-60V uses a variant CEK-12 back plate as a basis, which overcomes manufacturing limitations of the original CK12 capsule. The o-ring and housing of the WA-12-B-60V are all made from brass (no teflon parts), and the diaphragm is 24k gold sputtered 6 micron, NOS PET film (mylar). The end result is a very consistent, reliable capsule which matches the frequency response and tonality of the classic 1970's classic capsule.

The Tube

A Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube is used in the WA-251. We auditioned 3 tube brands and fell in love with the JJ 12AY7. The frequency response of the JJ tube, and the way it contributes to the circuit is tonally smooth and vintage in nature.

The Transformer

The WA-251 utilizes an American made CineMag USA transformer. This transformer helps provide the present top end and the LARGE bottom end one would hope to get from a 251-style condenser microphone.

The Capacitors

The WA-251 proudly uses polystyrene coupling capacitors, wima film capacitors throughout, and an imported Solen French capacitor on its output.

The Cable

One component of a tube microphone that is often overlooked is the 7 pin cable that connects the microphone to its power supply. When auditioning the WA-251 and other tube microphones we learned quite a bit about 7 pin cables and how the shielding and wire gauge size can drastically change the sonics of a tube microphone. We have partnered with Gotham Audio in Switzerland to use their very carefully built high-end 7 pin “GAC-7 cable”. Using this cable increases top end presence and the overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often experienced in poorly built cables. Gotham Cabling is very expensive and boutique in nature and shouldn’t be considered a small addition to the WA-251 package.

Mogami Gold Studio XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable - 15 ft

This Mogami Gold Studio XLR Microphone Cable is a high quality microphone cable for studio use utilizing Neglex Studio Quad #2534 cabling for better clarity and diminished noise and RF interference. This cable is terminated with black body 3-pin XLR connectors and gold contacts.

Neglex type Quad Cables have been developed for the highest quality recording applications where maximum definition of recorded sound is of critical importance. Special proprietary materials & construction methods make those state-of-the-art mic cables a must for direct to DISC and digital recording. Basic matters of flexibility, microphonics and shielding effect have been designed to meet international professional requirements.

• Neglex quad microphone cable helps alleviate RFI interference problems
  
  
  

Gator Cases GM-POP FILTER 6" Double Layered, Split Level “Pop” Filter

The GM-POP FILTER from Gator Frameworks provides the perfect protection against plosives and popping. This double-layered, split level filter attaches quickly to most standard mic shafts and booms with an adjustable C-clamp. Wind noise and plosives are drastically reduced through Gator’s 6″ nylon screen. Lightweight and adjustable, The GM-POP FILTER weighs in at just 2.5 pounds while extending up to 17″x5″x6.25″. Many mic screens exist, but only one is strong enough to be Frameworks.

FEATURES

• Nylon 6" Screen Pop Filter
• 11.5" Goose Neck and Clamp Included
• C-Clamp Will Fit Most Standard Microphone Stand Shafts and Booms
• Weights 2.5 lbs
• Fully Extends to 17" x 5" x 6.25"

Specifications

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone WA251

• Custom WA-12-B-60V edge terminated, dual-backplate, all-brass vintage CK12-style capsule
• CineMag USA output transformer
• JJ Slovak 12AY7 vacuum tube
• Gotham 5 meter GAC-7, 7-pin tube microphone cable
• Wima, Solen French, and Polystyrene capacitors
• Polar Patterns: 3 patterns - Cardioid, Omni, figure-of-eight
• Dynamic range: 125dBA
• Maximum SPL: 132dB (<0.5% THD)
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz~20 kHz
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Rated Load Impedance: ≥2kOhms
• S/N Ratio: 80dBA
• Equivalent Noise: 12dBA (IEC651)
• External IEC grounded PSU
• Total Weight (Mic, PSU, shockmount, cables) - 12 lbs
• Mic Dimensions: 247mm x 46mm
• Includes: Microphone, Wood Box, Psu, Shock-Mount and Gotham Cable.
  
  
  

Mogami Gold Studio XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable - 15 ft

• Cable Type: XLR microphone cable
• Length: 15' (4.5m)
• Gauge: 4 x 24 AWG
• Shielding: 100% spiral shield
• Connector 1: 3-Pin XLR male
• Connector 2: 3-Pin XLR female
  
  
  

Gator Cases GM-POP FILTER 6" Double Layered, Split Level “Pop” Filter

• Exterior Length: 12 "
• Exterior Width: 8 "
• Exterior Height: 3 "
• Exterior Weight: 2.5 lbs