Warm Audio WA12 Mic/Instrument Preamp From Warm Audio

Affordable half rack single-channel mic preamp featuring American made Cinemag I/O transformers.

What We Think

The first thing that jumps out about this piece is price. Personally, I’ve never been interested in items that drag around the “bang for the buck” moniker, so needless to say I was a little bit skeptical of the WA12. There are some really great Neve clones out there that, on top of nailing the sound of the 1073, also nail the fit and finish right down to the texture of the knobs. These can be very expensive and for the no compromise enthusiast, worth every penny. For the more budget minded who are less concerned with visual aesthetic and more about capturing that classic musical tone, they need look no further.

I tried it on a rock vocal where I quickly and easily was able to get a warm and vibey Neve-ish tone that took minimal effort to sit properly in the mix. Simple, tried and true design coupled with better than you’d expect electronics yields a better than expected result!

Want More Great Content?

Call Us! Toll Free! 888-528-9703
Local / International (+1) 919-682-5552

Talk with a Specialist

Warm Audio Preamp shootout

Signal Chain
- Warm Audio WA12 Mic/Instrument Preamp

Manufacturer's Description from Warm Audio

A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of mics and instruments. Unfortunately, many pres are doing only that, raising volume. The “Super clean” designs of today often leave the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it.

I personally like to use preamps that make my signal sound different than it did entering the pre. I like preamps that shape my tone with warmth, character and vibe. If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal you will most definitely love the WA12. The WA12 is designed to transform plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone. If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you’ve always wanted, there is a good chance you will love the WA12.

When developing the WA12 our ears played a big part in the design process. I encourage you to listen to the sound samples with your ears and see what you think. People all over the world are loving it, and we are confident you will too.

The WA12 challenges the $1,000 glass ceiling theory, many are enjoying it above $1k-$2k designs.

The WA12 uses CUSTOM DESIGNED Cinemag input and output transformers MADE IN THE USA! *Cinemag transformers are used in high-end products like the Presonus ADL-700, A-Designs Pacifica, and Universal Audio LA-610.

About Manufacturer

Warm Audio's goal is to put high-end gear in the hands of the world’s greatest artists, talent deserves to be properly expressed. Many great musicians are never heard in the right light due to budget restrictions, Warm Audio hopes to change this by bringing fully professional designs to all studios at affordable prices. Don't let our price tags fool you, all of our products have completely discrete signal paths and feature custom USA made CineMag transformers that are found in only the best designs in pro audio.

I am asked often how Warm Audio is able to produce such high quality gear at affordable prices, many assume corners must be cut somewhere. My answer to this question continues to be "NO". Warm Audio stays true to original discrete schematics and does this without cheapening components such as our continued use of world class Reichenbach/CineMag transformers.

Specifications

71db of Gain.
CUSTOM DESIGNED Cinemag input and output transformers MADE IN THE USA!
TONE button – switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms. Changes the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs.
Fully Discrete.
High voltage 1731 style operational amplifier.
48 volt Phantom Power.
Mic level balanced input: XLR or 1/4″/TRS.
Balanced outputs: XLR and 1/4″/TRS.
2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input on front panel. Sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete operational amplifier. Great for guitars, bass, keyboards and other instruments that have a 1/4″ output jack.
20db pad.