Warm Audio WA-14SP

Without VAT: $729.74
$882.98
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Description
Inspired by a vintage '70s mic, the Warm Audio WA-14SP large-diaphragm condenser microphone brings the sound of a popular studio staple to a price class that's more accessible to musicians, singer-songwriters, and project studio engineers. Now presented in a matched pair for precision stereo recording applications, the WA-14SP boasts a custom CK12-style capsule with dual diaphragms. The WA-14 delivers classic tone along with three selectable polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8—to allow the flexibility needed to handle anything from lead vocals to room capture.

In addition to the custom 1" gold-sputtered capsule, the WA-14 utilizes tantalum and WIMA film capacitors and a CineMag USA transformer, completing the fully discrete signal path with high-quality components. Next to the polar pattern selector on the front of the mic is a switch for the pad, which can be set to -10 or -20 dB. At the -20 dB position, the WA-14 is capable of taking intense sound pressure levels up to 150 dB without distortion. Both a vibration-inhibiting shockmount and a space-saving hard mount are supplied with the WA-14 microphone.

 

A Stereo Pair for Superior Sound

Tested to ensure each mic is within ±1 dB of each other, this complete package ensures consistent performance and a natural stereo image. Use the included straight mounting bar to make recording quality stereo tracks with WA-14 SP virtually effortless.

Aligning the two WA-14s in parallel with each other on the bar ensures the two capsules will be equidistant to the source, preventing phase issues. With the natural, defined midrange of the lauded EB-style circuit in stereo, adding rich ambiance to your recordings has never been easier.

 

Blast from the Past

The WA-14 is a classic condenser microphone based on the early 1970's microphone used on countless hit records. The WA-14 utilizes a custom all-brass CK12-style capsule, a CineMag USA transformer, and a fully discrete signal path. The WA-14 can be used on an array of sources, such as punchy/warm intimate lead vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums/percussion, strings/orchestral material, and many other sources. The WA-14 provides a realism and thickness that is true to the vintage microphone, but now at an affordable price.

 

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 24kt 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 capsule.

 

Born Out of Need

When designing their first microphone, Warm Audio knew that the single greatest challenge would be to offer a capsule that was built to a high standard and priced in a range that everyday musicians and engineers could afford. They already knew where to find great microphone transformers, precision resistors, polystyrene, tantalum, and WIMA film capacitors, but they came to realize that they should develop their own line of capsules.

The WA (Warm Audio) brand of capsule is the result of several years of research, a lifetime of listening, and a passion for great sound. Above all else, Warm Audio capsules came from the desire to give customers far more quality/value than what they are used to getting in an affordable microphone. Every Warm Audio capsule is made in the same small assembly house in a clean-room environment, and packaged in its own protective jewel case until the moment it is loaded into the microphone. Every capsule is visually inspected and electrically tested for imperfections. Every capsule is also made with all brass parts (no teflon or other cost saving material) and is carefully skinned from the same supply of high-purity NOS Mylar (PET film).

 

Premium Components for Superior Sound

WA-12-B-60V CK12-Style Capsule
The WA-12-B-60V CK12-style capsule is a true reproduction of the capsule found in the original 414 EB mic. This capsule captures incredible detail across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. With a remarkably flat response until the midrange presence gradually increases from 1 to 2 kHz, the capsule inside the WA-14SP will help you capture natural sounds with some added top-end smoothness.
 
CineMag USA-Made Output Transformer
The history of CineMag transformers goes all the way back to the 1940's with connections to some of the most sought-after audio equipment of the last century. Like all CineMag transformers, the unit in the WA-14SP is American-made and built to exacting standards. The harmonic coloration provided by the transformer gives the WA-14SP true analog excellence.
 
Premium Capacitors and Resistors
The WA-14SP uses premium film capacitors from WIMA, a polystyrene coupling capacitor, and tantalum capacitors in the amplifier stage of the circuit. Precision resistors round-out the discrete, all-analog circuit of the WA-14SP.
 
Authentic Appearance and Premium Accessories
The WA-14SP is encased in an ultra-durable nickel-plated brass body. WA-14SP mics come with two shockmounts, two hard clips, a straight stereo mounting bar, two leatherette protective pouches, and a durable flight case. Every WA-14SP is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin Texas by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.
Features
  • For Vocals, Drums, Guitars, and Strings
  • Matched Pair for Stereo Recording
  • Cardioid, Omni & Figure-8 Polar Patterns
  • Switchable Pad at -10 or -20 dB
  • Inspired by a Vintage '70s Capsule
  • Shockmount and Hard Mount Included
  • Custom 1" Gold-Sputtered Capsule
  • Fully Discrete Signal Path
  • Custom CineMag Transformer
  • Gold-Contact XLR Output Connector
What's in the box?
  • Warm Audio WA-14SP Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Stereo Pair)
  • 2 x Shockmount
  • 2 x Hard Clip
  • Straight Mounting Bar
  • 2 x Protective Zipper Pouch
  • Flight Case
Specification
Microphone Type Condenser
Mono/Stereo 2 Mono
Polar Pattern Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-Eight
Diaphragm Size 2.54 cm
Frequency Range 20 - 20 000 Hz
Max SPL 165 dB SPL
Impedance 150 Ω
Sensitivity 9 mV/Pa at 1 kHz
Self Noise 16 dB(A) +/- 1dB
Connector XLR
Color Black

Product instruction