Its acclaimed compressors and preamps upset the price/performance ratio of professional audio. When Warm Audio turned its attention to microphones with the WA-87, they set a high target: one of the most iconic large-diaphragm, multi-pattern FET condenser microphones in history. To say they did it would be an understatement: the original WA-87 was a bestseller. Now, with the WA87 R2, Warm Audio has made its modern classic better than ever. Featuring a sleek new design with a rounded grille, optimized metallurgy and performance enhancements including a genuine Cinemag transformer; the Warm Audio WA87 R2 is a work mic that deserves a place in your mic closet.

Affordable modern incarnation of a legendary microphone

Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1970's. You'll see the venerable '87 everywhere. In toms, overheads, guitar cabs, brass, congas, vocals — you name it. We know that vintages have a warmer, more forgiving sonic character. It's these circuit designs — dating back half a century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA87 R2. Stellar performance, top-of-the-line parts, and incredible value: that's the Warm formula—and the WA87 R2 gets it right.

What can the WA87 R2 do for you?

Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser microphones, and the Warm Audio WA87 R2 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA87 R2 on anything — with world-class results. It's great for vocals. It makes the drums sound huge. It's a must-have for adding a little room to complement a close dynamic or tape on a guitar cabinet. It's an ideal choice for any acoustic instrument — strings, brass, woodwind, or percussion. We even used it on the kick drum (where the 10dB pad comes in handy)! It is equipped with an 80Hz high-pass filter which is useful to cut through mud and noise at low cost. And its three polar patterns further enhance this microphone's already impressive versatility.

Explore the sonic possibilities

The WA87 R2's three selectable polar patterns - cardioid, omnidirectional and figure 8 - offer immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. The Figure-8 (bidirectional) is perfect for capturing face-to-face recordings, such as two background singers on one microphone. This pattern also features aggressive side rejection, making it a useful option for miking backline amplifiers and speaker cabinets. With two of these great microphones, you can implement stereo techniques such as Spaced Pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF Array, and Middle Side (MS). You can even mike an entire symphony orchestra and the ambience of the hall you're in with just three judiciously placed WA87 R2 microphones set to omni.

Quality components make the warm difference

Warm Audio doesn't skimp on components, but they do order parts and assemble in bulk, which keeps costs low and provides incredible value. The WA87 R2 is assembled with premium all-discrete components such as NOS Fairchild transistors, WIMA/Nichicon capacitors, and a genuine American-made Cinemag output transformer. The mic also features a custom reproduction of the renowned K-87 dual-diaphragm capsule/dual-backplate used in vintage '87s. Premium parts and meticulous design deliver a superior sounding microphone — one that doesn't cost a fortune. Give the WA87 R2 a test drive in your studio: you'll hear what we're talking about.

Characteristics

• 3 selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure 8;
• Designed after a classic studio-standard large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone;
• Incorporates a faithful reproduction of the original vintage-style '87 circuit;
• K87 vintage dual back plate WA87-B-50V capsule reproduction;
• Exceptional build quality with premium, completely unobtrusive components;
• Fairchild NOS transistors and WIMA/Nichicon capacitors;
• Cinemag USA custom output transformer;
• Nickel-plated brass body; 10dB pad; 80 Hz high pass filter;
• Diaphragm: 6 micron, 1-inch gold-plated membrane;
• Frequency response from 20kHz to 20kHz; -117dB noise;
• SPL (0.5% THD): 132dB (pad on), 125dB (pad off);
• 24k gold-plated 3-pin XLR (150 ohms);
• Includes shock mount, hard mount and wooden storage box.

Specifications