Classic console preamp sound

The Warm Audio WA-412 delivers the vintage magic of a venerable American console preamp. With its big, punchy bass and sweet, open highs, the WA-412 4-channel preamp/DI packs classic rock 'n' roll sound into a sleek 1RU chassis. Warm Audio equipment has notoriously upset the price/performance ratio of professional audio, and the WA-412 continues the tradition with its transformer-coupled discrete-pass component topology. Stellar performance, top-of-the-line parts, and incredible value: that's the Warm formula—and the WA-412 gets it right.

What can the WA-412 do for you?

Need to record dynamic and impactful drums? With a pair of WA-412s, you can track a complete multi-mic drum kit. Pack your rack with four of them and you have a console of killer preamps to track the entire band. The WA-412 provides all the features you need. Warm Audio started with their vision of a classic scheme. Then they added an output trim to each channel for precise control and creative gain staging. Another modern innovation is the tone switch on each channel, which changes the input impedance of the transformer to give you the choice between punchy vintage console tone and a more neutral, open sound.

Quality components make the warm difference

You know that if your front end isn't right, the rest of your signal chain doesn't matter. Most professional engineers have invested a lot of money in a high-quality mic preamp; it was simply the cost of entry to world-class sounds. Now we're talking about performance and value, and Warm Audio has changed that equation. The company doesn't skimp on components, but orders parts and assembles in bulk, which keeps costs low and offers incredible value. Each channel of the WA-412 features a fully discrete, socketed op-amp (yes - it's interchangeable with other op-amps) with high headroom and low distortion — a defining sonic characteristic of these vintage console pres. Altran USA's custom transformers also contribute to the WA-412's authoritative sound.

Characteristics

• Based on a classic American console preamp design known for its punchy, bold sound;
• Fully discrete, transformer-coupled through-hole component topology;
• Custom Altran USA premium input and output transformers on each channel;
• Op-amp with discrete socket X520 on all channels;
• 65db gain; 20dB pad (mic and instrument input pads);
• Inputs: microphone (XLR), active instrument direct injection (1/4");
• Outputs: Transformer balanced XLR and TRS;
• Tone knob - changes input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms;
• Phantom power (+48 volts), selectable by channel;
• LED metering per channel;
• Per-channel output adjustment knob for exact level control and sound sculpting
• Internal power supply (grounded 3-pin IEC power cord).

Specifications

• Preamp Type: Solid State;
• Number of channels: 4;
• Phantom power: yes
• Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR (microphone), 4 x 1/4 in. (Hi-Z);
• Analog Outputs: 4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4 in;
• Rack Spaces: 1U;
• Manufacturer Part Number: WA-412. 638142859295