The Warm Audio WA-251 is a faithful replica of the classic '251 style large-diaphragm condenser microphone. The original, released in 1960, is reverently considered one of the most beautiful sounding microphones ever made. With rare vintage '251 working conditions worth a lot of money, the WA-251 is a no-brainer if you're after that unique, smooth, present, open sound you've heard on countless hits. Simply put, this mic delivers sumptuous results on any instrument. Stock your microphone closet with a meticulous version of a classic: the Warm Audio WA-251.

A sound heard on countless iconic recordings

Its acclaimed compressors, preamps and vintage-inspired mics disrupted the price/performance ratio of pro audio, so when Warm Audio turned its attention to the godfather of large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones, you knew it had to be good. . And it is always! With its unobtrusive, transformer-balanced vacuum tube circuitry and custom reproduction capsule, the Warm Audio WA-251 nails the huge, creamy sound of the beloved and revered '251—a sound heard on countless iconic recordings.

Sourceless, the WA-251 fails to finesse

Go back to any major recording studio in the 1960s and you'll see the venerable '251 everywhere. It now ranks high in the pantheon of the greatest microphones ever made. It's this classic circuit design — dating back more than half a century — that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA-251. This faithful replica uses a full brass true CK-12 style custom capsule. Three polar patterns and robust 132dB SPL handling translate to incredible versatility; there's literally no source the WA-251 can't refine with its inimitable, seductive sound.

Explore the sonic possibilities

The WA-251's three polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure 8 — offer immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. With two of these great mics, you can implement stereo techniques such as spaced pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF matrix, and mid-side (MS). For full orchestra, add a third WA-251 for the minimalist—and highly effective—Mercury Living Presence technique: three omnis spaced across the orchestra soundstage, centered above the conductor's podium. Set all three channels to unity gain, adjust for the loudest musical peaks, and leave those faders alone. Let the conductor balance the orchestra (as nature intended).

A '251 for the rest of us

What can you achieve with the WA-251? Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser microphones, and the Warm Audio WA-251 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA-251 on anything — with world-class results. It's simply stunning on vocals, acoustic guitars, double bass, electric guitar and bass booths, piano, drums and percussion, strings, brass, woodwinds and any other source you want to use. In fact, you could mike an entire symphony orchestra with nothing more than three WA-251s carefully positioned in omni. Considering their incredible value, you'd be wise to get two to record tracks in stereo. You haven't lived until you've heard a grand piano come to life when miked with a pair of '251s. For drum mics, use two WA-251s and destroy the stereo signal with a fast compressor. Positively explosive!

Characteristics

• Faithful replica of the classic '251 style large-diaphragm condenser microphone;
• CK-12 Style Full Brass Custom Capsule;
• CineMag USA custom transformer;
• JJ Slovak 12AY7 vacuum tube;
• Gotham 5 meters GAC-7 7-pin tube microphone cable;
• WIMA, Solen French and polystyrene capacitors;
• 3 polar patterns: cardioid, omni, figure-8;
• Dynamic range: 125dBA;
• Maximum SPL: 132dB (<0.5% THD);
• Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz;
• Output impedance: 200 ohms;
• Rated load impedance: ≥2k ohms;
• S/N Ratio: 80dBA;
• Equivalent noise: 12dBA (IEC651);
• IEC grounded external PSU;
• Includes 7-pin cable, wooden case, power supply and shockmount.

Specifications

• Microphone type: condenser tube;
• Mono/Stereo: mono;
• Polar pattern: ardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8;
• Diaphragm size: large diaphragm;
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz;
• Maximum SPL: 132dB SPL;
• Output impedance: 200 ohms;
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 80dB (A weighted);
• Auto noise: 12dB (A weighted);
• Tube: JJ Slovak 12AY7;
• Features: CineMag USA custom transformer;
• Power source: External power source;
• Connector: 7 pin (microphone), XLR (power supply);
• Dimensions (diameter x length): 44 x 247mm;
• Accessories included: Shockmount, Gotham cable, wooden case.