Enhance your recordings with the sound of a tape era legend

It had to happen sooner or later. Leave it to the innovators at Warm Audio to build a microphone preamp based on the tube electronics of the iconic American professional tape machine that recorded countless radio-ready hits during the golden age of analog. From the rock pioneers of the '50s and '60s to the sound-savvy artists of today, the legendary “351” has been the secret sauce in the signal chain that delivers the warmth and vintage-flavored color we all seek in our own recordings. The Warm Audio WA-2MPX 2-channel mic/line/instrument tube preamp incorporates an original specification circuit design, authentically reproducing the coveted analog sounds of the original. Wired and hand-assembled using only premium, completely discrete components, including custom-spec, original-spec CineMag USA large-core transformers, the WA-2MPX delivers instant “sounds like a record” punch to tracks that blast straight from the speakers. speakers. But there's so much more to this incredible preamp that makes it indispensable for modern hybrid studio workflows.

Original circuit design, full feature set

Staying true to the original circuit design, Warm Audio has added all the modern amenities that make the WA-2MPX impressively versatile in the studio. Used in conjunction with the preamp's gain and output level controls, the ribbon saturation switch makes it easy to adjust your gain structure from open and crystal clear to scorching. The addition of Warm Audio's classic tone switch allows you to modify the impedance of the microphone input transformer for microphone optimization or extra analog color. Also integrated are excellent-sounding instrument DI inputs per channel, useful high-pass and low-pass filters, polarity inversion and, of course, 48V phantom power. The WA-2MPX employs three premium vacuum tubes per channel: two 12AX7s and one 12AU7. In a stroke of engineering genius, Warm Audio has included a high-gain switch that wraps around the third tube, increasing the available gain from 70dB to an impressive 90dB. Now you can finally deploy your favorite, notoriously low-gain, passive ribbon microphones on quiet sources!

Smooth and confident in operation

The WA-2MPX graces any control room rack with its eye-catching looks that nod to the vintage tape recorder that inspired it. A model of simplicity, the WA-2MPX's thick brushed aluminum front panel features a logical, professional control layout with large, grippy buttons symmetrically flanking a pair of illuminated VU meters. Per channel, you have preamp gain and output level knobs, plus input selection knobs with mic, line, and instrument settings. Along the bottom are instrument connectors and a row of switches that activate the previously mentioned functions. In operation, the potentiometers and switches are silky smooth and confidence-inspiring. The WA-2MPX is a very professional package, but we wouldn't expect anything less from Warm Audio. At this point, we should point out that Warm Audio also makes a single-channel version, the WA-MPX, for those with modest channel count requirements.

An incredible value you don't want to pass up

Warm Audio never fails to delight audio professionals. With the WA-2MPX, they've done it again, offering a boutique-grade, feature-rich, hand-assembled tube preamp at an incredibly affordable price. The flexible gain structure gives you wide latitude for pushing the tubes, dialing in natural harmonic distortion and compression that imbues sources with authentic 15IPS coil-to-reel sound. The WA-2MPX offers mic/line inputs and balanced outputs on XLR and TRS for easy integration into your studio or mobile rig. And its rugged metal chassis, rugged rack-mount front panel, and discreet hand-wired internal components make it an ideal preamp for venue and front-of-house recording. Equipped with a robust internal power supply and selectable 115/230 voltage, the WA-2MPX is ready for action on whatever continent your productions take you to. Factor in its surprisingly low price and it all adds up to incredible value. Spice up your recordings with the sound of a legend: the Warm Audio WA-2MPX tube preamp.

Characteristics

• Authentic reproduction of the coveted “351” tape machine tube preamp;
• Fully discreet, wired, hand-built construction with 90dB of clean analog tube gain;
• Selectable tape saturation adds harmonic distortion and natural compression for authentic analog grain;
• Custom large-core CineMag USA transformers;
• The tone switch modifies the impedance of the microphone input transformer for microphone optimization or extra analog color;
• 600 ohm output attenuator;
• Vacuum tube complement, per channel: premium 12AX7 (x 2), 12AU7 (x 1);
• Preamp gain: 70dB, 90dB with high gain activated;
• High-gain control involves the third tube in the circuit, adding 20dB of clean gain for low-output microphones and quiet sources;
• Phantom power 48V; polarity switch;
• 80 Hz high-pass filter controls unruly low frequencies;
• 2 kHz low-pass filter concentrates power and warmth in the midrange for increased impact;
• Inputs: XLR Mic, TRS Line, TS Instrument;
• Outputs: line-level XLR and TRS;
• VU Meter Level Indication;
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz;
• Each unit is hand-inspected and tested at Warm Audio HQ in Austin, Texas;
• Available as a single-channel unit, the WA-MPX.

Specifications

• Preamplifier type: tube;
• Number of channels: 2;
• Phantom power: yes;
• Polarity switch: yes;
• Equalizer: 80 Hz high-pass filter, 2kHz low-pass filter;
• Tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 2 x 12AU7;
• Analog inputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4 in. TRS, 2 x 1/4 in. Hi-Z (front);
• Analog outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4 in.
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz;
• Rack Spaces: 2U;
• Power source: Standard IEC AC cable.