Great preamp, incredible value

Many engineers prefer microphone preamps that do something. And no, we're not talking about increasing gain — they all do that. We're talking about improving the sound of your signal. Character. Coloring. Whatever you want to call it, it's that inimitable sonic quality that the most coveted classic consoles and outboard gear had. Warm Audio's WA12 MKII preamp has it, shaping your sound with a thrilling, vibrant warmth that makes any vocal or instrument sit proudly in your mix. We like the Warm Audio WA12 MKII and — especially considering its moderate price — we're sure you will too.

Coloring — and why you want it

The most coveted vintage consoles and external equipment were not transparent. And that's the point behind the Warm Audio WA12 MKII. Coloring is, in many cases, desirable. If your mixes sound unprofessional, lacking vibrancy and depth, you'll love the WA12 MKII. Subjective listening tests played an important role in the development of this incredible preamp. Test equipment can tell you a lot, and there is a point in the design process when you need to let your ears call the shots. You wouldn't go with earplugs and an oscilloscope, would you?

Impedance switching offers sonic versatility

Warm Audio equipped the WA12 MKII with a secret weapon: a Tone knob that changes the input impedance from 600 to 150 ohms. Pressing this button changes the tone of the mic and hi-Z inputs, allowing you to individually optimize each of your mics and giving you a measure of sonic versatility without having to resort to EQ. And speaking of microphones, with 71dB of gain, the WA12 MKII has enough to handle your favorite ribbon mics.

Top-tier performance — incredible value

We understand that equipping your studio is a balancing act between performance and value. Warm Audio achieves this, and its WA12 MKII delivers on both counts. Despite its ultra-reasonable price, Warm Audio equipment is made using only the best components, such as genuine Cinemag input and output transformers. Look at it this way: At this price, you can pack your rack with two or more WA12 MKII preamps—an excellent idea if you record live drums or more than one track at a time.

Characteristics

• Fully discreet design with a robust 71dB gain to power all your microphones — even ribbons;
• X731 high voltage operational amplifier, based on the classic Melcor 1731;
• The Tone knob offers tonal versatility, switching input impedance from 600 to 150 ohms;
• 48 volt phantom power, 20dB pad and polarity inversion switches;
• Balanced microphone level input: XLR or 1/4″ TRS;
• Balanced outputs: XLR and 1/4″ TRS;
• True 2 Mohm hi-Z input on front panel — great for guitars, bass, keyboards;
• Custom Cinemag input and output transformers;
• LED gain indicator.

Specifications

• Preamplifier type: solid-state microphone/instrument preamplifier;
• Number of channels: 1;
• Phantom power: Yes;
• Pads: -20dB;
• Polarity switch: yes;
• Equalizer: Tone impedance switch;
• Analog inputs: 1 x XLR (microphone), 1 x 1/4 in. (Hi-Z);
• Analog outputs: 1 x 1/4 in. TRS, 1 x XLR;
• Power source: Standard IEC AC cable.