Warm Audio introduces WA-251 tube condenser

Warm Audio has unveiled the WA-251, an all vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern, large condenser microphone, based on the classic ‘251 that has been used on many hit records for the last 50+ years.

The WA-251 is designed for pro studio, home studio, live, and broadcast applications for use on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources.

The WA-12-B-60V is an all-brass, edge-terminated capsule that uses a variant CEK-12 back plate as a basis, overcoming manufacturing limitations of the original CK12 capsule. The o-ring and housing of the WA-12-B-60V are all made from brass (no teflon parts), and the diaphragm is 24k gold sputtered 6 micron, NOS PET film (mylar), matching the frequency response and tonality of the 1970’s classic capsule. A Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube is also used in the WA-251.

Meanwhile, the WA-251 utilises a CineMag USA transformer and a Gotham Audio 7 pin “GAC-7 cable”. Using this cable increases top end presence and the overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift. The mic also uses polystyrene coupling capacitors, wima film capacitors throughout, and an imported Solen French capacitor on its output.

The WA-251 is priced at $799 USD / €899 INC VAT and will be available in February 2019.