Warm Audio WA-251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Description

The Warm Audio WA-251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed to provide the tonal characteristics of classic 251 microphones for vocalists, musicians, and recording engineers in home, project, and commercial recording studios. Thanks to three polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8—selectable from the included external power supply, its versatility allows it to excel on anything from close-up vocals to distant room sounds. It handles SPLs up to 132 dB with low distortion and noise, and produces a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

The custom CK12-style capsule features brass construction and a gold-sputtered, 6-micron Mylar diaphragm with a single backplate. Tone-enhancing components, including a JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube, an American-made CineMag output transformer, and WIMA, Solen, and polystyrene capacitors, have been carefully selected to impart vintage-flavoured tone characterised by a present high end and prominent low frequencies. Even the 7-pin cable, manufactured by Gotham Audio in Switzerland, rises to meet the demands of high-resolution audio production. It ensures the integrity of high frequencies and minimises phase shift between the microphone and the power supply.

The WA-251 is supplied with a wood box and a shock mount, which reduces rumble and decouples it from problematic vibrations.

Key Features:

Vintage-Style Microphone

Engineered to pay homage to the classic 251 microphone of the 1960s while standing out on its own; ideal for vocals, drums, piano, strings, guitar, bass, brass/woodwind instruments, and more

Custom Capsule

Custom, all-brass, edge-terminated WA-12-B-60V capsule with a 24kt gold–sputtered, 6-micron NOS PET film (Mylar) diaphragm offers the tonality of the classic CK12 capsule with the reliability of modern components

JJ 12AY7 Vacuum Tube

Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube imparts a characterful frequency response and contributes smoothness to the circuit

CineMag Transformer

American-made CineMag transformer helps provide the present top end and the large bottom end typically desired from a 251-style condenser mic

Carefully Selected Capacitors

Carefully selected capacitors include polystrene coupling capacitors, WIMA film capacitors, and an imported Solen capacitor on the output

Premium Tube Mic Cable

Includes a premium Gotham Audio GAC-7 tube microphone cable, which enhances top-end presence and reduces phase shift