Warm Audio WA87 R2 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Nickel Reviews

This is a great condenser microphone, if not the best versatile FET microphone that you can buy in the $ USD range.

After working with a variety of different microphones in the same price range (and high-end microphones), the WA-87 wins in terms of versatility. It has a (mostly) flat frequency response, low-ish self noise, and a high SPL, which makes it convenient for recording a wide spectrum of sound sources such as acoustic guitars, vocals, overheads, and kick drums. While this doesn't sound like a direct U87 clone, this microphone comes close in tone while being versatile in its own way.

However, if you're only going to use this mic on non-versatile or specific tone/sound sources, I would recommend checking out other Warm Audio or third party microphones that will accommodate your needs the best. Personally, I specialize in tracking and mixing rap vocals and don't have many other uses for it (including pop, country, and rock vocals). If you're looking to spend more money (or even less), Warm Audio offers a wide variety of microphones made for specific uses.


Furthermore, here's the why I almost gave it 4.5/5 stars in this review:

- I originally received this mic through Amazon (terrible idea) with a snapped diaphragm backplate. Just like every condenser, this microphone is also fragile. It probably got broken during the shipping process due to not having a "fragile" label on the box with little to no protective packaging of it in the box. However, after taking the microphone apart to look for the problem, I noticed how cheap the plastic backplate felt and how easily it could snap. I wish Warm Audio would have spent another ~ $ on a firmer backplate to ensure the longevity of this mic. Regardless, you should treat this microphone with extra care just like every other high end condenser microphone.

Being said, I gave this mic 5 stars to due to the sound quality and how well it performs with different types of sound sources

I'm a voice actor and have been using a Neumann KMS105 for many years now. I decided to make a change, and this microphone is amazing quality at a great price!

I wasn't looking for a microphone. I have two Warm Audio mics already- a WA87 that I bought about seven years ago and STILL USE regularly, and a WA47 that gets used but not quite as much. I always dug the WA87 on vocals and acoustic guitar.

So this mic (a black copy) went on sale for black Friday and I had to pick one up!

Man! Happy I did! There are some substantial differences from the original to this one for sure! The R2 is bigger and heavier! You'll need a heavy-duty stand for the R2 for sure!

The sound is big, rich, with some nice top end. Like a few have commented it's a little heavy on the lower mids. But it doesn't take much eq to pull that area down a bit and get a very big sounding track from it! The transformer upgrade seems to be the biggest difference in sound- at least to my ears. It's got that "big foot" vibe going on that sounds pro in a mix. It kinda reminds me of what big transformers do to guitar amps!

There are a couple of minor things and I almost knocked off a star because of it. The logo and pattern switch seem to be off center slightly. In my OCD world it bothers me but once I hear it I'm cool.

I think this microphone just happens to have the right combination of the right components to make it a serious microphone man! Mine is the real deal and unless it doesn't last for some reason, I see it getting a lot of use in my studio!

If you are considering pulling the trigger on this beauty..... dont hesitate.
Its beautifully transparent and just sounds clean.
Warm audio is always pushing the envelope and the WA87 R2 is no exception.
Great job Warm Audio!

I love the clear and clean sound of this mic that sounds great on any voice! I've been using it for pop, rap, and rock vocals and have gotten great recordings with it! It makes mixing easy without coloring the vocal in a negative way.

Keep in mind that this mic is heavy and you will need a quality stand to hold it up without drooping (this caught me by surprise because I switched from a super light microphone). The wooden box that the mic comes with is also excellent!

Warm Audio U87 sound amazing for vocals!!!!!

At this price point, you can't beat the sound or build quality of this mic. I've worked with microphones that cost $1k and up. This mic shines on everything. Vocals, instruments, room mic, you name it. Bedroom or professional studio, this could easily be your go to mic.

I've had this mic in my home studio for some months now, and can confidently say that's it's simply a great mic. I have frequent access to a real U87, and can easily record on it at the studio and then finish up recording on my WA87 at home.

From having used vintage 87s, there's a magic to them that immediately sounds like a record. The closest thing I've found is the WA-87. Even more so that the AI reissues, it captures the warmth and detail of the originals and even with minimal or no EQ, sounds like a complete vocal take. For my voice, it is perfect.

Love these! Great high end response and clarity. Must have for the price

Lovely mic. have been using very much for my personal studio recording and would reccomend to anyone who is looking for a rich clear sound but wants to be conservative.

I just got this after struggling with other mics on my 4x12 cabinet.It sounds incredible!! so smooth! recorded the natural tone of the amp and was easy to place and get amazing results!!I know the sm57 is the big go to . But I use one and this is amazingly better!! I can not wait to use on vocals.

Every commercial studio in which I recorded music had several Neumann U87 microphones. It was the only mic we ever used for vocals. But my home studio budget won't allow that expense. I have been using a CAD Equitek E-200 for over 20 years, and it is a great mic, but it is not a Neumann. After watching a dozen or so YouTube videos comparing the Warm Audio WA87 R2 to the older and newer Neumann U87 models, I decided to take the plunge. I am so happy. This mic produces the clarity, warmth, and frequency response that I have been missing. The construction seems substantial, so I am hoping for a long lifespan. It comes with a beautiful wooden storage box that I will never use because I will be too busy re-recording vocals from years of song libraries. (Other Gear: Presonus StudioLive 32S board, Presonus Studio One v6 running on a 27" iMac.)

My dream was to have the famous Neumann u87 but because of its very difficult price, in a sweetwater shooout of over 20 microphones, when I heard and compared the Neumann u87 and the Warm 87 the sound was so similar that it blew my mind and I immediately called my sales engineer and I ordered one, delighted with my purchase

If this is the same as the Warm Audio WA CLASSIC mic I will buy another. I have tested the classic to almost every mic in the studio, nothing tames harsh midrange like this mic and the highs are very smooth. works great on loud guitar cabs and vocals. I have recorded with a real U 87 on a loud guitar amp a long time ago and I think this mic has the same signature sound. when the budget allows I will order the WA87 R2 to compare with this one. I have read reviews that say they have the same components inside. we will see. I have a lot of Warm Audio equipment, and all of it rocks in a very pro way. I look forward to getting one because I can't afford a real Neuman. this is the poor man's Neuman. ROCK ON.

Was recommended this microphone by Matt and all I can say is I'm so glad I purchased. I am a home music engineer and rap artist and the mic I had before was maybe $150. I took the leap and decided to step up my gear and I couldn't be any happier. The self noise on this is almost inaudible and paired with a Stedman pro screen and a Se microphone shield with the 87 plugged into a Focusrite 2i2 the sound is incredible. I am by no means an expert just an average engineer and artist but all I can say is WOW ! Maybe one day I'll be able to afford an actual U87 but this works well for now.

Bought this during the free mic case offer as, for me, a free case was a no-brainer. Now the case gets a little wonky when closing it (TMJ?) but works well otherwise. When I tested the mic on my voice (through my WA-412) I was pleasantly surprised by how "smooth" it sounded. This my 4th WA Mic (two WA-14s and the WA-47) and I am happy to have each one. Shout out to my great SW Rep, Mark Bruhn, for his continued counsel and great sense of humor since 2003(?). Great mic, great deal and great service and support.

Totally love this mic. Looking forward to recording with this mic. It's the best.

I was shopping for a new studio vocal mic under a certain price range and after speaking with Carson, my Sweetwater engineer, I decided on the Warm Audio WA87 R2. After spending a few days experimenting, I feel it was a good investment. In addition to sounding great, I like the roll-off and pattern switches for flexibility.

I just got mine maybe 2 weeks ago with the intent of recording rap/r&b vocals and i will say that the detail of the bottom end of the vocal that it catches is really nice even with the high pass engaged

Every mic in every price point has the potential to sound amazing to disappointing depending on many variables in your studio environment. The Warm Audio WA87 R2 is very transparent and fits my voice, and vocal chain perfectly. Be aware that self noise is a bit higher with this mic (and not published), but in my setting isn't noticeable. Overall I am impressed with the build quality, features, and included accessories. And of course Sweetwater and Gage were spot on with their guidance, research and customer service.

Clean crisp and with the touch of vintage flavor when driven the right way, an absolute achievement on its own regardless of the intention of wanting to be another mic like, it is a spectacular sounding unit and i recommend to have one at least in your Mic collection.

I was always skeptical when i saw this mic advertised. I was looking into a different mic, so i downloaded sweetwaters mic shootout to listen to the ones i had in mind (Majove ma-50 and others). just for fun i compared the wa87 to the u87ai thinking it would sound like all those other 87 knock offs. boy was i surprised! i kept listening over and over . i listened in my studio on monitors i trust. in headphones. again and again. of course there was a small difference between the wa87 and the u87 but it was VERY VERY SUBTLE. i was sold. i got one (r2) . I have used it on a few vocalists and i loved it! but more importantly. MY CLIENTS LOVED IT. its very clean with rich mids. no weird harshness. i am extremely happy and surprised .

thank you patrick dennis!

When the original WA-87 came out, I ordered one immediately. I have 4 of them, now, and use them to record vocalists in a church group every week. When R2 was announced, I was intrigued. It was presented as the microphone WA-87 was intended to be. I asked my Sales Engineer, who said it's still not a U87, but, it's an excellent mic.

So, I ordered one.

It's still not a U87, but, it's an excellent mic. Light color to bring out the life in a vocal, great detail, and further detailed, but overwhelming, bottom end. Excellent general purpose mic. Really makes narrations come alive.

You gotta get you one a these.

If you're looking for a u87 style mic, this is a good budget option. For me, it's a little too wooly sounding as is the u87 so this is a pretty good clone. With the right EQ settings this can sound great. However, if you're looking for a more modern sounding budget mic for rap/pop voxals it would be worth trying the Rode NT1 out first. Less money and to me, sounds better. Not the NT1-A...Get the NT1.

I've always dreamed of having a U87. And after buying this mic the other day, I still do.

So far, I've tried it on guitar, vocals and piano, running through a UA Apollo Twin. While it sounded quite good on vocals, I was disappointed in the sounds I got when tracking the instruments. It lacks detail in the lows and low mids, leaving me with sounds that lacked warmth and character. I know the U87 is not known for it's low end response, but it certainly performs much better than the WA-87 in this regard. Honestly, the WA sounds a little cheap anywhere below 1k, in my opinion. Everything above that sounded pleasant, however. The high end is very smooth.

The flaws of the WA-87 became very evident when I tracked the same guitar, piano and vocal parts using my Mojave MA-300. It blew it out of the water in every regard. It provided better detail in the lows, and smoother high end; it provided more warmth and more clarity on every part than the WA-87.

I recognize that this mic is high quality for the price, but it is still far from an excellent condenser mic. I guess I was hoping I could finally afford to get my hands on Neuman U87. In reality, I got my hands on a decent mic that sounds closer to its mid-level condenser compatriots than it does the legendary Neuman. I will probably return mine, as I don't feel I will have much use for it.