Warm Audio’s Classic FET Condenser, Better Than Ever
Warm Audio’s acclaimed compressors and preamps have famously upset the pro audio price/performance ratio. When the company turned its attention to microphones with the WA-87, it set a high target: one of the most iconic large-diaphragm, multi-pattern FET condenser mics in history. To say Warm Audio succeeded would be an understatement: the original WA-87 was a best-seller here at Sweetwater. Now, with the WA-87 R2, Warm Audio has made its modern classic better than ever. Featuring a sleek new design with a rounded grille, optimized metalwork, and performance enhancements that include a genuine CineMag transformer, the Warm Audio WA-87 R2 is a workhorse mic that deserves a place in your mic locker.
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Affordable modern incarnation of a legendary mic
Flash back to any top recording studio in the 1970s. You’ll see the venerable ’87 everywhere: on toms, overheads, guitar cabs, brass, congas, vocals — you name it. Sweetwater engineers who have worked with different generations of this perennial studio favorite know that the vintage ones have a warmer, more forgiving sonic character. It’s these circuit designs, dating back a half century, that Warm Audio closely followed for the WA-87 R2. Stellar performance, top-shelf parts, and amazing value — that’s the Warm formula, and the WA-87 R2 nails it.
What can the WA-87 R2 do for you?
Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics, and the Warm Audio WA-87 R2 is designed after a legendary one. You can use the WA-87 R2 on anything with world-class results. It’s great for vocals. It makes drums sound huge. It’s a must-have for adding a bit of room to complement a close dynamic or ribbon mic on a guitar cabinet. It’s an ideal choice for any acoustic instrument — strings, brass, woodwinds, or percussion. We’ve even used it on a kick drum (where the -10dB pad comes in handy)! It’s equipped with an 80Hz highpass filter that’s useful for eliminating low-end mud and rumble. And its three polar patterns further increase this microphone’s already impressive versatility.
Explore the sonic possibilities
The WA-87 R2’s three switchable polar patterns — cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 — give you immense flexibility when it comes to exploring the sonic possibilities offered by different recording techniques. Figure-8 (bidirectional) is perfect for capturing face-to-face recordings, such as two background singers on one mic. This pattern also features aggressive side rejection, which makes it a useful option for miking backline amps and speaker cabinets. With two of these superb mics, you can implement stereo techniques, such as spaced pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S). You could even mic an entire symphony orchestra and the ambience of the hall it’s in with just three judiciously placed WA-87 R2 microphones set to omni.
Quality components make the Warm difference
Warm Audio doesn’t cut corners on components, but it does order parts and build in quantity, which keeps costs down and delivers amazing value. The WA-87 R2 is assembled with premium all-discrete components, such as NOS Fairchild transistors, WIMA/Nichicon capacitors, and a genuine USA-made CineMag output transformer. The mic also features a custom reproduction of the renowned K87 dual-diaphragm/dual-backplate capsule used in vintage ’87s. Premium parts and meticulous design deliver a superior-sounding microphone — one that doesn’t cost a fortune. Give the WA-87 R2 an audition in your studio; you’ll hear what we’re talking about.
Warm Audio WA-87 R2 Features:
- 3 switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8
- Designed after a classic, studio-standard large-diaphragm FET condenser mic
- Incorporates a faithful reproduction of the original vintage 87-style circuit
- WA87-B-50V capsule reproduction of the vintage dual-backplate K87
- Exceptional build quality with premium, all-discrete components
- NOS Fairchild transistors and WIMA/Nichicon capacitors
- Custom Cinemag USA output transformer
- Nickel-plated brass body; 10dB pad; 80Hz highpass filter
- Diaphragm: 6 micron, 1-inch gold-sputtered membrane
- Frequency response: 20kHz–20kHz; Noise: -117dB
- SPL (.5% THD): 132dB (pad engaged), 125dB (pad disengaged)
- 24k gold-plated, 3 pin XLR (150 ohms)
- Includes shock mount, hard mount, and wooden storage box
