Warm Audio WA12 MKII Classic 312-Style Analog Microphone Preamp

Liven up any source! Inspired by the API 312, the WA12 MKII pre delivers 71 dB of clear, warm gain with switchable impedance and a Melcor 1731-style op-amp.

$499.00

  • 8 x  
    $62.38
  • No Credit Check
    6 x  
    $83.17
  • No Credit Check
    4 x  
    $124.75

Warm Audio WA12 Microphone Preamplifier

No longer available at zZounds
Based on the API 312 preamp, this pre gives you 71 dB of thick, rich, colorful, vintage-style gain, with a variable-impedance switch for two tonal options.

The Warm Audio WA12 is based on the Classic 312 style preamp and uses unique component choices that give it a very warm, exciting, opulent tone. The WA12 uses more unique and expensive component choices than many pricier models. You will be hard pressed to find anything as good under $1,000, and many will enjoy it more than $2,000+ pieces. All component choices have been carefully selected and some even customized. Everything passes the golden ear test.

Warm Audio WA12: A Classic 312-Style Preamp

Warm Audio set out to create a top-notch preamp every musician could afford. Not just a fancy chassis or shiny tubes but something that would actually sound great, something that would transform average mics and instruments into world-class tone. Warm Audio has built gear for high-end studios for years -- cutting corners for this project was not an option. The WA12 is designed at the quality level of everything else they have built. It's truly exceptional. The WA12 holds its ground next to pres 4-5 times its price.

Is this possible? Yes. A bold claim? Absolutely. A lie? Nope. Warm Audio has created an industry-changing piece of gear. Say goodbye to the $1,000 glass ceiling and say hello to the WA12: The first fully-professional, transformer-balanced mic pre, with the beautiful character and mojo of some of the greatest classics.

Get an overview of the Warm Audio WA12 Microphone Preamp in this video demo:


Features:

- 71db of Gain
- Custom Designed Cinemag input and read more output transformers
- 150 ohm, and 600 ohm input impedance for varying tone - affects both the microphone and HI-Z inputs
- Fully Discrete
- 48 volt Phantom Power
- Microphone level balanced input: XLR or TRS
- Balanced outputs: XLR and TRS
- 2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input: 1/4 inch Front panel - sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete operational amplifier
- 20db pad
- External power supply for low noise
read less

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://warmaudio.com/contact-support/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted November 4, 2014 by C W in Springdale, AR

"Great Buy!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Love this preamp. I pair with a Neumann TLM103 a lot of the time and I haven't been able to make sources sound bad. I almost always use the tone function. I have a set of Focurite ISA828 pre's and they're are my pristine clean pre's. I use this a ton on vocals, guitar, and kick/snare. I'm taking stars off of features, simply because it doesn't have a lot of the things you're other preamp/channel strip type pre's have. Doesn't have metering (LED or VU), compression, EQ, bass rolloff, nor does it have a trim for the gain. However, at this price point these are not really strong complaints. Just some things for people to consider. One feature I DO LOVE, is the ability to run both outputs at the same time. This allows me to run one raw signal to my DAW and the other output signal through a piece of outboard gear such as a compressor or verb/delay fx that I need to print when ever I'm on the road recording an artist/band. Overall this is a great investment at this price point. Pretty hard to beat considering it's made with the American made Cinemag transformers. Great sound when pushed a little with certain instruments/sources. One important detail, the gain know is stepped into increments. Small thing to worry about, but I know someone will want to know about it.

Sound
I would characterize the sound of this preamp as warm and clear. Not necessarily clean/transparent. Adds color and character. Simply use the tone button in or out to your liking. I like read more to engage the tone button, then the pad button, and then push the gain knob pretty hot.

Features
To me the most useful features are the simultaneous dual outputs and the tone button.

Ease of Use
Super easy to get a great sound from with this preamp. Like I said before, it lacks features but that's part of the beauty. It's so simple and there's nothing to overthink when you're trying to track. Has all the standard connections you would expect from a preamp that allows you to integrate with your existing recording setup.

Quality
From what I can tell, unit is very well made and doesn't feel cheap. Heavy metal casing and great attention to detail. Knobs and buttons don't feel like they're going to break on you after a few uses.

Value
This preamp is definitely worth it's selling price.

Manufacturer Support
Had the pleasure of talking with the owner. Gave great advise on picking out this piece and seems very down to earth. Quick response times. Very easy to reach.

The Wow Factor
Simplicity with great sound is the wow factor for me.

Musical Background:
Producer/engineer/musician that has been involved in the music scene in various capacities for over 15 years.

Musical Style:
Specializes in pop, rap, rock, jazz, and fusion genres.
read less
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

No longer available at zZounds