Warm Audio WA12 500 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp Overview
Warm Audio WA12-500 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp overview from GAKDesigned to shape and breath life into your signal, the WA 12-500 MKII preamp from Warm Audio uses a discrete op-amp, the X731, which is their faithful reproduction of the classic Melcor 1731.
Excellent for any number of recording applications, the WA-12-500 MKII is a discrete, high voltage preamp featuring dual transformers with high gain (+71dB), low noise and high headroom. An integral piece of studio kit if you wish to bring unprecedented warmth, size and clarity to your recordings.
The WA 12-500 MKII features professional-grade input and output CineMag USA transformers, whilst the discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp can be replaced with other '2520 foot-print' opamps to change the tone of your sound.
You get a distinct tone when playing various instruments through the WA12 via a 1/4" jack, this is because the 2 Meg Phm True HI-Z input sends the signal through the entire available circuit via BOTH CineMag transformers and the opamp.
The front panel features a TONE button that switches the input impedance level to change the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs, other buttons include switchable 48v phantom power and smooth action gain and output knobs.
- Utilizes premium grade input and output USA CineMag transformers.
- 71db of Gain, fully discrete signal path.
- Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp. Can be replaced with other 6-pin "2520 foot-print" opamps for varying tone/flavor.
- TONE button – Switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms. Changes the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs.
- 2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input on front panel. Sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete opamp. Great for guitars, bass, keyboards and other instruments that have a 1/4″ output jack.
- 48 volt Phantom Power.
- Output attenuation control (after the CineMag output transformer) allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation.
- LED Meter gain indication.
- 20db pad.
- Utilizes premium grade input and output USA CineMag transformers.
- 71db of Gain, fully discrete signal path.
- Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp. Can be replaced with other 6-pin "2520 foot-print" opamps for varying tone/flavor.
- TONE button – Switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms. Changes the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs.
- 2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input on front panel. Sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag Transformers and the discrete opamp. Great for guitars, bass, keyboards and other instruments that have a 1/4″ output jack.
- 48 volt Phantom Power.
- Output attenuation control (after the CineMag output transformer) allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation.
- LED Meter gain indication.
- 20db pad.
