Warm Audio WA12 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp

Warm Audio WA12 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp Overview

Warm Audio WA12 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp overview from GAK

The Warm Audio WA12 MKII Discrete Mic Preamp is designed to enhance the signal from your audio source, with a focus on maintaining clarity whilst transforming your source material from flat to exciting, warm and rich.

The WA12 MKII is a fully discrete, dual-transformer microphone preamp, boasting a high gain of +71dB, a high headroom and low noise, the ideal preamp for vocal recordings, guitar, bass, keys, drums and many more sources.

At the heart of the WA12 MKII is the X731 discrete op-amp, Warm Audio's own faithful reproduction of the classic Melcor 1731 renown for achieving vibrant tones with an ability to drive into mild saturation at much higher gain levels. Dual CineMag USA transformers and an all discrete signal path combine resulting in rich and vibrant tones with no loss of natural harmonic qualities. The WA12 MKII features output attenuation control that gives you the option to drive the transformers and preamp into saturation as an added effect. 

On the front panel, a 2 Meg Ohm True HI-Z input accommodates the recording of guitars, bass, keys and various other instruments with a 1/4" output jack. The TONE button found on the front panel allows you to change the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms, transforming the tone of both the mic an instrument/HI-Z inputs for varied applications. Adjust input gain for various instruments and sources via the two gain and output rotary knobs, each with an ultra smooth action for added accuracy. There is a +48v phantom power button and an additional PAD button for adding n extra 28dB to sources such as kick drums, ensuring a cleaner signal with no distortion. To keep track of your input levels the WA12 MK II's 5-step LED meter gain indication gives clear colour coded signal information to avoid peaks.