Warm Audio WA-67

The original '67 became one of the most sought-after and widely-used studio microphones of its time, recording a massive collection of some of the most memorable songs of the last 50 years - we're talking about classic tracks from artists as varied as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Temptations and Nirvana! The original mics are still sought after, but they can command upwards of $8000 for a pristine unit, putting them far out of reach for most recordists.

Thankfully, Warm Audio has now changed that scenario with the release of the new WA-67! Based around an EF86 pentode tube and having the same smooth and creamy tone of the original, the WA-67 excels at recording just about anything that you put it in front of, and it may immediately become your go-to choice for vocals, guitars, drum toms and overheads, pianos, brass and strings.

THE CAPSULE:

The WA-67 utilizes a custom re-production of the vintage '67-style (K67) capsule that was used in the classic microphone - complete with the same hole pattern and frequency response. We even went the extra mile to ensure that our capsule adheres precisely to the vintage specs, evidenced by the fact that the assembly is made entirely out of brass, including the tensioning hoops. The capsule is one of the most important pieces of the classic '67 formula, and we're ecstatic at how it turned out.

THE TUBE:

The EF86 vacuum tube is well known in the audio industry for having characteristics that are seriously flattering to audio sources - in fact there are a number of boutique manufacturers that use it in their ultra-expensive microphones and preamps. The tube has a unique character that is both vibey and hyper-accurate at the same time, and even though that sounds a bit odd to say, you'll understand when you hear it. Offering a microphone of this quality, based around an EF86 tube - at this price - is unheard of in our industry, and we couldn't be happier to make it available to recordists everywhere!

THE TRANSFORMER:

The WA-67 utilizes a custom large-core transformer made by Lundahl in Sweden, a company well-known for making killer transformers for some of the top names in audio. The transformer is another component that is critical to the sound and performance of the WA-67, and it helps provide the creamy smooth high frequency response and girth that this mic will undoubtedly become famous for.

THE CABLE:

The quality of the 7-pin cable that connects a tube mic to its power supply is also of paramount importance - it carries both audio and voltage for the tube on different pins, which means that it plays an integral role in the performance of the microphone. That's why we've partnered with high-end manufacturer Gotham Audio of Switzerland to use their high-end GAC-7 cable with the WA-67. This special cable adds the finishing touch to the WA-67 system, and is integral to the sound and performance of the microphone.

THE CAPACITORS:

The WA-67 proudly uses high-bandwidth polystyrene capacitors, as well as boutique capacitors from Wima throughout, and an imported Solen French capacitor on its output.

• Large diaphragm studio condenser microphone

• Faithful re-creation of the classic 67-style pentode tube circuit

• EF86 pentode tube for creamy smooth clarity and brilliance

• Custom large-core transformer from Lundahl Sweden

• Custom all-brass large K67-style vintage capsule re-creation

• Gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm, 6 microns thick

• High-bandwidth polystyrene capacitors

• Boutique capacitors from Wima and Solen

• Nickel-plated brass microphone body and headbasket for ultimate acoustic performance

• Premium 7-pin tube cable from Gotham Switzerland .Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-of-Eight

• Cardioid at 1kHz

• Omni at 1kHz

• Figure - 8 at 1kHz

• Switchable hi-pass filter

• Switchable -10 db pad

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz .Rated impedance: 200 ohms

• Rated load impedance: 1kilohms .Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 17 dB-A .Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%: 138 dB .Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted): 78 dB

• Microphone includes: wood box, shockmount, hardmount, power supply, 7-pin mic cable