Description
The WA-47 is an authentic reproduction of the most coveted tube microphone, hailed as the grandfather of professional recordings and timeless studio sound. Production of the U47 microphone ran from 1947 - 1963 after initially debuting in Berlin in 1947. The original U47 microphones quickly became the industry standard for professional recordings by the early 1950’s and still runs the show today due to the added sensitivity of the mic which boosts the presence and detail of contemporary recordings. Some of the most famous albums of all time feature vintage 47 microphones, with an artist roster that goes from Sinatra to Adele with many a few small acts like The Beatles in between. Vintage 47-style microphones raised the bar for what’s possible in recording and the WA-47 is meticulously designed with premium components to authentically reproduce that coveted sonic profile and feature set at an unprecedented price.
Legendary Sound, Premium Build
The WA-47 is a serious tool for professional recording. No corners were cut in bringing the authentic sound of vintage 47-style microphones to everyday artists. Starting at the top, the WA-47 features a gold-sputtered, large, dual-diaphragm, dual-backplate K47-style capsule. The capsule in the WA-47 captures exceptional detail throughout the frequency curve, delivering professional studio sound. Moving down from the capsule, the WA-47 features a premium 5751 vacuum tube that creates extra warmth to achieve that signature analog tone. Completing the circuit is a custom-wound TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA output transformer. The output transformer pushes a wide signal with incredible detail captured by the capsule, delivering authentic analog sound. The WA-47 uses premium WIMA, Solen French, and polystyrene capacitors throughout the circuit allowing ideal signal transfer for optimal performance. Our meticulous R&D process allowed us to dial in a true-to-original output level and frequency response that matches the performance expectations of world-class audio engineers and recording facilities.
Like all Warm products, every single WA-47 has to pass a thorough inspection at Warm HQ in Austin,TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.
Unforgettable Vocals & So Much More
Like the original, the WA-47’s circuit is tuned to capture timeless vocals for a variety of genres and styles. Not limited to voice and spoken word, the WA-47 also shines on the acoustic guitar body, room, piano, upright bass, and many applications where full-bodied analog tone is desired.
The WA-47 has a series of gentle peaks and valleys throughout its 20 Hz -20 kHz frequency response. Just like the original U47 microphone, the WA-47 circuit allows a lot of low-end and mid detail to come through. While the lows and mids come together to capture all the rich warmth and detail of acoustic instruments, vocals benefit greatly from the smooth and pleasing top end in the WA-47. The coveted and unmistakably vintage sound profile of the WA-47 makes it the perfect choice to create timeless music.
Premium Components - Elite Build Quality - Superior Sound
WA-47-B-50v Capsule
The WA-47-B-50v capsule is a true reproduction of the large, dual-diaphragm K47-style capsule found in the original U47 mic. This capsule captures authentic analog detail across the 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. With just the right peaks where most vocals sit, the capsule inside the WA-47 will quickly make this a favorite mic for vocals and any source where vintage vibe is a must.
AMI USA-MADE Output Transformer
The history of TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) transformers goes all the way back to the founding of the most sought-after German analog audio innovations. The TAB (AMI) transformer in the WA-47 is American-made with large-core German laminations and built to exacting standards as designed by Oliver Archut.
Premium Tube & Capacitors
The premium 5751 vacuum tube in the WA-47 delivers true analog tone with exceptionally low gain and (11dBA) self-noise. Premium polystyrene, WIMA, and Solen French capacitors are used throughout the WA-47 circuit, providing the excellent signal conversion that this circuit demands.
Authentic Appearance & Elite Build Quality
The WA-47 is encased in an ultra-durable nickel-plated brass body with an updated headbasket shape adding additional space around the capsule. Every single WA-47 is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin,TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.
The Cable
One component of a tube microphone often overlooked is the 7 pin cable that connects the microphone to its power supply. When auditioning the WA-47 and other tube microphones we learned quite a bit about 7 pin cables and how the shielding and wire gauge size can drastically change the sonics of a tube microphone. We have partnered with Gotham Audio in Switzerland to use their very carefully built top-end 7 pin GAC-7 cable. Using this cable increases top end presence and the overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field, by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often found in poorly built cables. Gotham Audio is very expensive and boutique in nature and should not be considered a small addition to the WA-47 package.
Technical Specifications
Custom K47-Style Capsule RecreationCapsule Makeup: Gold Sputtered, Dual Large Diaphragm, Dual-Backplate, 6 Microns NOS Mylar (PET Film)
TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer
Premium 5751 Vacuum Tube
Wima, Solen French, And Polystyrene Capacitors
Self-Noise: 11dBA
Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omni, Figure-Of-Eight + 6 Mixed Patterns
Dynamic Range: 130dBA
Maximum SPL: 140dB (<0.5% THD)
Dimensions: 8” X 2.75” (20.3cm X 7cm)
Frequency Range: 20 Hz~20 KHz
Output Impedance: 200 ohms
Rated Load Impedance: ≥2kOhms
S/N Ratio: 82dBA
Equivalent Noise: 10dBA (IEC651)
Gotham 5 Meter GAC-7, 7-Pin Tube Microphone Cable
Total Weight - 9 Lbs
Mic Diameter: 60mm
Mic Length: 254mm
Includes: Microphone, Wood Box, Power Supply Unit, Shockmount, Gotham 7 Pin GAC-7 Cable, IEC Power Cable