Warm Audio WA-CX12 & WA-47F
Posted on: Wednesday 20th of July 2022
Have Warm Audio saved the best until last? WA‑CX12 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser based on one of the world’s most sought-after microphones, the AKG C12. [A version of which, the C12 VR, is still available from the Harman-owned AKG brand for $6,989].
“The C12, a valve operated condenser, was a marvellous mic”, said Beatles-producer George Martin. “It was very sensitive and could pick up things with great clarity from quite a distance away – it was a very ‘hot’ mic as the Americans would say.”
Now ‘the Americans’ have built one! The microphone is based around a hand-selected 12AY7 valve, and features a CK12-style capsule paired with a TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer.
WA‑47F
The second new addition is the WA‑47F which, as the name suggests, is a recreation of Neumann’s U47 FET. Using a reproduction of the K47-style capsule used in the U47 FET, the manufacturer says the microphone recreates the expansive dynamic range, immediate transient response and detail associated with the original.
“Can we use it on the kick drum?”: capable of handling SPLs of up to 137dB (147dB with the 10dB pad), Warm Audio say the WA‑47F is ideal for capturing drums, horns, and amps. The microphone features a built-in hard mount, and comes supplied with a premium wooden box.
The WA‑47F is priced at £759 including VAT. The WA‑CX12 will be available to pre-order with shipping planned for July 2022, and will cost £999 including VAT.
