Description
The Warm Audio WA-14 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to be a faithful recreation of the highly sought-after early 1970s “EB-circuit” C414-style microphone. This particular vintage 414 is revered for its natural, uncolored sound, making it a “jack of all trades” in the studio, capable of excelling on a wide variety of sources. Warm Audio aims to bring this classic sonic performance to a more accessible price point.
Features and Specifications:
- Microphone Type: FET (Field-Effect Transistor) Condenser, fully discrete signal path. This means it’s a solid-state condenser microphone known for clarity, detail, and fast transient response. Like all condensers, it requires +48V phantom power from your audio interface or mixer to operate.
- Diaphragm/Capsule: Features a custom all-brass, edge-terminated CK12-style capsule (Warm Audio’s “Lens Kondensator” LK-12-B-60V). This capsule is specifically designed to replicate the smoothness, rich top end, and warm vintage sonics of the original CK12 capsule found in the classic ’70s 414. It uses a 24kt gold-sputtered, 6-micron, NOS PET film (mylar) diaphragm.
- Output Transformer: A key component in its sonic character, the WA-14 incorporates a custom premium CineMag USA transformer. CineMag transformers are highly respected in the audio industry for their high quality and contribution to a rich, full sound.
- Capacitors: The fully discrete signal path utilizes high-quality components, including tantalum, polystyrene, and WIMA film capacitors, ensuring a clean and robust signal.
- Multiple Polar Patterns: A major strength of the WA-14, offering three selectable patterns directly on the mic body:
- Cardioid: The standard directional pattern, ideal for isolating vocals, acoustic guitars, and individual instruments.
- Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions, excellent for capturing room ambience, choirs, or for a more natural, open sound.
- Figure-8 (Bidirectional): Picks up sound equally from the front and rear, while rejecting sound from the sides. Useful for duets, or certain drum and guitar miking techniques.
- On-Board Controls (Switches): The WA-14 includes versatile pad options:
- Attenuation Pad (-10 dB and -20 dB): Allows the microphone to handle extremely high Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) without distortion. This is crucial for very loud sources like close-miked drums or screaming guitar amps.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This wide frequency response ensures it captures the full audible spectrum. The sound aims for clear mids, controlled bass, and accurate high-end emphasis, staying true to the vintage ‘414’s natural character.
- Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 150 dB SPL (with -20 dB pad engaged). This is an incredibly high SPL handling capability, making the WA-14 one of the most robust condenser microphones in its class for loud sources.
- Output Impedance: 150 Ohms.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR male output. It connects to any microphone preamp, mixer input, or audio interface.
- Build Quality: Features a robust all-metal construction, often with a black finish and silver grille. It’s built to be durable and withstand professional studio use.
- Included Accessories: Typically comes with a vibration-reducing shockmount, a compact hardmount (mic clip), and a protective zippered pouch. The shockmount is a valuable addition for minimizing unwanted vibrations.
Output Performance:
- “414-Style” Tone: The WA-14 aims to replicate the “EB-circuit” C414’s sound, which is known for its neutrality, clarity, and balanced frequency response. It’s not overly hyped in any particular frequency range, making it highly versatile. It provides a realism and thickness true to the vintage sonics.
- Transparent and Detailed: The FET circuitry and high-quality components contribute to a clean, transparent sound with excellent detail and transient response.
- Exceptional Versatility: The combination of multiple polar patterns and switchable pads makes the WA-14 an extremely versatile microphone for a wide range of applications:
- Vocals: Excels at capturing intimate lead vocals, providing clarity and presence.
- Acoustic & Electric Guitars: Great for both acoustic guitars (capturing body and shimmer) and aggressive electric guitar amps (handling high SPLs with ease).
- Drums & Percussion: Fantastic for drum overheads, snares, toms, and percussion due to its high SPL and clear sound.
- Bass: Can capture detailed bass tones.
- Pianos, Strings, Orchestral Material, Brass/Woodwinds: Its balanced and detailed sound makes it suitable for many instruments.
- Stereo Recording: With its multiple patterns, it’s ideal for various stereo miking techniques (e.g., A/B, X-Y, Blumlein).
- Low Self-Noise (Implied): While not always explicitly listed in the same “dBA” format as other mics, Warm Audio’s commitment to discrete signal paths and quality components generally leads to very good noise performance for a FET condenser. The cited SNR of 20 dB means it’s a very quiet microphone.
Type Of Users:
- Home, Project, and Professional Studio Owners: Looking for a highly versatile, transparent, and high-quality large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
- Musicians, Vocalists, and Content Creators: Who need a go-to mic for a wide range of recording tasks that delivers professional results.
- Engineers on a Budget: Seeking a microphone with a classic, “jack-of-all-trades” sound without the vintage price tag.
