Warm Audio WA-251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 3-Polar Patterns and Vintage-Style

The Warm Audio WA-251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone is a true recreation of a studio classic revered for warm and balanced tones.
Balance and Character
The WA-251 is a true recreation of a studio classic revered for its warm and balanced tones. The WA-251 delivers the same sound profile as the original mic, easily considered to be one of the greatest condenser microphones ever created. Known for its natural, rich sound reproduction so often used on vocals and acoustic instruments, the original was used by a long list of legendary vocalists including Adele, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, and many more.
A Studio Favorite for Warmth and Depth
The WA-251 captures natural sound with controlled bass and smooth high-end - just like the vintage 251-style microphones. Looking at the frequency response, the WA-251 essentially has an 'always-on' 50 Hz high pass filter. With most usable bass frequencies running from 60-250 Hz, the WA-251 is a great choice for capturing lows and mids that sound 'tight' in the mix vs. muddy or boomy. The 5 to 10 kHz dip in cardioid mode smooths out the highs to deliver a smooth top end that never sounds harsh.
Applications
The Warm Audio WA-251 Large-Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone excels in various applications, offering smooth vocals with body, capturing both bold and delicate vocals without muddy or harsh tones. It delivers a woody, natural acoustic tone with balanced and intimate acoustic sounds, exuding an unmistakable vintage vibe. For piano performances, it provides rich, present tones with punch and detail, ideal for highly dynamic expressions. Additionally, the microphone captures intimate, detailed strings, making it perfect across the spectrum of string quartets.
Vintage Sound Mastery
Like the original 251-style mic, the WA-251 includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience. The WA-251 uses a true reproduction of the CK12-style capsule in the original 251-tube mic. Perfect for recordings where a vintage vibe is a must. The WA-251 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube to complement the CK12-style capsule for smooth tone and vintage warmth without harsh high end. Three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8) give you a variety of options to choose how you want to capture sound and reject noise. The custom USA-made CineMag transformer drives the bold sound captured by the capsule, delivering the tight lows, present mids, and smooth highs out of the WA-251 circuit.
CK12-Style Capsule
The all-brass CK12-style capsule provides the performance of the vintage original, by smoothing out the top-end and delivering a pleasing, rich tone to the transformer. Unlike later nylon iterations of this capsule, the WA-251 faithfully replicates the clear open top end of the original all-brass CK12 capsule.
CineMag USA-Made Output Transformer
The WA-251 utilizes an American-made CineMag USA transformer. CineMag has a rich history of manufacturing some of the most sought-after American-made transformers. CineMag products date back to World War II (as Reichenbach Engineering) and were pivotal in creating some of the most legendary audio products in the last 100 years. This transformer helps provide the present top end and the LARGE bottom end one would hope to get from a 251-style condenser microphone.
Premium Tube and Capacitors
The WA-251 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube that adds warmth and depth to the microphone’s signal. The WA-251 proudly uses polystyrene coupling capacitors, WIMA film capacitors throughout, and an imported Solen French capacitor on its output.
Hand-Tested, Elite Build Quality
Every single WA-251 is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.