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I’ve been testing out the Warm Audio WA-47 mic, and it’s quite the powerhouse for home recording.
With over two decades of experience in studios, I can tell when a mic is truly a standout, and the WA-47 definitely earns that title.
This large diaphragm condenser is a beast. It’s got a hefty weight to it – about 5.25 kg – which speaks to its solid build. The wooden body adds a classic, almost vintage feel, and the quality is apparent right from the moment you unbox it.
Bottom line
I’ve used many tube mics over my 20-year career, and the WA-47 stands out. Its tube circuitry and warm, rich sound gives recordings a pleasing vintage character.
Whether you’re laying down vocals, capturing acoustic guitar, or even doing a bit of room recording, the Warm Audio WA-47 is a solid choice. It’s a versatile, high-quality mic that can handle a variety of recording tasks.
Ready to take your recordings to the next level? Get your Warm Audio WA-47 here and start creating studio-quality tracks at home!
Warm Audio WA-47 - Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone This mic shines on vocals, piano, drums—you name it. The sound quality is top-notch, capturing crisp highs and warm lows with stunning clarity. The build quality is rock-solid but the high cost means it's a big commitment for home studios.
- Warm, vintage tube sound
- Versatile for vocals and instruments
- Solid build with vintage appeal
- Affordable compared to vintage U47
- Power supply connection could be more secure
- Stock tube may need upgrading
- Darker tone may not suit all voices
- Pricey for beginners
Key features
Sound quality
The WA-47 has three polar patterns: cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional. This versatility means it’s a great all-round mic for vocals, acoustic guitar, room recordings, and more.
The sound quality is impressive, with a frequency range extending up to 48 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB. The noise reduction is particularly useful for home studios that might lack perfect acoustics, keeping recordings crisp and clear.
What makes the WA-47 shine
The tube circuitry is what gives the WA-47 its distinctive warmth and depth.
This mic shines on male and female vocals. It captures the full frequency range with clarity. The low-end is full without being muddy. Highs are smooth and airy.
It’s not just for vocals though—this mic is versatile. I’ve used it for:
- Acoustic guitar: The WA-47 captures the body and sparkle of an acoustic guitar perfectly.
- Drum overheads: Adds a rich depth and air.
- Piano: Captures the full dynamic range beautifully.
The included shockmount works well to eliminate vibrations, which is always a plus.
Build quality and design
At 48.26 x 35.05 x 14.61 cm, it’s not compact, and the weight demands a sturdy mic stand. I also appreciate the straightforward XLR connectivity, but a solid preamp is essential to make the most of this mic, given its 200 Ohm impedance.
The WA-47 has a premium, vintage-inspired aesthetic. It feels substantial and weighty, with an all-metal body and quality components. The shockmount securely cradles the mic, and the gold-sputtered diaphragm is an elegant touch behind the grille.
However, I did notice that the power supply connection could be more secure—it feels a bit wobbly. But once it’s set up properly, it’s rock solid.
Versatile polar patterns
The WA-47’s polar pattern options are impressive. With three settings – cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional – this mic adapts to different recording situations like a chameleon.
- The cardioid pattern is my go-to for vocals. It picks up what’s in front while rejecting sound from behind. This helps reduce room noise in home studios.
- For duets or interviews, the figure-8 pattern shines. It captures sound from the front and back, perfect for two people facing each other.
- The omni pattern is great for room ambience or group recordings. It picks up sound evenly from all directions.
Switching between patterns is easy with a simple dial, making the WA-47 highly versatile.
Noise reduction
I’ve found the WA-47 excels in clean, pristine audio. Its noise reduction is top-notch, letting me record vocals and instruments with incredible clarity.
The mic’s large diaphragm design helps reject unwanted room noise and reflections. I’ve found it particularly useful for home studio setups where acoustics aren’t perfect.
In my tests, the WA-47 produced noticeably cleaner recordings compared to budget condensers. Vocals came through crisp and defined, without the harshness or brittleness I often hear with cheaper mics.
While not totally silent, the noise floor is low enough for pro-level work. I had no issues capturing delicate acoustic guitars or soft vocal passages.
Is the Warm Audio WA-47 worth it?
I’m really impressed with the WA-47. It’s a solid mic that brings warmth to recordings. The tube gives it a rich sound that’s hard to beat.
This mic feels like a time machine. It transports me back to the golden age of recording. I’ve tested it on various sources in my studio. Here’s what I found:
- Warm, vintage tube sound
- Versatile for vocals and instruments
- Solid build with vintage appeal
- Affordable compared to vintage U47
- Power supply connection could be more secure
- Stock tube may need upgrading
- Darker tone may not suit all voices
- Pricey for beginners
For the price, it’s a great option if you want that classic tube sound. Just be prepared to experiment with placement and possibly tube rolling. It may take some tweaking to get the best results for your voice or instruments.
Overall, the WA-47 is a good choice for home studios looking to step up their game. It’s not quite a U47, but it gets you in the ballpark for much less.
Scoring
| Criterion | Score | Weight (%) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Quality | 9 | 30% | 2.7 |
| Ease of Use | 8 | 20% | 1.6 |
| Features | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Build Quality | 9 | 15% | 1.35 |
| Value for Money | 7 | 10% | 0.7 |
| Compatibility | 8 | 5% | 0.4 |
| Innovation | 8 | 5% | 0.4 |
| Total Score | 8.5 / 10 | ||
Frequently asked questions
I’ve used both the Warm Audio WA-47 and the original Neumann U47 in different recording situations, and I’ve noticed a few key differences in their frequency response. Here’s what stands out to me:
Presence boost
The original U47 has a broader 5dB presence boost in the upper midrange, typically between 2-5 kHz.
This is what gives it that distinct clarity and “air” at the top end.
With the WA-47, I found that the presence boost in that range is slightly less pronounced, meaning it doesn’t quite have the same lift, though it still captures a lovely sense of detail.
Low-end response
The WA-47, in my experience, has a slightly more pronounced low-end compared to the original. There’s a subtle bump around the 100 Hz region, especially noticeable in the FET version (WA-47F).
Depending on your preference, this can either come across as extra warmth or a bit of added coloration.
Personally, I find this extra low-end quite pleasing for certain vocalists or acoustic instruments, though it may not be for everyone.
Upper midrange
Compared to the original U47, the WA-47 doesn’t emphasise the midrange quite as strongly.
When I tested both side by side, the U47 seemed to have more midrange presence, giving it that classic, commanding sound that really cuts through a mix.
The WA-47, by contrast, comes off as slightly smoother in this region.
High-frequency response
I’ve also noticed that the WA-47 seems to lack just a touch of the “air” that the original U47 has in the very high frequencies.
This isn’t a deal-breaker for me, but it does mean that the original U47 offers a bit more shimmer and sparkle at the top end, which can really help vocals sit beautifully in a mix.
Overall character
The original Neumann U47 is often described as having a “smooth, authoritative midrange, extended low-end response, robust bass, and airy treble.”
While the WA-47 definitely captures much of the essence of that classic, vintage sound, it doesn’t quite replicate it perfectly in every aspect. That said, I think Warm Audio did an excellent job of bringing that U47 vibe within reach of a more budget-friendly price.
Feature | WA-47 | WA-47jr |
Capsule | K47-style | K47-style |
Circuitry | Valve | Solid-state |
Polar patterns | 9 | 3 |
Price | Higher | Lower |
The WA-47 offers classic tube warmth and more versatility, while the WA-47jr is a budget-friendly option.
Yes, it can. I’ve used it on kick drums, guitar cabs and brass instruments.
The pad switch adds 10 dB of headroom, which is great for louder sources.
Author
Thanks for the review. I’m looking for a versatile mic. I have a Neuman TLM 103 and I’m looking at VO compatibility.