Here we have the biggest difference between mics, which makes sense. The WA-87 R2 uses a custom-wound Cinemag USA output transformer like the original WA-87 did, with the new version providing a slightly increased output level and improved frequency response. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Warm Audio WA87 was launched in 2016 as Warm Audio’s first microphone, and it quickly became an instant success story. It was built in effort of creating a clone of the popular U87 microphone from Neumann, while maintaining affordability. (See our U87i vs U87Ai shootout .) Buy Warm Audio WA-87 R2 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (Nickel) featuring Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8, Higher Output Level over Original, Better Frequency Response over Original, Nickel-Plated Brass Body, Rounded Head for Better Sound… On par with other Warm Audio products, the WA-87 holds a very high value in comparison to its quality. The frequency response of the K870 capsule is specified within a tolerance of ±2dB, so in theory, two Neumann capsules could differ by as much as ±4dB across the frequency range and still be within factory specs. That experience drove us to see if we could improve the WA-87 in tangible ways without having to raise the price, and the result is the new WA-87 R2 (Revision 2). Frequency Response. We also employed the same capsule the WA-87 uses, which was designed to the exact specifications of the ones found in the vintage mics. The WA87 has the same clarity that a Neumann TLM 103 offers but it cuts out the harshness in the high end making it more superior! With in the bass frequencies and the mid range frequencies, the WA87 is also better … The WA-87 was conceived as a recreation of Neumann’s long-discontinued U87i, thought by many audio engineers to be more desirable than Neumann’s current U87ai. Since then, the WA87 … Next up lets take a look at the guitar and vocal examples…. Since the release of the WA-87 in 2016 we’ve learned a bunch more about microphone manufacturing, and we’ve proven that we can shatter the industry’s quality expectations at affordable prices. In the Warm Audio WA-87, there wasn’t quite as much response in the 60 Hz to 120 Hz range compared to the U87 Ai. The WA-87 proudly uses our own Warm Audio WA-87-B-50V custom capsule reproduction stylized after the classic K87 dual backplate/dual diaphragm capsule found in the early ‘87 microphones. In other Warm Audio news, the company's popular API-inspired WA12 … That being said, the fullness of the Peluso was my preference in this case. The WA-87 R2 is now encased in a heavier, stronger and larger nickel-plated brass body, and the new rounded head basket shape adds additional space around the capsule for a more pleasing sonic signature. No matter what else you’ve got in your mic locker, the WA-87 R2 is sure to become one of your favorite go-to microphones! Recording A Rock Snare Drum Using A Blend Of Three Microphones - Free Tutorial. Not only that, it’s the same price as the original WA-87, so you can afford to have several in your mic locker! For these more acoustic-based genres, I actually like this slight dip in the low frequencies since this is an area I tend to pull back with EQ or multiband compressors a bit anyway. One is a tube (the Peluso), and the other is a transformerless condenser (the WA-47 jr). We’ve used everything we’ve learned about recreating vintage microphones in the last five years to bring it even closer to the sound, vibe and performance of the original 60s classic we all know and love. Anyway, here are the graphs along with my observations starting with the piano and vocal examples from Bryan Drewyor and Kaia Kalise…. Just like the vintage microphone, the WA-87 R2 excels at recording virtually anything. There’s an 80 Hz high pass filter to get rid of low-frequency rumble, and a switchable -10 dB pad for recording loud sources. In 2016, we at Warm Audio introduced one of the most talked-about 87-style FET condenser microphones in the industry with the release of the WA-87, and at just $599 USD it made the looks and authentic vintage sonics of this style of mic affordable to customers for the very first time. Simply put, the release of the WA-87 changed the industry’s perception of what could be achieved at an affordable price. Finally lets take a look at the guitar amp examples. We spent countless hours trying to get even closer to the sound of the vintage version than we had with the WA-87, so the new WA-87 R2 uses top-quality components like a NOS Fairchild transistor and high-bandwidth polystyrene and film capacitors from Wima. The Warm Audio WA87 is a winner compared to other microphones such as the Neumann TLM 103. You could argue that this just sets the WA‑87 up to fail, because … Let’s check out some more samples to see how the other mics stack up to their vintage counterparts. The frequency response curve is not the same as the original Neumann U87, but using an eq to offset the boost in the high frequencies on the WA87 will get you pretty close. That’s my thoughts and observations, but what about you? At the end of the day, use your ears and choose whatever works for your particular situation. The switchable -10dB pad comes in handy when you want to record extremely loud sources and not overload the internal electronics. The frequency response of the WA87 is from 20 hz – 20k hz max SPL. It was our first microphone and a verifiable hit, and in recent years we’ve followed it with many other successful and ground-breaking designs. The low end is a bit more even between the two of these mics. Nowadays, it seems only fair to crown Warm Audio the king company, in … Finally, thank you to the artists that came in to record the examples for these articles: Bryan Drewyor, Kaia Kalise, Sam Ness, and Sarah Pray from indie folk band Carrellee. We also employed the same capsule the WA-87 uses, which was designed to the exact specifications of the ones found in the vintage mics. You can learn more about how the tests were conducted in the first article and also listen to the samples too. We’re ecstatic to bring you the result – in short, the new WA-87 R2 is bigger, bolder and just plain better! With authentic vintage warmth and a smooth detailed top end, we truly believe this mic performs on par with microphones costing five times as much or more. Nonetheless, Warm Audio … Based on classic 60s circuitry, the WA-87’s rich sound became a favorite of countless producers, engineers, and home recordists everywhere. The Warm Audio WA-87 is a side-address, transformer balanced, multi pattern condenser microphone. The WA-87 is based on a classic 60s circuit that is widely considered to be one of the greatest studio microphones ever designed. Mics that sound this close to their highly coveted, high quality counterparts, but with a cheaper price tag are a no-brainer, especially for remote recording. Trusted content from independent music and post production experts. Like its predecessor, the WA-87 R2 is a condenser microphone with three polar patterns(cardioid, omni and figure 8). Do share your thoughts about which microphone you prefer and why in the comments below. The result is an incredibly accurate sonic replica of arguably the widest-used studio microphone in popular recording history! The WA-87 was conceived as a recreation of Neumann’s long-discontinued U87i, thought by many audio … Moving onto the vocals…. Born out of need . Snare Mic Shoot Out - 30 Different Microphones - Which Do You Prefer? Three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure 8) make sure you’re covered for a wide variety of applications, and an 80Hz high pass filter reduces low-frequency rumble if needed. The graphs are pretty similar, but the biggest difference I noticed during the tracking sessions was in the low range. Again, these look really close, but we can see (and hear if you check out the examples) that the C 414 EB has a touch more top end. Large diaphragm studio condenser microphone, with a faithful reproduction of the original vintage 87-style circuit, ALL DISCRETE PREMIUM COMPONENTS, INCLUDING A NOS FAIRCHILD TRANSISTOR AND WIMA/NICHICON CAPACITORS, WA-87-B-50V capsule—reproduction of classic dual backplate (four-wire termination) K87 capsule, Three polar patterns: cardioid, figure-of-eight, and omnidirectional, SPL: .5% THD @ 125dB (without pad), 132dB, Diaphragm: 6-micron thickness, gold-sputtered membrane, NOS mylar (PET film), Included accessories: wooden storage case, hard mount, and shock mount. The WA-47 was closer to what I would prefer, though I would still pay attention to sibilance when auditioning this mic on a singer. The improved Cinemag USA output transformer provides a slightly increased output level and improved frequency response, Warm Audio says. The WA-87 R2 works brilliantly on vocals, drum overheads, guitars, piano, auxiliary percussion, brass, strings, and more. Using available knowledge of the U87i circuit, Warm matched component values across the board using WIMA film capacitors, polystyrene capacitors, tantalum capacitors, and Fairchild FETs. Overall these are looking pretty close too, but there is a bit of a difference in the 3 kHz and 9 kHz areas as well. The result is an incredibly accurate sonic replica of arguably the widest-used … Warm Audio WA-47jr on the left an Peluso 22 47 LE on the right.