After so many condenser microphones, Warm Audio has finally released their first dynamic microphone. And as we have come to expect from Warm not just any microphone, but a recreation of a timeless classic. The WA-19 is a recreation of a Beyer Dynamic M-19 that was a huge hit in many a studio in the 1960s. It is known from recordings of The Beatles, Tame Imala, Slayer (Kerry King) and many others.
Many dynamic mics have a specific job in the studio because they often have a very specific timbre. With that, you have a mic specifically for kick, another for snare, another for guitar, and yet another for vocals. The frequency range of the WA-19 makes it usable on many more different sources than a "normal" dynamic mic, and thus also on sources where you normally would not use a dynamic mic such as overheads, or acoustic guitars. With a frequency response of 30Hz to 18KHz and a super ingenious high-pass filter, this mic is hugely versatile and always a nice mic to have on hand.
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Rethinking the role of dynamic microphones in the studio
Unlike today's "standard" dynamic microphones, the WA-19 delivers top-end clarity comparable to that of a condenser mic, with a frequency response (30Hz-18Khz) that emphasizes the highs and rolls off the loudest highs. The tuned transducer sounds great as a snare bottom mic, warding off all the boom and noise from the kick drum. As an acoustic guitar mic, the WA-19 is able to capture the "shimmer" and detail in the highs and treble without sacrificing the rich woody tone. The WA-19's thin, pencil-like design makes it easy to place the microphone in crowded studio or live performance situations where microphones are on top of each other - such as recording acoustic guitar and vocals simultaneously, tracking an entire band or recording a full drum kit. The WA-19 has a dynamic humbucking coil that helps the mic deliver elite off-axis rejection, especially in the low/low midrange with minimal noise, making it easy to capture tight snare bottom tones without aggressive kick drum bleed.Side vents to control thumping bass
Side vents on the side of the WA-19 help reduce the proximity effect, removing troublesome bass due to close micing from loud sources. This makes editing a breeze by reducing unwanted bass frequencies in the mix.Custom dynamic capsule
The WA-19 has a uniquely crafted brass dynamic cardioid humbucking capsule, carefully assembled by hand. This capsule combines the essential noise reduction of a dynamic microphone, while also delivering increased clarity and a lively top end for enhanced detail that outperforms many dynamic studio microphones.50Hz acoustic high-pass filter
The WA-19 is equipped with a versatile acoustic high-pass filter ring that can reduce up to 10dB at 50 Hz. The filter itself modifies the space behind the transducer in the WA-19 to remove unwanted subwoofer. This feature is perfect for refining tone, emphasizing upper mids and avoiding the typical electronic phase shift associated with preamp high-pass filters.Authentic appearance and superior build quality
The WA-19 features an overbuilt dynamic transducer that goes far beyond typical, modern specifications. The ultra-durable metal housing keeps the microphone secure on its sides, and the double-layer headbasket protects the capsule from daily wear and tear. Each WA-19 is carefully hand inspected at Warm headquarters in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.Specifications:
- Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone
- Faithful recreation of one of the most beloved dynamic studio microphones of the 1960s
- Variable 50Hz acoustic high-pass filter with 0 to -10dB range
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid Impedance: 200 ohms
- Frequency range: 30Hz - 18Khz
- Max SPL: 145dB
- Sensitivity (modern measurement): -53dB +/-3dB At 1Khz (0dB=1V/Pa)
- Sensitivity (Vintage measurement): -74dBv Re.1 V/Dyne/Cm²
- Connection: XLR
- Color: Nickel or Black
- Length: 15" | Diameter: 3.5" Weight: 2.25 kg
