Warm Audio WA-412: The “Workhorse” for any Drum and Rock Recording
The Warm Audio WA-412 is inspired by the legendary API-style preamps responsible for the sound of countless classic rock and pop albums. Where many preamps strive for transparency, the WA-412 adds subtle compression and a musical “bite” to your signal, instantly making your recordings feel bigger and more powerful.
Fully Discrete Signal Path with 2520 Op-Amps
At the heart of each channel is a discrete op-amp. The WA-412 comes with Warm Audio’s proprietary X520 op-amps, which provide high headroom and minimal distortion at low gain. For true “tweakers,” these op-amps are socket-mounted, meaning you can easily replace them with vintage or boutique op-amps to fully customize the timbre of your interface.
Custom Altran USA Transformers
Transformers are the soul of an analog preamp. Warm Audio has collaborated with Altran USA to develop custom transformers that emulate the characteristic “punchy” low-end and open high-end of vintage American consoles. Whether you’re recording a kick drum that needs to “pound” or an electric guitar that needs to cut through the mix, the WA-412 delivers the texture you need.
Maximum Flexibility: Tone & Output Control
The WA-412 offers more than just gain:
Tone Switch: Changes the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms. This has a direct effect on the sound of your microphone, ideal for “shaping” character without EQ.
Output Trim: This knob at the end of the circuit allows you to drive the preamp “hot” for additional analog saturation, while keeping the volume to your audio interface perfectly under control.
Instrument DI: The front Hi-Z inputs also make the WA-412 a great tool for recording bass guitars and synthesizers with extra analog warmth.
Technical specifications
Type: 4-Channel Discrete Microphone Preamplifier & DI.
Gain: 65 dB per channel.
Op-Amps: Discrete X520-style (6-pin socketed).
Transformers: Altran USA Input & Output transformers.
Inputs: 4 x XLR (rear), 4 x Hi-Z Instrument (front).
Outputs: 4 x XLR & 4 x TRS (balanced).
Functions per channel: , Polarity Invert, -20dB Pad, Tone (impedance).
