THE MICROFOON FOR MODERN RAP, HIP-HOP, AND R&B: Warm Audio WA-8000
True reproduction of a classic from the 1990s
The WA-8000 is a nod to a very special large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone that was heard on countless platinum recordings from the early 1990s until today. The sound of this microphone has produced hits for artists ranging from Dr. Dre, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight to Eminem, Rihanna, Drake and more. The original stood out for its natural and open top end, super clear midrange and ability to reproduce details in a vocal performance like most other microphones on the planet. The WA-8000 is up to the occasion, delivering all that top end, beat by beat, at a price that will leave you entranced.
True to the legacy. True to the sound wa-8000
The Warm audio team has not taken the task of bringing a microphone with this legacy to market lightly. It’s not enough to simply measure components and press “print” – which is why the WA-8000 has a K-67 inspired all-brass capsule, a Lundahl Sweden transformer, a NOS 6AU6 tube and the most high-quality 7-pin cable solution from Gotham Switzerland.
As with all Warm Audio products, we place an emphasis on quality components to ensure we release the best sounding product. The WA-8000 is packed with premium components carefully sourced from the world’s top pro audio component suppliers
The hits from then become the hits you make
The WA-8000 is easily recognized by its open top-end, crystal-clear midrange, and an unnatural ability to capture every detail of acoustic sources. While the WA-8000 is best known for modern R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop, it gives you that unmistakable “breezy” and polished sound associated with some of the most hi-fidelity recordings of the ’90s and beyond. When you think of vocals and voiceover work, the WA-8000 may immediately come to mind, but it’s also an incredible hall microphone for sessions that demand an unparalleled level of detail. The WA-8000 is not only a microphone for Rap/Hip-Hop and R&B, but also a true studio workhorse capable of capturing any voice or acoustic instrument with top results.
A Look at the Inside
Bespoke K-67 Inspired Brass Capsule
By utilizing an upgraded all-brass-inspired K-67 capsule in conjunction with the original circuit design, the WA-8000 is able to achieve results that are true to spec. The capsule is an important part of the WA-8000’s ability to capture every subtle nuance of vocal and acoustic performance.
Transformer by Lundahl Sweden
We combined the custom capsule and circuit design with a large core transformer especially for the WA-8000 made by Lundahl in Sweden. The choice of transformer plays a crucial role in the open top-end and huge soundstage that listeners quickly recognize when they choose the WA-8000 to capture an intricate performance.
Rigorously tested tube and cooling system
The WA-8000 uses a NOS (New Old Stock) 6AU6 vacuum tube to match the tonal character of the original. Coupled to the tube is a specially designed heatsink that is essential for reducing heat in the microphone, allowing the tube to operate at an optimum temperature. When the tube can operate without overheating, self-noise and distortion virtually disappear, contributing to the microphone’s stunningly pure sound character.
High-quality cable from Gotham Switzerland
It is often overlooked that the cable connecting a tube microphone to its power supply is a very critical element of the signal chain. The WA-8000 uses a custom GAC-7 7-pin cable from Gotham, Switzerland. The design and build quality of this cable increases the top-end presence and overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often found in poorly constructed cables.
Technical Specifications Warm Audio WA-8000
- Custom, fully K67-inspired bass capsule
- Capsule Construction: Gold sputtered, double large diaphragm, single backplate, 6 micron NOS Mylar (PET Film)
- Lundahl Sweden Custom Transformer
- New-old-stock 6AU6 vacuum tube
- Gotham 5 Meter GAC-7, 7-Pin Tube Microphone Cable
- Wima Capacitors
- Self noise: 15dB (A-weighted) cardioid, 17dB (A-weighted) omni
- Polar Patterns: 2 Patterns – Cardioid, Omni
- Dynamic Range: 113dBA
- Maximum SPL: 131dB (cardioid), 134dB (omni)
- Frequency range: 20 Hz~20 kHz
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
- Rated Load Impedance: ≥1kOhms
- S/N Ratio: 76dB (cardioid), 73dB (omni)
- External IEC grounded PSU
- Total Weight: 13.3Lbs
- Microphone length: 7.5 inch
- Microphone Diameter: 2.5 inch
- Includes: WA-8000 microphone, external power supply, IEC power cable, shock mount, Gotham GAC-7 cable, and custom hard case
