Warm Audio WA12 MKII Classic 312-Style Analog Microphone Preamp Black
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3 Reviews
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Warm Audio WA12 MKII Classic 312-Style Analog Microphone Preamp
If your recordings are sounding a little thin, flat, or just plain lifeless, the Warm Audio WA12 MKII is here to be your mix’s fairy godmother. This isn't just another box that makes things louder; it's a high-voltage, dual-transformer beast designed to inject that elusive “larger-than-life” sound into every track. Think of it as the secret spice that turns a bland vocal or a dull instrument into something vibrant, exciting, and professional.
Your Ticket to Analog Warmth
Tired of preamps that are so clean they're sterile? The WA12 MKII is the antidote. It's built to do more than just raise the volume — it actively shapes and improves your signal, giving it the depth and character needed to cut through any mix. Forget spending hours in post-production trying to add punch; get it right at the source and hear your music come alive.
Premium Cinemag Transformers: At the heart of the WA12 MKII are premium input and output transformers from Cinemag USA. These are the building blocks of classic analog tone, delivering a rich, warm, and articulate sound that makes digital recordings feel more organic and alive.
Custom X731 Op-amp: Warm Audio based the design around its own X731 discrete op-amp, a faithful reproduction of the legendary Melcor 1731. It delivers clean, lifelike tones at lower levels but can be pushed into a beautifully musical saturation that’s always pleasing to the ear. It’s like adding a touch of vintage console magic to your setup.
High Gain, Low Noise: With a massive +71dB of gain, you can easily power your favorite ribbon mics without cranking up the noise. This preamp gives you all the headroom you need for dynamic vocals and instruments, ensuring every nuance is captured perfectly.
Shape Your Sound with Unmatched Versatility
The WA12 MKII is your ultimate audio arsenal, equipped with features to sculpt the perfect tone for any sound source. Whether you're capturing vocals, guitars, bass, or drums, you're the maestro, conducting every sonic detail.
The Magical TONE Button: This isn’t just any button. Pressing it switches the input impedance from 600 to 150 ohms, instantly changing the character of your microphone. It can add a bit more top-end sparkle or thicken up the low-mids, giving you two distinct preamp flavors in one box.
True Hi-Z Input: Plug your guitar or bass directly into the front panel and send your signal through the entire analog circuit — including both Cinemag transformers and the X731 op-amp. It adds a weight and presence to DI instruments that you just can't get from an audio interface alone.
Output Attenuation Control: Want to drive the preamp into glorious saturation without clipping your converters? The output attenuation control lets you push the transformers and op-amp to their sweet spot, adding rich harmonics and texture while keeping your levels in check.
Built for the Studio, Ready for Anything
This preamp doesn't just sound the part; it's built to be a reliable centerpiece in your studio for years to come. With its robust construction and flexible connectivity, it’s ready to handle any recording scenario you throw at it.
Versatile I/O: With balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS outputs, the WA12 MKII integrates seamlessly into any professional or home studio setup.
48V Phantom Power & 20dB Pad: Essential features for the modern studio are all here. Easily power your condenser mics with the flick of a switch and engage the pad for extra-loud sources to prevent clipping.
Swappable Op-Amps: Feeling adventurous? The X731 op-amp is socketed, meaning you can easily swap it out with other 2520-style op-amps to experiment with different tonal flavors. It’s a customizer’s dream.
The Affordable Answer to Professional Sound
If you've always wanted that polished, professional touch in your mixes but thought it was out of reach, the WA12 MKII is your answer. It delivers the sound of classic, high-end preamps at a price that won't break the bank. Stop settling for sterile sound and start transforming your tracks into exciting, vibrant recordings.
Warm Audio WA12 MKII Features:
Fully discrete, high-voltage design with +71dB of gain for high headroom and low noise
Premium USA-made Cinemag input and output transformers for authentic analog tone
Custom X731 discrete op-amp, a reproduction of the vintage Melcor 1731
TONE button switches input impedance for tonal variety on mic and Hi-Z inputs
2 MegOhm true Hi-Z input on the front panel for instruments
Output attenuation control allows for transformer saturation
48V phantom power and a 20dB pad
LED meter for gain indication
Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS outputs
Switchable 115/230V IEC power inlet for worldwide use
Warranty: 5 Year as of January 23, 2025. 1 Year previous.
Warm Audio WA12 MKII Classic 312-Style Analog Microphone Preamp Black Specifications
Item #:
WAU WA12MKIIBLACK
Manufacturer Part Number:
WA12 MKII Black
UPC:
850016400611
Product Specifications
Preamp Type: Solid State Mic/Instrument DI
Number of Channels: 1
Phantom Power: +48V
Metering: LED
Pads: -20 dB (Both Mic & Instrument DI Inputs)
EQ: Tone Impedance Switch
Inputs: Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2mg Ohm Hi-Z
Outputs: Transformer Balanced XLR & TRS
Tone Button Input Impedance: Switches from 600 Ohms to 150 Ohms
Output Attenuation Control: Allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation
Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
Dimensions (H x D x W): 1.75” x 8.5” x 10.5”
Weight: 0.99 lbs
Warm Audio WA12 MKII Classic 312-Style Analog Microphone Preamp Black Specifications
Product Specifications
Preamp Type: Solid State Mic/Instrument DI
Number of Channels: 1
Phantom Power: +48V
Metering: LED
Pads: -20 dB (Both Mic & Instrument DI Inputs)
EQ: Tone Impedance Switch
Inputs: Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2mg Ohm Hi-Z
Outputs: Transformer Balanced XLR & TRS
Tone Button Input Impedance: Switches from 600 Ohms to 150 Ohms
Output Attenuation Control: Allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation
Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
Dimensions (H x D x W): 1.75” x 8.5” x 10.5”
Weight: 0.99 lbs
Customer Reviews
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Based on 3 reviews
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David P. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Great product,great company and excellent
Great product,great company and excellent customer service!!
Published date
12/22/24
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Banks 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
Awesome product!
I love this product so much. It really enhances my vocals & tunes it up to a level I really enjoy.
Published date
06/04/24
Was this review helpful?
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David L. 🇺🇸
Verified Buyer
WA12 replaced my API
Prior to getting the WA12, I ran an API 312. There was nothing inherently wrong with it, but while visiting a friends studio, I tracked vocals through his recently acquired WA12 just for fun to compare to my 312. To my surprise and frankly disappointment at the time, the WA12 was so close to my API ...
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