Warm Audio WA-14 Large-Diaphragm Transformer-Balanced Condenser Microphone

The Reference Condenser

The WA-14 is an authentic recreation of the ultra-rare “EB-circuit” 414-style microphone, the most truthful studio mic of all time. Ideal for capturing the natural sound of performances with minimal coloration and smooth high end, the WA-14 delivers the same sonic performance of the original – a favorite of artists like The Police, Common, Freddie Mercury, and Billy Corgan. The WA-14 can be used on an array of sources, such as; punchy/warm intimate lead vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums/percussion, strings/orchestral material, and many other sources. Equipped with a custom all-brass CK12-style capsule, CineMag USA transformer, and a fully discrete signal path, the WA-14 provides a realism and thickness that is true to the vintage microphone, but at an affordable price.

No-Compromise Components

The WA-14 is a professional large-diaphragm microphone with premium components, elite build quality, and is hand-inspected in Austin, Texas. The circuit design of the WA-14 is faithful to lauded early-70s builds of ‘414-style mics, and serves as the basis for the historically accurate sound profile. Like the original, the WA-14 delivers natural sound reproduction with rich analog tone. This comes from the gradual rise (1-2 kHz) in midrange presence with smooth, never-harsh high end. At the beginning of the circuit, the WA-14 has an edge-terminated, all-brass CK12-style capsule, that stays true to the spec of the early “EB” style mics that shared the all-brass capsule with their “12-Style” cousins. This capsule allows the WA-14 to have 3 polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8. At the end of the circuit, the WA-14 uses a US-made CineMag output transformer, which gives the WA-14 a much richer sound than many of the modern, transformerless reissue mics. The CineMag transformer transfers more tone out of the capsule and additional critical components – like premium film capacitors and precision resistors.

True To Legacy, True To Sound

The WA-14 boasts a sound profile renowned for its exceptional capacity to faithfully reproduce natural audio. With its well-defined midrange presence and elegantly smooth top-end, this remarkable microphone proves itself to be an optimal choice for a wide array of crucial recording scenarios, particularly those involving acoustic instruments.

• Vocals: The gradual boost from 1 -2 kHz accentuates the most present aspects of the midrange, allowing vocals to sit comfortably in the mix.
• Piano: One of the more popular studio uses for the original ‘414-style microphone is as a stereo pair on grand piano. Because of the mic’s presence boost and smooth top end, pianos retain their natural clarity without coming off as too dark or competing with upper-register vocals.
• Room Sounds: Whether it’s room reflections, tight drum overheads, or punchy guitar & bass cabinets – mixing in a distant WA-14 can bring a natural “live” sound to professional recordings.

Premium Components – Elite Build Quality – Superior Sound

• WA-12-B-60V CK12-Style Capsule: The WA-12-B-60V CK12-style capsule is a true reproduction of the capsule found in the original 414 “EB” mic. This capsule captures incredible detail across the 20Hz-20kHz frequency response. With a remarkably flat response until the midrange presence gradually increases from 1-2 kHz, the capsule inside the WA-14 will help you capture natural sounds with some added top-end smoothness.
• CineMag USA-Made Output Transformer: The history of CineMag transformers goes all the way back to the 1940’s with connections to some of the most sought-after audio equipment of the last century. Like all CineMag transformers, the unit in the WA-14 is American-made and built to exacting standards. The harmonic coloration provided by the transformer gives the WA-14 true analog excellence.
• Premium Capacitors & Resistors: The WA-14 uses premium film capacitors from WIMA, a polystyrene coupling capacitor, and tantalum capacitors in the amplifier stage of the circuit. Precision resistors round-out the discrete, all-analog circuit of the WA-14.
• Authentic Appearance, Elite Build Quality, Premium Accessories: The WA-14 is encased in an ultra-durable nickel-plated brass body. WA-14 mics come with a shockmount, hardmount, and leatherette protective pouch. Every WA-14 is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin,TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.