BEST Mic UNDER $1,000?! WA-47 Warm Audio Review and Demo

In this video I review and demo my absolute favorite microphone, the Warm Audio WA-47 Tube Condenser Mic. SPOILER ALERT: It's definitely the best mic you can buy under 1k in my opinion.
Link to mic (affiliate): amzn.to/47TueKS
Link to case (affiliate): amzn.to/3vR4kKz
I show the mic in action with a short demo song that I wrote and recorded using only the WA-47 mic. I only used a bit of Waves RBass on the kick and a bit of compression on the drum bus. Everything else is completely uncompressed, un-EQ'ed, exactly as it sounded right from the mic. I wanted to mix the song this way to really showcase how the mic sounds on its own to give a great idea of the sound quality it provides.
Later in the video, I talk about the specs of the mic, show the accessories and even show the optional case for all of it. I also talk about a few small complaints I have with it. My only really issue with the mic is the quality of the tightening knob on the shockmount - it's the only part of the whole mic/accessories that is made of plastic.
Finally, I show how to set it up, how it sounds on dialogue, and test out all the polar patterns. My hope is that by the end of this video, you not only know much more about the mic, but you also know if this microphone would be a good choice for you and your studio. Thanks so much for watching and please reach out if you have any questions! Also like and subscribe.
Contents Of Video:
00:00 - Intro Demo
00:57 - Overview
02:40 - Build Quality
03:25 - Accessories
04:06 - Specifications
05:37 - Price, Value & (Optional) Case
06:53 - Setup
07:35 - Sound
10:42 - Final Thoughts
Microphone Specs:
- TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer
- Premium 5751 Vacuum Tube
- Wima, Solen French, And Polystyrene Capacitors
- Self-Noise: 11dBA
- Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omni, Figure-Of-Eight + 6 Mixed Patterns
- Dynamic Range: 130dBA
- Maximum SPL: 140dB (Less than 0.5% THD)
- Dimensions: 8” X 2.75” (20.3cm X 7cm)
- Frequency Range: 20 Hz~20 KHz
- Output Impedance: 200 ohms
- Rated Load Impedance: ≥2kOhms
- S/N Ratio: 82dBA
- Equivalent Noise: 10dBA (IEC651)
- Gotham 5 Meter GAC-7, 7-Pin Tube Microphone Cable
- Total Weight - 9 Lbs
- Mic Diameter: 60mm
- Mic Length: 254mm
- Includes: Microphone, Wood Box, Power Supply Unit, Shockmount, Gotham 7 Pin GAC-7 Cable, IEC Power Cable
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To learn more about me visit:
woodyardmusic.com/
Here's a list of all my studio, guitar and video gear. (Some of these may be affiliate links which means I could receive commission and you help to support the channel.)
- My Guitar Gear -
Line 6 Helix: amzn.to/40qNAVH
Cables: amzn.to/3FRtGtn
Guitar Strings: amzn.to/3SmJr3a
Guitar Picks: amzn.to/45ZAaB5
Guitar Clip/Strap: amzn.to/3QNGFTy
Capo: amzn.to/46V85ME
- My Studio Setup -
SSL12 Interface: amzn.to/3FJCW2L
Headphones: amzn.to/47ghFcM
External Harddrive: amzn.to/3QnB4Sd
Studio Monitors: amzn.to/3smRQZO
MIDI Keyboard: amzn.to/3QMrgCI
Main Vocal Mic: amzn.to/3QusCRr
- Video Rig -
iPhone Camera (12 Pro)
Tripod: amzn.to/45VAS2o
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/49plLRJ
Audio Recorder: amzn.to/3u5mzuX
iPhone Cage: amzn.to/3Mrvhd5
Davinci Resolve (free): www.blackmagicdesign.com/prod...

[@artash4090]

good job❤ did you use 4k mode on ssl in voice over part?

[@woodyardmusic]

Thanks! And no I did not. I wanted to keep it as flat as possible.

[@AdamSliger]

the WA-47 might be my favorite thing Warm has made! great vid

[@woodyardmusic]

It’s amazing, thanks man!

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

Do you have a fully mixed and mastered song in which the vocals were recorded using this mic?

[@woodyardmusic]

Oh that’s a great question. I’m sure I do but I’ll have to go through some sessions and give it some thought. Give me a few days haha

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

@woodyardmusic Telefunken recently released a new mic, TF 17, which is based on K47 style capsule. I'm thinking of buying it. Have you used Telefunken mics?

[@woodyardmusic]

⁠@@AnwaarAliOfficialI have never used Telefunken mics, I’ve heard good things though. Also, here’s a song I used the WA47 on vocals: open.spotify.com/track/5aZaDjrZR3rJauqJMOseuW?si=Otnr4NbCRj65Qlb5BBwMww

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

@@woodyardmusic Awesome song ❤️