Can Warm Audio's WA87 stand up to the Legendary Neumann U87?

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👆 We compare Neumann's U87 Condenser mic to Warm Audio's more affordable WA87... Can you guess which is which? Show more in the Description to find out the answers!
Mic A - Warm Audio WA-87 Vintage Condenser Microphone - tinyurl.com/y6k...
Mic B - Neumann U87 Condenser Microphone Nickel Finish - tinyurl.com/y4e...
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#U87 #WarmAudio #WA87

[@wildmessenger]

i picked up a WA U87 clone and honestly I love it; i've used the real thing in prior studio recordings, but for my home studio and indie budget, this mic sounds incredible and was a great addition to my set up ─ vocals, guitar, claps/stick light percussion ; it's proven to be extremely versitile.

[@toddfogle5765]

Fast forwarding and listening blindly, I thought the Neumann was mic A for sure. Very surprised. The Neumann was brighter, but the warm audio seemed to have the perfect warmth to make it sit right in the mix.

[@ronyroger1267]

me too mate

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Wrong findings.

[@anointed01]

I believe the Mic B is the Neumann U87. The top end is beautiful!. By the way, her voice is wonderful.

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

Damn I was hoping B was the cheaper mic. I was going to buy one. Oh well. Guess theres a reason those mics cost so much.

[@racerdeth]

Damnit I hate when I prefer the one I'll never afford.

[@dancegod1691]

They updated the warm audio one and it sounds better now

[@thischannel1071]

Check out Advanced Audio's CM87. From audio clips I've heard, it sounds to me like it's a lot closer to the U87 than the Warm Audio version.

[@ramencurry6672]

The u87 has hyped high frequencies. Most people like that. The Warm Audio is more neutral and “boring” in comparison.

[@frankygarcia5695]

same 😢😢😢😢😂😂😂

[@umbriamusic]

Mic A seems to have a warmer tone and a flatter response, and mic B seems to have some heightened high ends having a bit more clarity. Both are great, it all depends on what you prefer to work with.

[@budgetguitarist]

I feel similar. Mic B definitely had more high end and definition. I'm not sure if Mic A actually sounded warmer, or if my perception was skewed by the additional high end in Mic B. Both sounded great.

[@steve_seguin]

B seemed to have more clarity. I had to really focus to make that judgment though. Sometimes clarity comes off as being to harsh, but with both mics being so warm already, the slight bit of added sparkle is needed. I can't see anyone outside a professional application needing it though - just a bit of EQ can probably get you there.

[@cassio_zambotto]

this is the first comparison I checked that wa87 has more of a sound of a u87 than the original. and that's great haha!

[@mauricejones9834]

They both sound great. It really depends on the sound source especially when sound is subjective anyway. Some harsher or abrasive material could sound better on a WA87 and some sources may need more sparkle or high-end fidelity, but I don't think its anything an eq or sonic enhancer couldn't fix. For someone working within a strict budget is not losing much at all to the U87. Not to mention once its mixed not even Tony Maserati can tell the difference. To my ears, I only hear about a subjective 3-5 hundred dollar difference. Certainly not a $2500 difference.

[@RepublicAllegiance]

You cant even google “warm sounding mics” without nearly every result being from WARM AUDIO. Really good marketing (naming) team.

[@pellejaspers4854]

Why would you google warm sounding mics?

[@RepublicAllegiance]

Pelle Jaspers diferent microphones have different sound characteristics. “Warm” is a description of the tone and frequency spectrum. The sound of the mic can favor one voice more than others. I prefer warm mics on my voice. Others may prefer something else that flatters their particular vocal signature better. Hope that helped explain my first comment. Cheers!

[@pellejaspers4854]

@@RepublicAllegiance i understand and a lot of people use words like warm to describe gear or cold or digital or analog but looking at frequency graphs and look at wich mics have more or less highs and where they have their frequency dips and boosts will help you a lot more because nobody can tell you how warm a mic or a particular peace of gear is or wich one is warmer then the others. You cant get wise out of a top 10 warmest mics because if someone describes something as 10 percent warmer it doesnt say anything. But i get you and theres nothing wrong with labeling gear like that.

[@RepublicAllegiance]

Pelle Jaspers much appreciated. I always look forward to great interactions on KZbin. I remember when It used to be like twitter (hostile) 5 years back.

[@majomanak]

and warm audio actually sounds warm :D awesome :) :D

[@Mannymantwv]

B sounds like it pops right out of my headphones it has a better top end imo and a nice low mid

[@nimbusmixedit]

thats because its louder. they didn't level match smh

[@KINGDAVIDREINCARNATED]

Thank you for doing this. This is one of the best shootouts I’ve heard. I was so sure that Mic A was the Neumann.

[@rbrianharris]

Mic A seemed less grainy in the highs but I suspect that's more due to the mix. But I agreed with singer and went Mic A.

[@AhmedIsmailofficial]

I liked B " U87" more, however considering the cost, I think Mic A "WA 87" can be same like Mic B "U87" when you boost the high frequency..

[@DojoOfCool]

I listened without looking which was which and liked Mic B ( the real Neumann) most. The Neumann was fuller sounding especially on the softer verse vocals. On the louder parts the two mic's were closer in sound.

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Exactly what I thought and I didn't know that Mic B was the Neumann until reading this as I haven't gone all the way to the end of the video yet. Mic A sounds good but there was more clarity in Mic B. As a vocalist I could still work with Mic A though

[@andivax]

interesting.. my wa-87 and vintage u87 sounds the same on highs. is your u87 is modern AI?

[@krissheehy]

I honestly loved Mic A on her voice. I had a internet browser window open and covering the mics so I couldn't cheat :-). Mic B just sounded so much harsher on her higher frequencies. It's incredible to find out that I preferred the WA-87!

[@kelvynification]

kris sheehy there’s so much hype on the U87... always thought the mic boosted harsh nasally frequencies on certain singers, so not an automatic ‘go to’ microphone.

[@privatedayy]

@@kelvynification yes, the u87 (ai) is not for overly nasally singers.. but thats it, its like the only kind of voices you really shouldnt use it.. and agree, the wa87 is not bad, but definitely not better.. it was less full and round, because the nasally frequencies were whats missing. the u87 has a very present mid range, so nasally voices tend to get a bit muddy. I still think the u87ai takes the cake, thats why im working with that and not the wa87. used a tlm 103 before that, which was also great bntw! just more "present" because its a bit brighter and harsher imo

[@kelvynification]

@@privatedayy Horses for courses I suppose but the mic I really love is the Ehrlund EHR-M. That’s an incredibly natural sound thing of beauty:)

[@privatedayy]

@@kelvynification yeh, all preference :)! Haven't worked with it, but heard it's on the brighter side, which makes sense then! Have a nice day!

[@maxlarsen]

I think Mic A still is the real neumann though, he must have typed wrong.

[@the_newvoice]

Surprisingly, (A) was smoother :) And i thought it's expensive Neumann :)

[@cpthegenius]

Both sound good but the Authentic 87 just packed a better punch. I enjoyed the clarity of the high end more and it felt like it translated more vocal presence as well.

[@gmichaelhall]

I have both models. I guarantee you'll be grabbing the Neumann!! 😬 . The best Warm Audio emulation I've used is their 47jr. It's a great FET and can be great for certain vocals and instruments or a crushed mono room. This wa87 at a quick glance seems on par, but side by side with Neumann for any descerning amount of time and it's out of its league. Ymmv ✌️

[@NextgenPL]

So You're saying WA47jr is a decent gear? Worth buing? Cause I don't have big budget and my NT1 sounds nothing like a pro ...

[@NextgenPL]

@user-bl7dt5jn8v for sur it does, but is over my budget anyway:) I Have already warm audio 47jr and is great for price

[@brandonwrightmusic]

Well when you sing that good you can make any mic work

[@danielrains2055]

Omgosh the wa87 still Rick's it. Its like the principle of finishing returns. The middle of the road mics r so good now that there is just not enough difference to justify the higher cost if the expensive one. U put out 6x's the price for a faction of the value. I have never heard a video using wa87 that didnt blow me away. Especially for Male vocals. Ty

[@seanqhanley]

This was so helpful! I just listened to a comparison to the new WA 87 (the R2), and it seems to have captured that extra presence the first gen WA 87 was lacking. Would you ever consider comparing the WA 87 R2 with the TLM 103? Thanks again for posting this vid!

[@JRandallS]

Lovely, I enjoyed the comparison. Great vocalist as well.

[@blackarrow7875]

Actually preferred A. Megan's voice is great too.

[@dylanj8676]

I'd take a WA87 over a U87ai any day.

[@shaunlivingstonmusic]

Hmm... not the best test but that WARM sounds great either way

[@markmcgettrick2532]

Loved the high end on B, sad that it's the more expensive mic but I'd rather think that this saves me from making a mistake on buying the cheaper one and then being stuck with it... maybe? Would be nice to hear the shootout on male vocals as well - totally different beast.

[@alulaleak]

I was really hoping for the difference to be indistinguishable or for warm audio to come out on top so I can feel justified buying the more reasonably priced microphone but the trade off in clarity is just too obvious. As a singer/engineer, I’d take clarity over warmth any day. I think the U87’s ability to have that much air and clarity without a screeching high end and it’s ability to not bring the warmth to an unnatural sounding level while also not muddying up the vocals is amazing. I would love to hear what mics can compete with the U87 in those regards (because I can’t afford one).

[@zaperfan]

You can see that B is the u87 and is clearly a better sounding microphone loads more definition

[@ezm69]

Kind of fitting that my first thought on A was how warm it was. 🤣 B had more sizzle and presence but also lacked the warmth of A. Both were very good and I could see using both depending on the vocalist and what I was after. The Warm Audio to fatten up a vocal or roll-off some harshness and the Neumann if I wanted absolute clarity.

[@SoundSkillz]

Mic A came on and I was like "it's hollow. It's the Warm" without even listening to B. Looking at the comments I guess we all kinda feel the same way. I just listened to a comparison between the WA 14 and a 414EB and there too, Warm was massively inferior. It's pretty ironic that all Warm mics are... well, not warm at all.

[@lastcall9998]

A, B has harsh high end (plus it sounds louder). As A just started sounding, I loved it. So smooth and intimate. B was just exagerated crap. Glad I liked the cheapo.

[@lastcall9998]

I just made a custom DIM setting on my Audient, just to lower a little bit the volume of the Neumann, what a difference. I mean, they both sound now pretty decent.

[@chuckjuice1317]

Since buying the Warm wa87r2, my Neumann has been in the mic locker.

[@rylandweet7750]

Is it actually that good? I was genna pick one up tommorow but I’m not sure if it’s better or worse then the original wa87

[@shane2973]

as all have said there's no mystery as to which mic is which...the U87 most definitely complimented her voice much better that the WA87...the U87 was also louder, be it slightly, but it was and of course louder always sounds better. The u87 has a beautiful presence and air as well as the low end being warm and clear, not "cloudy". I was thinking with a hint of eq the WA87 would get close as well, but the biggest factor is that the WA87 is "inspired" by the classic 87 and not the AI version, which honestly did sound better with her voice. I would bet the warm 251 would prob sound pretty nice with her as well...Nice video..I own a WA87 and find it to almost be somber/sad sounding...hard to explain, but I really like it for me and the song I chose it for. Gives a pretty accurate representation of my voice with a hint of an overcast day sorta vibe...anyway just my .02

[@MaPa60]

I was just looking for comparisons of these mics, and here I heard the WA87 as slightly smoother in the transients, and the U87 as slightly brighter/ sweeter in the top end. Not sure what I prefer, I was looking for a hifi clean sounding mic.

[@Quadz10]

The U87 just blows the wa out of the water as soon as it hits the 1176 compressor! Like WOW. I’m sure they both sound similar (flat/smooth) raw, but the u87 comes alive with a Avalon 737 into a 1176. Their is no match. 🤘💯

[@ramencurry6672]

That Warm Audio 87 is not available anymore. The new version is out as the R2 model

[@derekgraham2286]

The U87 has a magical lift on the high end. The WA87 does not operate as presently in that range but holds very warmly in the lower range. My bias will always choose the U87 but since I'm doing meticulous upgrades to a non-permanent home studio, the WA87 is an excellent choice. Emulation Mics have come a long way from click-baitism and should be celebrated in this new era of home recording!

[@starboy2013]

I like mic A without knowing what it is. I would always go with WA unless I am cashed up.

[@peterbigblock]

I liked mic A better, it sounded smoother and more rounded in the top end. Mic B sounded boosted in the upper mids. For her voice I liked A, which it turns out is the Warm. Just goes to show, it’s not just about the mic. It’s about matching the mic to the performer.

[@jessekovala9527]

I agree upper mids not highs

[@JohnBaptist-o2f]

they both sound good in their own right...however, the question is if the almost 3k difference is worth it to the ear of the beholder. As a long time musician and producer they are not the same. The difference is subtle. Using this vocalist, the U87 is more focused and clear, while the WA is has a slightly more of a lower midrange bloom . But the mic is just one part of the equation, the other variables are the preamps and outboard gear used as well as the fundamental tone of the vocalist. But in practice, all these things go out the window once you start applying EQ and compression which will be likely depending on the complexity of the mix. In the hands of a seasoned sound engineer, picking them apart will not be so easy. So, it could be that after post production the 3k difference is negated.

[@EandVEntertainment]

The Warm seems very dull on the top and 2D when compared to the Neumann. You were using a U87ai I assume. There is a sonic difference between the original U87i and the U87ai. The U87i has a bit more low end and is a little smoother on the top. I know Warm was going for that sound, but I still find their 87 a bit 2D. Not bad for the price, but not a real U87 either.

[@nightchef57]

"Dull" and "2D" were exactly the thoughts that came to my mind. I would find it a real struggle to get that sound to stand out in a mix.

[@ramencurry6672]

That Warm Audio 87 is no longer in production. The newer version replaced it

[@EandVEntertainment]

@@ramencurry6672 Yes. The new one sounds much better. I've used their WA67 which I found a touch muddy as well. I tested the WA47 in a video on my channel. That's a really nice microphone for the money.

[@SeleckPlays]

B has a touch more top-end clarity, but both have nearly identical tone otherwise. Great review!

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

How about a Dachman comparison? Preferred the highs on Neumann.

[@stanleyassor3172]

1176 is a compressor, LA2A is a compressor so what was the preamp?

[@fiascoseven2796]

Warm Audio (A) sounded dull in the top end while the consonants bore less harmonic density. There is simply not enough 'pitch' information within the sonics of the WA87. All these variables combined will make it more difficult to incorporate the track into crowded mixes.

[@phyfts]

What's the acoustic guitar we're hearing? Gibson j45?

[@andymusicstudio2485]

🤩 Cute vocal booth

[@gitarman666]

On 2 of my 3 monitors sets including genelec 8030a, Genelec 8331 and old Event passive 20/20s and both 80ohm and 250ohm cans I can hear “good sibilance’ from the Neumann that simply isn’t there with the WA, that difference adds a clarity that would be hard to eq in without the eq balance going wonky and thinning, in my experience that character has to come from the mic The Events have slightly heavy lower end (for reference monitors) and the mics are indistinguishable or at least give the WA a more similar character the the real deal

[@okay1904]

I heard the clarity on B, immediately and for a top artist or studio with money - there is no choice, the U87 has a better transient response....., Could you do one with the new Rode NT1 vs U87

[@gearoftones8585]

The U87 was far more present. Damn it I want one now

[@jasonshrestha]

what preamp was used ?

[@zip7806]

The Real U87 has the Magic Fuzzyness.

[@weedywet]

worth mentioning that new U87s aren't a patch on "real" pre-Sennheiser 87s either.

[@supafrost]

It's hard to play this guessing game when the video clearly shows which mic she's using for each take. Maybe you should try not having the camera so close to the singer next time.

[@samn.5492]

The U87 is the best mic for vocals, period. It really comes down to money.

[@ramencurry6672]

Supposed the Warm Audio 87 is a closer resemblance to the old version of the U87 so if that’s what you’re going for, then perhaps it’s the pick

[@CombatLegsVIDS]

As soon as I heard the first mic I knew it wasn't the u87, it was hollow. Mic B has the Neumann sparkle and 3D characteristic, as well.

[@Cyprusg21]

Great voice. Want to hear more shootouts!

[@hervelaporte1]

B is more clear and have a little more details... IMO the price gap is too bigger comparison the sound difference. If i was rich enough, why not, but for my present level of recording quality this should be the best choice.

[@yosoymichaelmyers]

I'm going for the cheap one because I definitely ain't paying 3,000 just to sound good 😂

[@graverick666]

A sounds nice and warm

[@lefterhsk1]

Is there any mistake? In all shootouts i heared between wa87 vs neumann u87 the wa87 is more harsh in the top end... In this shootout mic A (warm audio) sound darker. Is there any typing confusion? Because in the descriptions you wrote A: warm audio wa87 VINTAGE mic

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

the test is very flawed as I use the u87ai daily. The u87ai is at least 2-3db louder by default meaning that they are already pushing one signal more in error as the plugins in the interface they are using will also be reacting differently to the input between the microphones

[@maxlarsen]

i think you typed it wrong, Mic B must be warm audio and Mic A real newmann.

[@ianhamilton4816]

The Neumann sounds airier/more presence and slightly clearer to my ears. The WA sounds "drier" and a little less 3-dimensional, but I do think the U87's airiness could be "simulated" through the WA with a bit of EQ tweaking.

[@friendsfamilycomicpressing8449]

Damn it! I was hoping B was Warm Audio.

[@jonclifton1062]

Mic B is louder... sounds like 2db on average hotter than mic A. Obviously it's going to sound better! Doesn't seem like a fair shootout.

[@zooesque]

That lavalier though! Like the saturation. How did you process it? :)

[@ChrisP3000x]

Beautiful singing!

[@majomanak]

So, I thought that A was U87. B sounded much harsher and more in your face ( 2-3Khz boost) so I assumed that it must be warm since it is cheaper. I would even say that it sounded a little distorted and was like nooo. Warm audio, bad :D hahaha but I was very surprised and kinda pleased when I discovered that A was warm :) :D

[@burgessanthony02]

She sings that song better than the original. Wow!!!

[@starboy2013]

Love the room.

[@PeterWarnock]

nice review

[@Derikrecords]

Mic B very good sound☝🏾☝🏾☝🏾

[@whitelotus_zero]

Protip. It would help a lot of people to open up their listening if they stop limiting themselves to warm and cold / dark or bright. There’s so much else going on if you truly free your mind (yes it’s not in your ears)

[@budgetguitarist]

I'd agree - I'm not certain that Mic A is "warmer" - I just think that because Mic B has more high end, people jump to the conclusion that Mic A must be warmer, when in reality it might just be that it lacks some of the high end.

[@6wav257]

Agree u bright high end doesnt mean the high end is open and detailed

[@LEXRAPS]

U87 is definitely more upfront and has more clarity

[@tecno8335]

There close but the Neumann u87ai has a little more spark on the top end. But a little EQ can fix that.

[@jabulanifusion]

Might just swallow my pride and get a WA-87 😅

[@DirtyRed]

I knew B was the U87 it just sounded better to me but the warm sounds good just more muffled

[@wesstarmedia]

The difference isn't obvious in that mix, but the u87 had more articulation. I like warm audio and had a wa47 for 3 years. The power supply fell a little, just 40/50cm or so from a shelf i had on my daw desk. It then developed a hum that i couldn't fix. A replacement was difficult to obtain and expensive, so i sold it with the fault explained. It has put me off WA a little.

[@tyrone05]

Nueman all day. But they both were good with her vocals and the vocal chain

[@snippletrap]

Lady guh-GAH

[@soundroket]

Shit I chose the mic B which is the expensive one :)

[@avivaben]

Audiophiles! audiophiles everywhere!!!

[@jackbrumfield]

Ahh. I hate that I loved B and felt like A it was missing life.

[@witnessthewrath8061]

B sounds smoother and nicer I hope that’s the cheaper one

[@gimmebackmydog1249]

Keep dreaming. I was hoping the same thing. The Warm Audio didn't sound bad though.

[@babatunda1849]

the u87 has more image but for the price of it u could get the wa87 and a nice pre amp and your good

[@TheDoug2103]

the top end is there on the wa-87, just use eq, thats what its made for, all of these damned reviews are mind numbing.

[@dylanj8676]

Not to mention it's always a U87ai too. It's never a vintage U87. Add the 2 dB or so extra the U87ai has in the highs and I bet the WA87 will sound almost identical.

[@oompapompaa6543]

So which was which??!??

[@Louisjarto]

Not fair comparison, mic B is higher in volume and therefore sounds "better".

[@AnAmericanGuitarist]

He turned it down 3db to match the WA output.

[@BritoWorx]

Louis Jarto the U87 is super sensitive so it picks up a broader range of the spectrum giving you a perceived louder volume. The WA87 holds up well tho.

[@promoted738]

Just add a bit of top end eh? WA is a contender.

[@melee3806]

Neumann streets ahead.

[@TheCrystalyne]

this is a very poor comparison I think largely influenced by the volume/gain settings between the mics. They are many other vids out there on youtube that indicate they are literally almost identical in sound when db level between the mics is balanced....I guess you wanted to hype the expensive one....

[@impulseproman]

I choose mic B

[@LucyAmberon]

WA sounds like the u87 without the clarity. Unfortunately the clarity mixed with the full 3d tone in an ideal balance is what makes the u87ai so amazing so i know now i wont be buying a WA so useful demo.

[@gagsmedia]

Mic B sounds like a record.....oh wait!

[@cm88388]

It was immediately obvious that A was a cheap microphone before B even played. WA87 is all hype, doesn't even come close

[@RynoComesAlive]

B is u87 for sure 🙂

[@MyChillychill]

It wasn’t really much of a difference u87 has more shine Nd top end for her voice the warm audio mic fits best but similar sound as far as dynamic goes

[@tthesepeople]

exactly my thought. and I honestly preferred the wa 87 at this point

[@prodarbour]

Omg her voice is unreal

[@nativerezmedia]

There is definitely not a $2000+ difference in quality. If you think there is you're simply trying to hard.