Warm Audio WA47 Review

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Thank you guys for checking out my review of the Warm Audio WA47. I think, for the money, you will be really happy with this mic in your mic closet!

[@drummerguyron]

Came across this mic as a suggestion from my brother. My brother is a bit of a tech geek and he watches Mr Carlsons Lab. My brother loves how crisp his voice always sounds on his videos. Found out he uses this mic and actually has an in-depth inspection video of this mic. Pretty fascinating. He describes how all of the internal parts are top quality and very well made. So of course.. I had to have one.. Absolutely love it on acoustic guitars and vocals. I'm a drummer so I plan to try it as a room mic soon. Thanks for this awesome review btw.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

I really do love it, glad you do as well!

[@richardyuen5786]

Good review Steve. I watched this video before picking up my copy of the WA-47 and the first thing I checked was the power cable ! To my surprise mine fits really nicely, I tried to plug and unplug it a few times and every time it feels 100% solid. Perhaps I got a good copy or Warm Audio saw your video and corrected the issue !! Haha...just kidding. Thanks again, I am very happy with the WA-47 so far.

[@charleshuguley9903]

I don't think the comparative cost of a vintage mic should be considered what it would cost today, but what it cost when it was new, plus inflation.

[@bruhdamartinasty3636]

The best thing about this video is the amazing video editing and video effects. The filming is pretty nice, as well. But the editing is world class. Get that person cutting the next Hollywood action blockbuster!

[@anointed01]

This is, by far, the most accurate, honest and realistic mic review I`ve ever seen. Thank you Steve!!! How does it compare with the Stam Audio SA 47? Have you ever tried it?

[@POTBFitnessandLife]

I'm noticing massive improvements in the quality of your videos. Great work! Keep it Up!

[@adrianjulian]

the power supply on my wa251 tube pre does the same. ive had two

[@simbasupreme]

love how real you are about this review

[@the_newvoice]

I miss the chance to get WA47. The customs refuse to pass it. Hope i will get it.

[@live4christ297]

Glad to hear what you said about the SM7b because that's my only mic. I use it straight into my audient id22 but getting a WA273eq soon and I look forward to hear the difference. Can you comment on that? 🤷‍♂️

[@MidnightMiik]

I've been having power cable issues for a while now. I think it's the prongs on the plug. Mass produced components. It clearly isn't the most important part unless it won't stay in at all. I've been bending the prongs out slightly. Just enough to provides a grip so it won't pop out of the socket. This is a little tricky with the power supply because, unlike the power cable, it's permanently attached. So be careful not to bend it too far. It still has to fit in the socket. Could be the part manufacturer is making the prongs a few nm smaller to save on raw metal. Who knows. It's annoying though.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

It’s very annoying!!! I’ve heard several people describe similar issues with the cord and power supply!

[@roland1313]

this was a great and honest review! thanks

[@jorgiewtf]

Great video man! I got one on the way now. It’s actually being sent to me by mistake from sweetwater cause I ordered and then cancelled it right away cause went with the TLM 103 instead so they’re both on their way. I may decide to at least just give it a try.

[@jazzampa]

How did it go? Which did you keep?

[@Podcastage]

Sm7b hype!

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Never miss an opp to push the SM7b! LOL!

[@natteaap]

@@TheSteveFreeman would you recomend the SM7B over the WA47? I have just a home studio and will be recording my own vocals (male) and guitar (acoustic and electric through a fender twin reverb amp). occasionaly a female backing vocal. All the rest is in the box. I have the WA47 budget and are blinded by the "this is a U47 essence" in your review but perhaps I just need to go for the SM7B. (I have the shure sm57 and a Rode NT1A) I appreciate your opinion. (nice reviews btw)

[@samarkandtv]

Which one to buy Tlm 103 or wa 47 ???

[@TheSteveFreeman]

GOLDEN VOICE WA47, way more tonal options and full bodied sound

[@zachmillerdrums]

It seems like they fixed the power cord issue. Mine is super tight! Great review!

[@STEViEZHUU]

Loop the power cord under the top handle? Might keep it in place better

[@garyshirinian]

Very sensible guy, thx for sharing. I have WA47, and I love it also the WA67. My question to you since you are a sensible person . I'm thinking of to a 500 series. What chassis do recommend for the price point that it will be quiet. Without any hummmms or unnecessary noise. I value your opinion. Thx

[@masque1313]

Very nice video. Thanks posting. I agree with your philosophy on nearly everything you said. The one place I slightly differ is when you discuss that folks should not compare the wa-47 to a u-47. I understand why you say that, but when all the marketing and product identification leads buyers directly down the road of believing they are buying a newer cheaper version of a vintage famous mic, it directly leads people to make those comparisons. So I don’t think that can ever be fully avoided. But with that said, even the most discerning ears would struggle mightily to determine if a vocal was recorded on a vintage u-47 vs a new wa-47 in the middle of a full rock band mix, assuming everything was recorded properly. I will likely add one of these mics very soon.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

It all depends on how you are recording. If it's a straight analog recording using outboard pre's, comp's and mixing outboard, you'd hear the difference immediately, but the modern way of recording in the box and mixing in the box, you'd never hear the difference at all. Just save $30,000 and buy the WA-47! Thanks for watching man!

[@wrekkingcru]

Definitely like the SM7B on male vocals in the studio. Do you have any videos on gain-staging? From the input to the, aux send and on through the the master bus L/R output? I know this is likely simple stuff, but good to get a professional's take on this. Thanks.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Wrekking Cru thanks for watching!! I don’t currently have a video on gain staging, but I can sure do one. I have a pretty simple workflow, everything goes out into my outboard analog Dangerous summing mixer, then back in up to 16 channels into pro tools. I may work in a video on the subject!

[@gospelpopmusic]

I've got my wa-47 connected to the Boss Ve500 harmonizer....sounds Awesome! I still must purchase my mic preamp. My goal is the AVALON VT-737SP TUBE CHANNEL STRIP

[@thablkcuban]

My Power Cord Is Snug, I Have To Pull Really Hard To Get It Out Whenever I Pack Up

[@krissheehy]

Great video. Thanks Steve!

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Thanks Kris, I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment!

[@littleoakstudio4254]

Do you think this would be a versatile mic for a home studio for vocals paired with an sm7b? or would the wa 251 be a better choice?

[@georgekiapos1]

Fantastic review, and fantastic perspective! Our ears are always the tell tale decision making factor in audio. A quick question, Steve.... I used to have a Peluso 22 47 SE.... How would you compare the WA-47 to the Peluso? BTW, one of the best, honest and complete presentations on a piece of gear -- without getting overly technical :)

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Thanks for watching and for your comment/question. I would honestly say that the Peluso is probably a "better" mic just because they have been making mics for a LONG time and they really have thier specs down. These mics are brand new from Warmand though I am VERY pleased with it's performance and would recommend them to anyone wanting to add a 47 replica to their lineup, I couldn't in good conscience tell someone to dump their peluso for it! Thanks again for your comment and for watching!

[@LiriElgozi]

Can it be used without the power box? Connected directly to avalon 737? Or the power box is a must..

[@TheSteveFreeman]

That’s the mics power supply, it has to be used.

[@geosonica]

helppp w 47 o NTA1 RODE.???

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Geosonica WA47 not even close!

[@barneschris5148]

Thanks for good and honest review

[@TheSteveFreeman]

My pleasure

[@mauricejones9834]

Great Production in the background while you review the product. Did you produce that? Also Excellent Review!!

[@theoliviaarchives4794]

Hey Steve. Did you end up buying a new power cord? And did that work better?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

I didn't, just keep using the same one! But, you've reminded me, so now I will! Thanks!

[@breadmakingplays5575]

are apollos preamps any good, was going to purchase an apollo x6

[@TheSteveFreeman]

BREAD 3K1 yes, the unison pre-amps are very pristine and very clear with lots of headroom. You add one of the UA or Neve plugins and you’ll set!

[@breadmakingplays5575]

​@@TheSteveFreeman wow fast reply and thanks. was thinking about getting an api512v or do you think thats over kill since apollo does offer unison they have an api emulation as well

[@TheSteveFreeman]

BREAD 3K1 I have an api lunchbox full of 512c’s, they are a great mic pre, but I’ll tell you, I would just use the onboard pres with a plug and yes, they do make an API bundle.

[@Ppap750]

I’m ditching my TLM103 for the WA-47 because I feel like the tlm103 is too thin for my high tenor voice. Am I making the right choice?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

YES!

[@littleoakstudio4254]

What mic is more versatile for vocals in your opinion? the 251 or the u47?

[@Hszalek]

Steve, would love to see you do a mixing walkthrough for that song you showed us!

[@meysamesfahaniofficialmeys557]

It’s picking up way too much air. Not sure what to do. When the ac is on it’s horrible.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

It’s a tube condenser, that’s gonna happen unfortunately. If you are in a small Place and noise is an issue, look at getting a dynamic mic, something like a Shure SM7B

[@Fos3tex]

Why would you record with the AC on??

[@meysamesfahaniofficialmeys557]

Phil Hofman because it’s 110?

[@gusdee4844]

@@meysamesfahaniofficialmeys557 I mean I have a window ac unit in my room/studio.. I would NEVER record with it cuz thats just dumb and will obviously be picked up lol. But if its picking up central air noise then thats wack.

[@meysamesfahaniofficialmeys557]

gus dee I took the foam box off that went half way around the mic and it’s better now but yeah it does pickup the central air, water pipes in the wall, even birds chirping outside. 😂

[@robertmcdaniel8147]

Very helpful, Steve. I note that the WA47 uses a $15 JJ 5751 tube. Could the sound be improved by upgrading the tube? Thanks

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Absolutely, 100%. Try to find a new vintage stock tube and it will make all the difference

[@anthonyman8008]

Single art electronics has two GREAT mod upgrades!

[@rort1371]

JJs are good tubes

[@mikejaques6573]

I was thinking about this review. I purchased this mic and the build quality is tops. You compared this mic to a vintage mic. Perhaps instead you should compare it to a brand new u47 from Telefunken and doba blindfold test. We all have prejudices and skew towards what we perceive as what should be best. I have them as well. I think my vintage McIntosh is the absolute best sounding system ever. Others would disagree. So get a brand bew u47 and test it against the WA47 blindfolded. That would be a much more fair test. Of course NOTHING is in the same league with the original vintage u47.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Mike jaques actually I didn’t compare it to a vintage u47 at all. My exact statement was that you CAN’T compare the two at all. I own a vintage u47 and a new u47. If I wanted to compare them, I would’ve.

[@mgrcertified4081]

He won’t do a video like that because we all know he won’t be able to tell the difference. So he shouldn’t say it don’t compare 😂

[@MichaelHattem]

Steve, did a new power cord solve the issue?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Michael Hattem yes, I just grabbed a new one from a music store here and it fit tighter and no more issues

[@johnsweda2999]

Power chords the most important thing I'll get an audio note letz wire power chord silver with multi strands. Capacitance and inductance is very important

[@bigrivermedia762]

Hey Steve, great review. Do you have any experience with the WA47 Jr.?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

I don't, but I can have a FET version sent to me and check it out if it's something you guys want to see! Thanks for watching!

[@MusicCityOdia]

It is dual diaphorm mic ?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Multi-Pattern Tube

[@MusicCityOdia]

Dual diaphorm & Multi Parten is separate things. Dual Diaphorm is both side response frequency. Just like tlm 103 single diaphorm & M149 is Dual Diaphorm mic

[@TheSteveFreeman]

MUSIC CITY ODIA are you meaning diaphragm? There is no such thing as “Diaphorm”..

[@TheSteveFreeman]

MUSIC CITY ODIA The WA47 is a single backplate large diaphragm with vacuum tubes.

[@melodychest9020]

Best Warm Audio Rep Ever! But honestly that was not a bad review all the same! That power cord issue is annoying YES, but can be solved with those two screws on the side that you can see...those are meant for a locking metal bracket that goes over the IEC plug. Once you screw the plug into it, it is not going ANYWHERE! Or you may have to source an alternative IEC locking cord that may work. Cheers.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Melody Chest thanks for the comment, however, I’m not a rep for Warm Audio, the WA47 is the only piece of gear of theirs I own. I have since fixed the power cord issue, almost as you described!! Thanks for watching!

[@melodychest9020]

@@TheSteveFreeman That was a compliment as I thought you sounded so professional and eloquent in your presentation with such a beautiful symmetry in your face; was hard to believe you are just a studio producer! One of the best reviews I have ever seen honestly. I agree, WA are making some cool stuff with good components inside. For great finishes it will end up costing more but I believe they have done a real good job with this mic even externally, matching the basket and everthing very well. Best wishes, loved it totally.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Melody Chest thanks for the huge compliment, I actually did take it that way :). When I run across something I really like, I just want to tell others about it!

[@gabsauvage]

I would say that your point is accurate, BUT that it depends on the genre. If you're recording vocals with heavy compression, in let's say a Dance or Trap track, then yeah the nuances from the Neumann U47 vs the WA 47 might be completly negligeable. But, if you're working with a "less compressed" genre, maybe some more accoustic stuff/jazz stuff or simply overall with less compression added, then off course that you hear the difference... And i would add that the more you add effects like saturation on your vocals, the more you're going to hear the difference in quality (because of the harmonics added being smoother on a vintage mic vs a mic like the WA 47).

[@FaceLiftBeats]

Hey great video! Did you ever fix the power cord issue.

[@Michael_Is_Avg]

I currently have a slate VMS ML-1 and 2, but I am kind of at the point where I don't want to have to always have to use the VMR vst for the emulations, especially as I record on the go and can't have my license activated everywhere. I also get a bit overwhelmed at times because I can get a bit of option paralysis with so many different mic options, I'd rather just give it a go and call it a day. Thinking about selling those and getting this and maybe one of their small diaphragm mics to go with it for my home studio. Thanks for the great video and advice.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

The most important thing is that you find a mic that you like and that you know how to craft in post! I know some of the top producers that use mics I hate, but they make them sound amazing with their skills

[@lastcall9998]

Love the intro

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Thanks for watching!

[@mikejaques6573]

this is an unfair comparison. This guy doing the review is great knows what he is talking about. So this had nothing to do with him. What's unfair is vintage u47s used parts and pieces that are now unobtainable plus the vintage gear is aged. Also music has changed when the U47 came into being Ed Ames Johnny Mathis singers of that time sounded different plus i am aure when in their heyday the boards ran on tubes as well as the ampex master tape recorders were also tube. Now everything is conputer driven the music has changed and there are several things that effect tone and sound. Most people I know have a Bose wave radio or a cheap stereo. Music will sound muxh different than on my McIntosh plus with what most people listen with you couldn't tell the difference between a u47 or a shure 58. I like the sound of this mic. I saw a new u47 for 8900. Might be the holy grail mic to save up for.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Mike jaques I have 2 vintage u47’s and I can tell you the WA47 is nowhere near the same league, however, there’s no what it could be when you compare the vintage tubes and components that were available in the 40’s and 50’s. For a modern mic take in a vintage 47, the Warm Audio is a great mic at a great price.

[@mikejaques6573]

@@TheSteveFreeman i agree. I have a McIntosh console stereo that blows away the Fisher President but the Fiaher kicks butt too. I agree with you on most. It's just sad everything is computer driven and digital. I hope to get one of these mics eventually. I also feel that the wa47 will never compare to the u47. Nor will any other mic. U47s are like prewar Gibson banjos no matter how hard one tries never compare.

[@mikejaques6573]

@@TheSteveFreeman i would love to see how this mic compares to a new Telefunken u47 going for 8900. That would be cool to see

[@whovisionsCGI]

Question, as I've heard of reliability issues with this mic. Are you still using it, and have you encountered any technical problems or failures? Many reviewers do a review when new but never a follow up down the line on what they think or how the gear has got on. I've read 3 or 4 reports of failing tubes in a short space of time as well as other problems.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

I’ll do a follow up video on a couple weeks, you bring up a good point! Yes, still using mine and love it! Have had no issues at all!

[@udrescumarian2073]

Who is this brand Warm Audio?!

[@basillarkaimusic]

could you review apogee mic

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Which one would you like me to review? A ton more reviews are coming to the channel in the new year!

[@roland1313]

I think the cable being loose is the fault of how the cable was produced. As i'm sure you know these cables are ubiquitous for many types of electronic equipment, and can be purchased from a million places.

[@patrickfouhy9102]

Hope Metallica doesn't realize he basically lifted the cadence of that vocal line from "The Day That Never Comes." A song Metallica released in 2008. Same melody, and sounds like the same harmonic relationship to the chord being played under it.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Patrick Fouhy you can’t copyright a cadence or a 6 minor chord, but I see the resemblance, good ears!

[@patrickfouhy9102]

@@TheSteveFreeman haha thanks, but these days, who the heck knows. Great video by the way.

[@JAIONII]

u just earned a sub

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Thank you!

[@hoirecords]

Shouldn't you have, like a hundred extra IEC cables? haha. :)

[@KKrashaun007]

Appreciate the good and solid review bud. I ll probably grab the mic now myself.

[@paulotonedef]

That power chord issue can't be right... Surely. If it is, that's extremely shoddy. I know a real 47 is thousands, but a thousand bux is still a lot and I would expect things like that to be non existent. That has put me off. Perhaps a Avantone CV12 instead.

[@mycinetoolbox1979]

Another great video

[@THEKIDZONTHEBLOK]

Ohms and impedance matters a lot. If you don’t match them it makes your gear operate badly or even damage it. Please don’t say that it doesn’t as the audio engineering community already has to deal with enough god awful misinformation about audio production online.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

THEKIDZONTHEBLOK produce a few platinum albums then get back with me. I’ll wait....this is the second video you’ve just trolled and commented on. I can tell you are frustrated by the lack of respect and success you’ve had in your career. Again, just like your last comment on the other video, this video was not about the tech specs and audiophile sensibilities of this mic, it was about its construction, sound and whether or not it was worth the money. Fact is someone that doesn’t already know the specs and how to compensate for impedance and ohms, shouldn’t be looking at buying any audio equipment.

[@bass6st]

are you going use in the review ? people want to hear the mike man ?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

GARY BROWN then you obviously didn’t watch the entire video...

[@Doctaj54]

Thanks! Any updates on this mic? @Doctaj54

[@honkytonk2010]

You’re video was so helpful Thank you for sharing your amazing! Video..I will like and subscribe..Your the best 😎

[@DaveSS-xi4pn]

Your preamp doesn't drive the mic. .The Mic drives the preamp.

[@mgrcertified4081]

The sound 95% similar, not even you can tell a difference. That’s why u didn’t record them side by side. Stop lying to your fans. It sounds so close no one can tell. If it didn’t sound that good... why did u buy it , cut on it and not the U47...

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Did you even watch the video dumbass? I said basically the same thing, however, the U47 is warmer than this mic. I said multiple times in this video how good the Warm Audio mic was. Again, maybe watch the video and actually listen to what I say before leaving a stupid comment

[@mgrcertified4081]

Ur a true dickhead. Do a real review. Side by side DICKHEAD!

[@TheSteveFreeman]

@@mgrcertified4081 I’m not the one running around making comments on videos I didn’t watch or are too stupid to understand

[@officialWWM]

You can't make this judgement based on price...

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

Why don't you turn off the crappy music?

[@TheSteveFreeman]

I did it to annoy you specifically. Mission accomplished!

[@rdhorsey9081]

Thank you. But, like all these review videos, too much talk! Get to the important points quicker! I watched it at 1.5x speed and it still was 12 minutes long - too much for a simple review.

[@TheSteveFreeman]

That's one way of looking at it

[@jamesjames77777]

Just to warn others - it’s 17mins of talking and no examples

[@TheSteveFreeman]

Then you didn’t watch the video. Go troll someone else dumbass

[@Theboydevoye]

Lol this guy seems like a pain to record/make a record with.

[@327eggi]

Thanks man just picked one up can’t wait to use it!