Warm Audio WA-87 Mic Review / Test (Comparison to U87 Ai)

Today I review a clone of the classic Neumann U87, the Warm Audio WA-87. I compare this mic to the U87 Ai, an sE4400a, and a JZ Mics Vintage 11. This mic has a very punchy mid section and over all smooth sound that sounds excellent on acoustics and vocals, especially if you’re going for a more vintage sound. I am extremely impressed with this microphone as a mic on it’s own, however, it yields a very different sound compared to the U87.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/wa87
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Amazon: geni.us/wa87
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00:00 - Intro
00:07 - Price
00:19 - Setup
00:34 - What’s in the Box
01:09 - Build Quality
01:36 - Specifications
02:43 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:39 - Plosive Test
03:50 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:07 - Background Noise Test (Keyboard Test)
04:22 - Untreated Room Test
04:35 - High Pass Filter Switch Demo
05:05 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:15 - Desk Bump & Boom Arm Bump Rejection Test
05:29 - sE Electronics sE 4400a Comparison
06:04 - JZ Mics Vintage 11 Comparison
06:26 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
06:50 - Music Test
08:18 - Pros & Cons
09:15 - Overall Thoughts
10:42 - Recommendation
11:31 - Outro
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[@hnm6649]

Podcastage to wife: "Did the condom break?" wife: "Check the doobly doo and see what you diddly did"

[@ZAINILEXTHE1ANDONLY]

Greatest fucking comment of all time.

[@nonami_066xswqoqowiwl]

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@2ndAveScents]

Condom with wifey? Nah brah.

[@user-bt7pu7qs2f]

thats underrated af LMAO

[@runnningonempty]

AAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA!

[@olafkliemt1145]

still the best mic reviews on the net. period.

[@MixedByCruz]

He always has the best ones

[@papilobi]

@@MixedByCruz yep

[@travislpatterson]

Love your reviews. Warm Audio modeled this mic after the vintage U87 manufactured back in the 1970s and not the current Ai. The Ai is noticeably brighter, so it makes since that WA-87 sounds a bit dull or dark by comparison. I have the WA-87, but TBH it suits your voice much better than mine for spoken word. Keep up the good work!

[@jayfuckinglast5083]

I was just going to say this exactly. I'm surprised with how detailed and well thought out Podcastage reviews are that it was missed that the WA87 is attempting to copy the earlier Neumann U87's (1967-1985) which is darker sounding and has lower output than the Neumann U87a and the current U87ai models. Besides that oversite... well done as usual !!!

[@shaft9000]

Well, whatever the topology, it's not sounding like the og or other neumanns, either. It's a good mic at a low price.

[@ptkk21]

This is the best mic reviewer I've seen. What a great, focused , on point clip. Ty good sir. Besides that, there is a certain type of spark and presence to U87 - dman that change was audible.

[@Mebzy]

I don't know why I like watching so many microphone reviews but ever since I started getting into audio it's just what I do in my downtime. I think I just enjoy watching Podcastage too because I rarely watch anyone else!

[@MixedByCruz]

Agreed!

[@metal571]

It's because Bandrew is amazing

[@Mebzy]

@@metal571 yeah I think it is

[@petertadd6245]

Fully agree. Competent. Obvious Integrity. Funny.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Addictive

[@Tiggsvoice]

I literally just got this mic and I really like it for female vocals so far! I haven't tried it on anything else but I'm excited to experiment with it!

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

Dropped everything I’m doing on the floor including my kids to watch this

[@gmadruga]

IAUHiuAHiauHIAUhIUAhaIUHAIh

[@MixedByCruz]

As anyone should !lol

[@StevenSoto]

😭😭😭

[@clementinelives]

Parenting at it's finest

[@thejasontlewis]

Ive had this in my Amazon cart for few months. May have to go for it!

[@jazzjames]

I would. I own one of these and I own the WA47jr as well. They are not perfect clones...but they are really good. These with a good preamp lets my music sit nicely in the mix. I do instrumental jazz...

[@kingofthejungle9300]

@@jazzjames hi thanks for sharing, if I have a interface would I still need a pre amp?

[@jazzjames]

@@kingofthejungle9300 When I said preamp, I was talking about a good preamp in your interface. The better the preamps in your interface (and conversion) the better it will sound.

[@smokem2d662]

May I suggest the WA 87 with the T13 Tab funkenwerk transformer mod that Zen Audio sells? www.zenproaudio.com/warm-audio-wa-87-zenpro-mod I have shot this version of the WA87 against a VINTAGE u87 and it sounded amazing

[@ramencurry6672]

I just got the new R2 version and I love it. It’s so good that it could be an end game mic and it’s only $599 !!

[@ShawnBrockMusic]

Man you do the best mic reviews of anyome I’ve seen! Great job!

[@osmanmirghani3418]

Finally..... I've been waiting for this review

[@drewharrisonmusic3184]

Awesome review! I'd love to hear this compared to some other great multipattern LDCs at the 'mid range' price point that folks seem to love... The Aston Spirit and Miktek Mk300 come to mind. Really dig your channel, keep it up 👌

[@polyphonicgroove]

First of all....I love your videos, you're funny and knowledgeable....a great combination. Now regarding the mic....I bought a WA-87 because of your video and I think it is awesome!!! Regarding the U-87, I've heard quit a few of them and honestly they don't even sound like each other. Bottom line, the WA-87 is a great value and a great sounding mic. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your videos.

[@sapelesteve]

Definitely one of the better Mics that I have heard you speaking into Bandrew! Grear review...🎤🎤🎤

[@xHadesStamps]

That plosive rejection is amazing! I would've compared the shock to the stiff mount for the shock mount test.

[@MixedByCruz]

Agreed 🙌

[@TheSnufking]

This microphone fits your voice really well!

[@MixedByCruz]

Agreed!

[@johnhodgson5313]

Loved the review. Someone mentioned that the older U87 sounded different, so maybe that is it. Getting an old one for comparison would be difficult. Taken on its own merit this is a great mic for its plosive rejection and smooth sound.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah. I've had my eyes on reverb for a few months for a vintage u87, and haven't found one in my budget in good shape manufactured in the time I want. So I'm going to to keep looking and waiting.

[@carlosmohia7569]

Your the only person I go to when I’m looking for a new mic, U literally have everything

[@dulla8469]

this guy is the best person to review a microphones audio interface or whatever thing that has to do with audio, he covered about every occasion, im subscribed and sure as hell will spend alot of this lock down time in your channel

[@mixphantom0101]

Excellent review! Would love to see some Advanced Audio mics reviewed... they're quietly making their way into many a mic cupboards!

[@dilloneason3211]

This is one of the best reviews on ANYTHING I’ve ever seen! 😂😂 I gotta share this with somebody

[@guitar8617]

Owned the mic for a couple months now, a great mic for the vocal and voiceover applications I use it mostly for

[@sacstudiosargentina]

Once again, you have done another best test video on internet about a microphone.

[@curtisjudd]

Does not sound exactly like the U87, I actually like the WA-87 better on your voice. But that's probably just preference. Whew! Thanks for saving me $3600!

[@MixedByCruz]

Big price difference lol

[@ArtVandelay592]

Chucky Gold My dream microphone would be if Neumann could release a cardioid only version of the U87, that sounds exactly like it right down to the frequency response, and sell it at $1000 or lower price tag. That would be a dream come true for the solo singer/songwriter musician or voice actor who only needs the cardioid mode of the most famous microphone in the world.

[@dulla8469]

i noticed the same thing on another video that the WA-87 is like another microphones that sound different and in some cases better, honestly im starting to love the WA87 more than the U87, but ive still never experimented with any of them so im just gonna have to wait till i can get to use them and see what the fuss is all about

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

Curtis Judd I definitely agree with you.

[@dancegod1691]

If you get a nicer pre-amp and good headphones you'd be able to tell the difference.

[@RusiruRupasinghe]

Damn this is a really good review! Thank u and subbed!

[@DisplaceMusic]

Absolutely love your work! Thanks, dude. :)

[@deadrituals]

I really love your demos and comparisons! If you have a chance you should totally try some vintage mics, not necessarily holy grail stuff, but you can find some pretty cool old mics for a few hundred bucks on the web, would be fun to hear your take on them and maybe compare to modern stuff

[@riktascale4]

Very interesting. Love the Mike Mayers mask in the background 😆😆

[@Techoftomorrow]

Holy Mac Bandrew, I kept saying to myself is this the dude who kicked me down that awesome metal tune and yes its you man....Great job on this stuff...

[@Jaredkfjones]

Love all your videos man.

[@taliesintenerelli8510]

Thank u for throwing the box this time!!

[@danmahoney11]

I have a U87ai and very clearly they do sound very different. I do like the WA87 though and you do a great job of demoing it for us...probably sounds a bit more like my AKG Perception 200 to my ears. The AKG is a great mic for Voice Over and other U87 applications so that`s not a criticism, just an observation... Love the reviews...keep `em coming!

[@MrSolomon]

Thank you for your videos! I learned useful tips about audio setup/microphones! Subscribed! Keep up the good work! By the way: is there any chance that you would do a video about your camera/lighting setup, because I really like the way your videos look :)

[@kesamek8537]

Personally prefer 3U Audio over Warm for this purpose and quality but both are good. Great review as always, the best on KZbin no question.

[@djsashradio]

Waiting for the review of the Warm Audio WA-87 R2, which they say looks much more like the Neumann U87 Ai and not the Vintage, also waiting for the review of the TZ Audio Stellar X3 which looks good and will give a lot to talk about. As always excellent video. Greetings from Colombia!!!

[@itzyaboybugz]

Love this guy sense of humor and video editing ha

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great Review as always.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Rod, that means a lot!

[@JakeAdams27]

Have been waiting on this review. I have one on the way, i'm stoked!

[@tylerlogan722]

This a great review man

[@SmokeM2D6]

I have this mic with the Zen Pro Mod (they replace factory output transformer with the TAB Funkenwerk T13) Sounds amazing.

[@calebblatz122]

Honestly, I think I like the warmer tone and lower mid push compared to the U87 AI. Half regretting my recent TLM 102 purchase after listening to this review. Sounds phenomenal.

[@VOByRobbins]

your voice sounds great on the WA-87, just got that popfilter and it's replaced my steadman, love it!!! works great!!!!

[@HarshMediaInc]

What is that popfilter?

[@mrtechie6810]

Which pop filter do you recommend?

[@mattolivo]

The Acoustic guitar sounds great on this mic as well as vocals. Im impressed, no its not a U87 but it is a damn good mic that will be in my collection forever. Great mic for VO work as well

[@djencode]

Awesome review!!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Bandrew, any thought of doing a blind comparison of a few mics and then revealing what each was? That way there's no preconceived notion of how something should sound. A great time for that would be after the noise floor test so the audience has a moment to forget the sound of various mics or... use something like the AT2020 to announce what you're doing then start switching. Kinda like cleansing the palate with ginger before the test.

[@sirnigelcogs]

Even though a lot of condenser microphones these days are transformerless, I often prefer microphones with transformers as they tend to impart a certain character that I tend to like.

[@vevero7139]

Can't wait to see your review on RTX Voice.

[@k_watts]

I was waiting on this one

[@MixedByCruz]

Same!!

[@delmusic397]

Heyyyy I love your reviews and are fully helpful but I prefer when u did the singing while playing the acoustic guitar at the same time as i like to hear how much acoustic bleeds through if u record both at the same time

[@PT-ho1ez]

Already bought a mic after binging your videos, and yet here in am...

[@isaacjones5385]

I own one, haven’t got to use it yet really. Tested it out and it sounded great.

[@levirphillips]

Great review as always! Would love to know what your electric guitar signal chain is to get it that wide...

[@hectorelizondo1354]

Great review. Thank you.

[@xHadesStamps]

I really like the WA87 on your voice.

[@RyldodiSouza]

my congratulations on your tutorial, it was great, I would like to know what brand is your popfilter ?, thanks Ryldo

[@DanielBergonzoni]

I love your reviews! Have you tried the Slate VMS? I would love your review of that!!

[@BenKrisfield]

Great review. Thanks.

[@enriquekahn9405]

Thanks for doing this review. I love the U87 above all mics but that's car money to me, and I'm super interested in a clone version at a price that I can actually afford in the foreseeable future. My thoughts on this mic, before seeing your conclusions: It sounds quite nice, but not really U87 like. I swear the Black Forest artisans who make "the real thing" put magic pixie dust in those things. Maybe if WA made a cardioid-only version with fewer frills and knocked a good percentage off the price like Austrian Audio did with the OC18 I'd be a little more enthused. As it is I'm just going to keep using my "cheap" mic and dream of getting a U87 someday. After your conclusions: Maybe I was a little unfair to this mic expecting it to sound like something 6x the price but... it does say it wants to be a U87, right in the name. It really is a very pleasant mic and I would love to hear a longer video recorded on it (hint). Maybe something like this is for me after all, sometime in the future. Here's an idea for a video: Shootout between all the mics you have that claim to copy the U87 and the U87 itself. I bet that would get some views.

[@Adammonroemusic]

Stam SA-87 supposedly has almost an identical frequency response curve as a vintage U 87 but the company can be notoriously difficult to deal with.

[@IntoTheForest]

Is that a Manley reference mic behind you? I would love to see a video on it!

[@MrDifferentTV]

Have you ever checked out the Aston Spirt I know you did the origin but would like to see what you think about the spirt?

[@jordanbonnick6732]

Please do a review on the WA 47 next.

[@stephanematis]

Love the acoustic middle finger to the audience :P I like this mic

[@michaeltravis3562]

I bought a lot of mics while trying to find one that suits my singing voice, and the WA87 has been my favorite so far. The upper mid of my voice is kinda raspy, and this mic tames it without any outboard eq. I don't use it for anything else, because I have other mics that exceed it's performance wrt recording instruments, but for MY vocals- it's a win.

[@AironExTv]

Very smooth VO sound. Impressive.

[@dksuxs4099]

I was looking up that mic Yesterday

[@tacticalribeye9583]

Just discovered your vids. Fuckin on point 🔥🔥🔥🤜🤛 Only 213k subs?!? This world is disgusting...

[@DopamineOverload]

Really curious what you think of the new WA-87 R2. I just returned my WA-87 since the new one came out a couple weeks later... haha. Thanks, Bandrew!

[@smilecalm]

thanks, now I have this great sounding mic! 😃

[@lemrekt1295]

Omg this mic sounds INCREDIBLE for acoustic guitar

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

No your judgement is Wrong

[@muchammadnurwibowowibi4580]

Saw Manley in the background, gotcha! waiting for it

[@havardhaugland597]

That Manley to your left though - any chance of a review on that?

[@BangsNaughtyBits]

The Max SPL might have a hardware limit on the capsule independent of the electronics. Might be a part chosen to maintain the emulation. !

[@TacomaEscape]

Killer review man. Love’d the sound of the acoustic gtr. and vocal tones. I’ve only used my WA87’s for room mics when tracking drums & they sound really good but I may add this to tracking acoustic & maybe a double of the lead & harmonies with my SM7. Btw what pop filter are you using there?

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Nothing like that.

[@MusicFella]

Bandrew I hate to break it to you but you’ve been reviewing a lot more U87 clones thank you think bro. Almost every mic below $200 that is a name brand condenser is a U87 clone.

[@v3zMedia]

I'm ready for the Manley Reference Mic review. Be sure to compare that to the U87 as well.

[@AnthonyMartinsRock]

v3z hey there. The Manley Ref microphone was modelled after the U47. I spent a long time deciding between the manly and au87. I learned quite a bit about these. Great but be sure the frequency response works for your voice. I thought about buying a clone a few years ago and then realised that it wasn’t worth it. I now own a U87ai it is fantastic on everything and without compromise on any source. I only needed 1 mic so saving for the one that was right for me made sense. I tried the u87, u87ai, wa87 the wa87 sounds great but it also does not react to material and sources the same as any of these.

[@cankucuk17]

I loved the expression on 10:18! :)

[@machado5765]

One of the best ASMR channels.

[@MixedByCruz]

Yes sir

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Hey can you review the pop filter your using and do a comparison video for us?

[@PianoManChuck]

Excellent sounding mic. Won't sound like a U87 for an acapella singer, but may be difficult to distinguish from a U87 for that same singer with a band.

[@WesleyBerger]

First time discovering your channel, and I am so very grateful. If I'd written 20 questions on a notebook page before this video started, on exactly what I wanted to ask and learn about this mic, you would have answered every one of them and more. I've been using a Shure SM7B for some time now, as I thought it was the only option for some of the louder, harsher singing I do, but I have often found myself missing the sound and feel of a LDC (my previous one was very cheap, which I think led to my frustration and shift). I remember loving the U87 sound when I was in audio school, and while I know this is not identical, it has a vibe and characteristic that brings my ear back to that sort of vintage LDC sound. Anyways, thanks again. Will be buying the mic and also subscribing here!

[@eggonspinellivilella9094]

*I started doing vocals **do7.pl/NMicrophone2** with a low-end mic that came along with the Focusrite Scarlett Studio 2nd Gen kit. Then I upgraded my gear to Rode NT1-A mic and subsequently with AKG mic, but was not getting the clear and natural vocals and have to do a lot of plugins/EQs. Finally, I got this Neumann TLM-102 after reading the reviewsand research. This is an excellent mic! Vocals are so smooth and natural. Need no or a very little EQ to get the perfect vocals. Very warm and strong vocals which allowsme to easily play around within the DAW. The recordings are no less than a high-grade professional studio. Noise level is approx nil (super quite) and with a pop-shield it works simply amazing. You won't regret the investment you do with this little master! Lastly, quick delivery by B&H and excellent packing!*

[@waveland]

I’m not convinced about its use with acoustic guitar. Maybe with a little reverb I would feel differently, but as is that sound was a real turnoff. On the other hand, the electric guitar sounded pretty solid, and as a voice mike? Absolutely, the WA-87 suited your voice very well, and I’m probably going to give it a tryout for some voice work I have coming up in the near future.

[@davidvochocjr1005]

Thanks, I am really surprised, WA 87 sounds for me better - happy I am not alone as I see below

[@BeatsBangcomtv]

Cool review!! How's about one on the WA-47 or 47jr?

[@alexisvargas3842]

Bandrew please do review for Maono AU-902 and do a versus series for that product and Samson C01U Pro. Pleaseeeeee

[@shaniell.mathur6372]

I like the warm and vintage sound of this warm audio mic . I like it .

[@redpoint8823]

I pray for you and for your family. Love you, Hercules of Microphones !

[@MixedByCruz]

Powerful 💪

[@user-tm2ho3dt6t]

Could you please do a review on the warm audio wa-47jr microphone

[@PaulIsbell]

I love this mic and have had it for about a year now.. I have a higher pitched voice and I’m really thinking about grabbing a tube/valve mic. I’m thinking about grabbing either an Avantone CV12 or Lauten LA320. What would you recommend?

[@PharaohLawLess1]

As soon as you said "you would have to be smoking a crack pipe to not know....etc..." I subscribed. Lol

[@thablkcuban]

Great Vid , Can You Do The WA47? That Would Be Cool

[@chasecreates819]

I was wondering if u could review the sterling audio st55 at some point? One of my favorite artists lil peep used to it for most of his career. would love to see ur opinion. I find it to be pretty underrated

[@bewater2072]

Hi! Which mic best now Rode NT1 or LEWITT LCT 440 Pure and LCT 441 Flex? For voice and other thing recording. Thanks!

[@chrolloackerman6471]

so when are you gonna do a review on that Manley you got right there? we waiting sir!

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

1:08 your kryptonite strikes again! 11:12 Awww, these millenials, wanting a 1966 Aston Martin DB6 for the price of a Toyota GR Supra! Sweet widdle poppets, gotta luv'em! But kids gotta dream, man! Jokes aside, for $600, it sounded great on your voice, and would be great for young voices characterized by a high tenor sound. Great comparisons in the clip, too!

[@braydenwigginsmusic]

Can you review their WA-47 Fet jr? I have one, and wonder how it compares to their WA-87. (Also p.s., I'm currently using the SE4400a per your recommendation as my workhorse! Thanks for the great videos!)

[@dereklanevo]

It'd be great to see a WA87 vs WA87 R2 comparison ... maybe on the Deuce?

[@producerbenford]

Can’t wait for you to do the WA87 R2

[@ronleezy5052]

When are you going to do a mic comparison with the Manley vs U87 !!???

[@PaulIsbell]

I have a WA-87 but I’ve been pretty upset with it the past year or so. I have a very high, tenor voice, so I think I am gonna switch it out for a WA-47 to give me depth and warmth. What do you guys think??

[@andymarsal]

cool rev