Description
The Warm Audio WA-47jr FET Condenser Microphone is a solid-state (FET) condenser microphone designed to capture the essence of the legendary Neumann U47 FET microphone, but at a significantly more accessible price point.
Warm Audio is known for creating high-quality, “boutique” style gear inspired by classic studio equipment, and the WA-47jr fits perfectly into that philosophy.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Microphone Type: FET (Field-Effect Transistor) Condenser, Transformerless. This means it’s a solid-state condenser microphone with a clean, uncolored signal path, renowned for clarity and transient response. Like all condensers, it requires +48V phantom power from your audio interface or mixer.
- Diaphragm: Features a custom reproduction of the vintage K47-style capsule (Warm Audio’s WA-47-B-80v model). This is a dual large-diaphragm (6-micron Mylar) capsule designed to emulate the pattern and frequency response of the original ’47 style microphone. This capsule is key to achieving the mic’s signature sound.
- Multiple Polar Patterns: A significant feature for its price, offering three selectable patterns directly on the mic body:
- Cardioid: The most common pattern, focusing sound from the front and rejecting noise from the sides and rear. Ideal for vocals, close-miking instruments.
- Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions, great for capturing room ambience, choirs, or multiple instruments.
- Figure-8 (Bidirectional): Picks up sound equally from the front and rear, while rejecting sound from the sides. Useful for duets, or capturing instrument and room sound with a specific direction.
- On-Board Controls (Switches): The WA-47jr is equipped with useful switches:
- Attenuation Pad (-10 dB): Allows the microphone to handle very loud sound sources (high SPLs) without overloading your microphone preamplifier.
- High-Pass Filter (70 Hz): Rolls off low frequencies below 70 Hz. This helps to reduce unwanted rumble, hum, and control the proximity effect when close-miking.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This wide range captures the full audible spectrum. The sound is often described as having a tight bottom, present mids, and a smooth high end, aiming for a vintage-inspired tone without being harsh.
- Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 147 dB SPL (157 dB with the -10 dB pad engaged). This is an extremely high SPL handling capability, making the WA-47jr suitable for recording very loud sources like kick drums, screaming guitar amplifiers, and powerful vocals without distortion.
- Equivalent Noise Level (Self-Noise): 9 dBA. This is an excellent low self-noise figure for a condenser microphone in its price range, ensuring very clean recordings even for quiet sound sources.
- Components: The fully discrete signal path incorporates high-quality components such as Toshiba FETs, WIMA film capacitors, and Panasonic electrolytic capacitors, all contributing to its signature tone and low noise.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR output. Requires an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or mixer.
- Build Quality: Features a robust all-metal body, often available in silver or black finishes. It feels solid and durable, reflecting Warm Audio’s commitment to quality construction.
- Included Accessories: Typically comes with a vibration-reducing shockmount, a compact hardmount (mic clip), and a zippered storage pouch. The shockmount is particularly valuable for professional isolation.
Performance and Audio Quality:
- “47-Style” Tone: The primary appeal of the WA-47jr is its attempt to capture the characteristic warm, rich, and full-bodied sound of the classic U47 FET microphone. While it’s a solid-state version (not tube like the original U47 or Warm Audio’s WA-47), it successfully delivers a pleasing, vintage-inspired tone.
- Versatile Performer: Thanks to its multiple polar patterns and on-board controls, the WA-47jr is incredibly versatile:
- Vocals: Excellent for lead and backing vocals, providing a clear, articulate, and flattering sound with good presence.
- Acoustic Guitars: Captures the body and shimmer of acoustic instruments.
- Electric Guitar & Bass Cabs: Its high SPL handling makes it ideal for close-miking loud amplifiers, delivering detailed and rich tones.
- Drums: Can be used for kick drums, snare, and as overheads.
- Piano, Strings, Brass/Woodwind Instruments: Handles a wide array of sources with good results.
- Clean and Transparent: The transformerless FET design ensures a clean signal path, providing clarity while still retaining the desired sonic character.
- Value for Money: It offers features and sound quality usually found in much more expensive microphones, making it a strong contender in the mid-range condenser market.
