If there’s one style of preamp that professional engineers would unanimously agree has defined the tone of pop/rock records for decades, it would most definitely be the venerable '73-style of mic pre.  '73-style preamps have been massively used in recording and live applications for many years and are still considered to be the “Holy Grail” of preamp choices today.  The Warm Audio “WA73 Family” consists of single and dual channel '73-style preamps (with & w/out EQ), that each pay careful homage to British audio history.

When we at Warm Audio decided to release the WA73-EQ it was imperative that it met vintage expectation in both design and performance.  The tone and sweet character that vintage '73-style mic preamps impart is so unique and familiar, that we had only the pure desire to release sonically accurate reproductions. After years of R&D, careful reverse-engineering, and countless hours of auditioning, the WA73-EQ has been born!

The WA73-EQ is a “Desert Island” boutique preamp, but it can also be classified as a studio and live work-horse.  Classic '73-style preamps are known for being versatile tools that work with all kinds of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon.  The WA73-EQ equally shines on all types of microphones and sources including; vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, percussion, orchestras, keyboards, and even as a tone shaping tool to run partial or complete mixes through.  With 80dB of gain and a fully discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path, there’s no recording, mixing or engineering task that the WA73-EQ can’t handle.

Hand Wired & Hand Assembled

Classic '73-style preamps were often hand-wired and so is the WA73-EQ!  Guru’s claim that a portion of the sought after classic British tone can be attributed to the hand-wired nature of the build. The WA73-EQ is hand-wired and hand assembled, including the pcb components that are all populated by hand.

UK Custom Carnhill Transformers

Enthusiasts unequivocally get excited about the components used in classic '73-style British preamps.  The signal transformers are a common topic of conversation.  Vintage units used various versions of transformers throughout the years, but the most coveted were the earliest versions.  These are regarded as the most desirable choice due to their fluid and forgiving nature.  They saturate sweetly when pushed, and have been known to make engineers cry when they hear how beautiful their mixes sound through them! Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design faithful reproductions of these most coveted, early version transformers.  We at Warm Audio have not yet heard a modern day '73-style preamp sound as sweet and musical as does our WA73-EQ with these beautiful custom Transformers.

Capacitors & Signal Path

An important part of the classic British circuits not often discussed are the different styles of capacitors and output transistor used.  We found it important to maintain integrity to the original design by using tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is much smoother in the high gain settings than what is typically found in modern '73-style reproductions.

UK Blore Edwards Switch-Pots

A great sounding '73-style circuit should be just as reliable as it is great sounding. The complex dual concentric switch potentiometers in the EQ sections of the WA273-EQ are made in the UK by Blore Edwards who manufacture military spec switches and potentiometers.  The use of Blore-Edwards components is no small inclusion for a '73-style preamp-eq in this price range.

Specifications:

• Single Channel, Class A, '73-style British Microphone Preamp with EQ
• UK made Carnhill Transformers
• UK made - Blore Edwards EQ dual-concentric switch potentiometers
• Hand Wired, hand assembled
• 80dB of gain - resistor stepped gain switch
• Fully discrete
• TONE button - Changes input transformer impedance for varying tone
• Polarity switch
• 48v phantom power
• Inductor based 3 band EQ
• Low Band Boost/Cut - 35, 60, 110, 220 Hz
• Mid Band Boost/Cut - 360, 700, 1600, 3200, 4800, 7200 Hz
• High Band Boost/Cut - 10, 12, 16 kHz
• Additional high band frequency EQ points added (compared to vintage 1073)
• 4 position inductor based hipass filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz
• XLR mic inputs (front & back)
• Line level TRS input
• TS Send/Receive insert jacks
• XLR & TRS line level outputs
• Direct In, instrument input
• Output control
• Led level indication
• Freq response 20Hz - 20kHz +/-.5 dB
• 19" rackable
• Internal IEC 115v/230v power inlet

The WA-412 provides 4 channels of classic American console preamps in a sleek 1RU design. This style of preamp is often referred to as "the sound of Rock n' Roll" for its BIG punchy low end and smooth open top end. The price/performance ratio of the WA-412 is almost unfathomable to the experienced studio engineer who has possibly paid much more for preamps of this style during their career. Featuring fully discrete socketed 6-pin opamps and custom wound Altran USA input and output transformers, the WA-412 leaves nothing to be desired. If you are looking for multiple channels of world class tone in an affordable package, the WA-412 is the right choice for you.

Inspiration behind the WA-412.

" When I first started holding regular studio sessions years ago I always desired to have more channels of high-end mic pre's. I could only afford to have one or two in my studio at a time, which was never enough to record a full band or drummer. I knew very well that if signals were not recorded well "on the way in" they wouldn't be salvageable later, but my budget constrained me, so many of the sources were recorded through poor-quality mic pre's.  If the WA-412 was available back then I likely wouldn't have had to settle for poor, low-quality tone. The WA-412 was designed "for the people" (if you will) and we believe it will become a serious work-horse in many professional and home studios." - Bryce Young (founder)

More features.

The WA-412 has all of the features one would expect from this style of preamp... and more. Output Trim has been added to every channel for precise control and creative gain structuring. We also added a Tone switch (transformer input impedance) to each channel, which allows you to choose the warm and punchy classic console tone, or a more open & neutral sound.

Better components.

Each channel utilizes a fully discrete socketed 6-pin opamp that can be swapped with other opamps. Discrete opamp circuitry is known for its high headroom and low distortion characteristics and has much to do with the coveted sound of these classic console preamps. 

We are proud to be using input and output transformers that are made in the USA by high-end transformer manufacturer, Altran. We worked closely with Altran to create unique transformers that extend the low frequency response of the design. The transformers also use a vintage winding technique that produces a very distinct smooth & open character.

Carefully choosing the WA-412 components has resulted in an amazing four channel ‘workhorse’ preamp/DI that performs at the highest levels, while still adding a touch of vintage console magic to your signal.

Specifications:

• 4 Channel Microphone Preamplifier + Instrument DI
• Fully discrete, transformer coupled, through-hole component topology
• Altran USA custom wound, premium input and output transformers
• X520 discrete op-amp in every channel, socketed for convenience. Can be user-replaced with most 6 pin, discrete op-amps for varying flavor & tone
• 65db of gain
• Inputs - Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2Meg ohm HI-Z
• Outputs - Transformer balanced XLR & TRS
• TONE button – Input impedance switches from 600 ohms to 150 ohms (affects the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs)
• -20db pad - pads both mic and instrument DI inputs
• Self noise: <-90dB (nominal)
• Frequency response: 20hz to 20khz <+/-0.25dB (TONE button out), 20hz to 20khz +/-2dB   (TONE button in)
• +48 volt phantom power
• LED metering
• Output trim knob for precise level control and tone sculpting
• Internal power supply (grounded, 3 pin IEC cord)

Though digital technology and software have made great strides in recent years; we still believe that nothing compares to the level of articulation, depth, realism, and responsiveness of a well-built piece of analog gear.  When you hear the bottom-end presence and top-end detail of quality analog gear, the difference can be astounding. The cost of most boutique analog equipment is financially out of reach for many recording artists. Our mission is to change this, and introduce as many people as we can to recording and mixing with real, dedicated hardware. 

'2A Style Optical Compressor - Made Affordable

No plug-in or other compressor type quite compares to the warm, forgiving, fluid qualities of this classic '2A-style optical compressor. For decades, the renowned ‘2A style circuit has become the go-to device for seamlessly handling vocals, bass, and a wide variety of other instruments and program material in an effortlessly smooth way.

Releasing the WA-2A would be for nothing if we couldn’t make it affordable. Since the start of Warm Audio we have strived to give an unprecedented value to our customers, by putting high end audio within the reach of more people than ever before. This philosophy drives everything we do, and every product we offer.

Premium Components in every Warm Audio product

The WA-2A is a high-voltage, Class-A opto-compressor, utilzing large-core CineMag USA Transformers, four premium vacuum tubes, and the legendary Kenetek opto-cell - considered by many to be the world’s finest.

A Four Tube Operation

The WA-2A operates on four tubes: two 12AX7’s, one 12BH7, and one 6P1J.  We proudly use Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix brand tubes in the signal path, which sound very 'open' and LARGE.  All 4 tubes are socketed for easy swapping and replacement.

Specification

• '2A Style, Transformer balanced, high voltage, opto tube compressor​.
• Utilizes premium grade input and output CineMag USA Transformers.
• Utilizes USA made Kenetek opto attenuator.
• Premium Tung-Sol and Electro-Harmonix tubes. 2x 12ax7, 1x 12bh7, 1x 6aq5
• Fully discrete signal path.
• Socketed to allow for retro-fitting with other opto-cells.
• Variable Pre-emphasis, allows for compression hipass filtering.
• Stereo-link capability.
• XLR and TRS balanced line level inputs - 600 ohms impedance.
• XLR and TRS balanced line level outputs - 600 ohms impedance.
• Frequency Response +/- 1 dB, 15 Hz to 20kHz.
• Gain 40 dB ±1dB.
• Input Level +16 dB maximum.
• Output Level +10 dB nominal, +16 dB maximum.
• Distortion Less than 0.1% THD at ±10 dBm.
• Noise  = -74dB.
• Attack Time - 10 milliseconds.
• Release Time - 0.06 seconds for 50% release.
• 0.5 to 5 seconds for complete release.
• Meter shows both dB gain reduction and dB output.
• Power - 115/230 volts (switchable), 50/60 Hz.
• Dimensions - 19" Rackmount chassis, 2U. 19" x 7" x 3.5".
• Weight - 12 lbs.

The EQP-WA is a re-creation of the most renown tube Equalizer in studio history, the "Pultec EQP-1A". Not only does the look and feel of the EQP-WA match the classic Pultec units, but the sonic quality has been carefully considered by using top-end components such as CineMag transformers and premium tubes. This fully discrete Tube EQ can pull euphoric sonics from any track and bring a brilliance and luster to mixes that’s nearly impossible to achieve inside-the-box. We are proud to have once again redefined the industry standard by bringing a fully professional-grade equalizer to the market at a price that's just as remarkable as the unit.

Pultec Style Tube Equalizer - Made Affordable

Our goal was to make a equalizer affordable for the first time, without compromising the quality and design parameters that make this type of equalizer so desirable.

Premium Components in every Warm Audio product.

The EQP-WA is a high-voltage tube equalizer, utilzing CineMag USA Transformers and two premium vacuum tubes by Tung-Sol.

A Two Tube Operation

The EQP-WA operates on two tubes: one 12AX7 and one 12AU7.  We proudly use Tung-Sol brand tubes in this product for their sonic richness and 'open' sound.  These 2 tubes are socketed for easy swapping and replacement.

Specifications

• 1-channel, 2-band Tube EQ with Transformer-balanced I/O, CineMag Transformers, Bandwidth Control, and EQ Bypass
• Utilizes premium grade input and output CineMag USA Transformers
• Tube Equalizer based on the classic “Pultec” EQP-1A
• Premium high voltage 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes
• CineMag inductor EQ section
• EQ section is bypassable - signal still passes through tubes and transformers for warming effect
• No insertion loss - loss restored by tube amplifier
• XLR and TRS transformer balanced inputs
• XLR and TRS transformer balanced outputs
• Flat frequency response from 20 Hz - 50 kHz
• Boost and Cut controls can be used simultaneously for phase effect
• Low frequency boost - 20, 30, 60, 100, 200, 400, 800 Hz - 12 db
• Low frequency cut - 20, 30, 60, 100, 200, 400, 800 Hz - 18 db
• High frequency boost - 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 16 kHz - 18 db
• High frequency cut - 3, 4, 5, 10, 20 kHz - 14 db
• 5 added frequency points for greater flexibility
• Switchable 115/230 volt IEC power inlet
• Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 6 inches - 2RU rack mountable