Warm Audio WA-73 - 1 Channel British Mic Pre
Warm Audio WA-73, Hand-Wired 19" Rackmount 1 Channel Class A British Mic Pre, Custom Carnhill Transformers
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Warm Audio - WA73
1-Channel British Mic Preamplifier
Reproducing A LegendThe venerable '73-style of mic pre is certainly one style of preamp that professional engineers would unanimously agree has defined the tone of pop/rock records for decades. '73-style preamps have been used countless times in recording and live applications for several years and are still known as the “Holy Grail” of preamp choices to this day. The Warm Audio “WA73 Family” is made up of single and dual channel '73-style preamps (with & w/out EQ), each paying careful homage to British audio history.
When Warm Audio decided to release the WA73 it was imperative that it lived up to vintage expectation in both design and performance. The tone and unmistakable character that vintage '73-style mic preamps create is so unique and familiar, that the only pure desire was to release sonically accurate reproductions. After years of intense research and development and countless hours of auditioning, the WA73 was created!
The WA73 is a 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 types of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon. The WA73 shines equeally 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. Featuring 80dB of gain and an entirely discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path, there’s no recording, mixing or engineering job that the WA73 can’t handle.
Amazing Features
• Single-channel, class A, '73-style british microphone preamp
• Tone button changes input transformer impedance for varying tone
• 4 position inductor based hipass filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 HZ
• 80dB of gain - resistor stepped gain switch
• UK made Carnhill transformers
• Hand wired, hand assembled
UK Custom Carnhill Transformers
Desirable ComponentsEnthusiasts always get excited about the components used in classic '73-style British preamps. The signal transformers are often the 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 smooth and forgiving nature. They saturate nicely when pushed, and have been known to stun engineers when they hear how incredible their mixes sound through them!
Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design trye reproductions of these most coveted, early version transformers. Warm Audio have not yet heard a modern day '73-style preamp sound as sweet and musical as the WA73 does with these beautiful custom Transformers.
Hand Wired & Hand Assembled
Capacitors & Signal PathThe different styles of capacitors and output transistors used in '73-style circuits are an important part of classic British tone that people often discuss. It's important to maintain integrity to early British designs 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 preamps.
Classic '73-style preamps weren't usually hand-wired and so is the WA73! Experts claim that a portion of the sought after classic British tone can be attributed to the hand-wired nature of the build. The WA73 is hand-wired and hand assembled, including the pcb components that are all populated by hand.
Warm Audio // WA73-EQ Single Channel British Mic Pre + EQ "Getting Started"
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | Preamp Type | Class A Solid State |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
| EQ | Highpass 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz |
| Analogue Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4" (line) |
| Analogue Outputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" |
| Channel Inserts | Yes |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Width | 19" |
PayPal Credit
| Monthly Payment: | £18.39 |
| Instalment Rate: | 16.9% p.a. (fixed) |
| Cost of purchase: | £525.00 |
| Total inc. interest: | £661.80 |
| Example | |
| Minimum Spend: | £99 |
| Instalment Rate: | N/A |
| Cost of purchase: | £99 |
| Total inc. interest: | £99 |
Representative Example:
Purchase Rate: 23.9% p.a. (variable)
Representative: 23.9% APR (variable)
Assumed Credit Limit: £1,200
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