This made the act of engaging the roll-off require slightly more effort than the pad. Sweetwater Sound If you’re wondering what video gear we use, check it out https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/general-gear-used-to-make-sweetwater-videos/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY. Shop for the Warm Audio WA87 R2 with nickel finish at Sweetwater https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA87R2–warm-audio-wa87-r2-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone-nickel/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY When it came to sound, the WA-87 R2 seemed to have provided a happy medium between the response flaws of the other two mics. Exclusive deals, delivered straight to your inbox. In 2016, we at Warm Audio introduced one of the most talked-about 87-style FET condenser microphones in the industry with the release of the WA-87, and at just $599 USD it made the looks and authentic vintage sonics of this style … And don’t get us wrong, for their own capabilities, both the Blue and AKG mics are absolute knockouts at their price point. Nickel color version Although there are many out there recreating older equipment at consumer-prices, we firmly believe this company has consistently done it best. The third switch at the front is a triple-option switch for the microphone’s polar patterns, cardioid at center position, figure-eight at right position, and omnidirectional at left. To best test the sound of the WA-87 R2 from Warm Audio, we placed our comparisons into two separate camps. A microphone with some heft definitely leaves many with a positive first impression. As a result, the switch sat left-of center when placed in what should be its center cardioid position, and right-of center when placed in figure-eight. Featuring a sleek new design with a rounded grille, optimized metalwork, and performance enhancements that include a genuine Cinemag transformer; the Warm Audio WA87 R2 is a workhorse mic that deserves a place in your mic locker. First, we’ll touch briefly on the switches. This is printed on the opposite side of the emblem, with more black printing towards the bottom. In our first test, against the Bluebird and the C214, our prediction that the WA-87 would out-perform both microphones turned out absolutely correct. As we mentioned above, Warm Audio has lead with innovation for a long time. Secondly, as a test of accuracy in terms of the “recreation,” we set up the WA-87 directly next to a Neumann u87 from the 1970s. For example, on the back we noticed that the bass roll-off switch sat a few millimeters further back into the microphone than that of the pad. The WA-87 is based on a classic 60s circuit that is widely considered to be one of the greatest studio microphones ever designed. Mastering for Vinyl: An Audio Engineers Guide, Choosing the Best Thunderbolt Audio Interface on Any Budget, How to Metal Scream Without Hurting Your Voice, https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlczpwSXEOyatBLoJPWeG2U8OUFx9AFC0, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA87R2–warm-audio-wa87-r2-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone-nickel/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA87R2B–warm-audio-wa87-r2-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone-black/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY, https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/general-gear-used-to-make-sweetwater-videos/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY, https://www.Sweetwater.com/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=yvDR3x-RftY. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Warm Audio WA-87 R2. From the tweakiest techniques to the biggest ideas, our experts work hard to constantly supply inSync with a steady stream of helpful, in-depth demos, reviews, how-tos, news, and interviews. First off was how far out the switches sat from their housings. In short, the new WA-87 R2 is bigger, bolder and just plain better! All rights reserved. However, we are also considerate of the fact that this could be a minor flaw, unique to our demo unit alone. The WA-87 R2 is available in either of two color variations: Silver, or black. With that said, it is also certainly no stranger to regularly improving upon its own products. Being music makers ourselves, we love geeking out on all things gear. Or, its version of the widely popular KM84 pencil condenser, also from Neumann, which went out of production in 1992. If that doesn’t scream class, we don’t know what does. We spent countless hours trying to get even closer to the sound of the vintage version than we had with the WA-87, so the new WA-87 R2 uses top-quality components like a NOS Fairchild transistor and high-bandwidth polystyrene and film capacitors from Wima. Everything you love about Sweetwater in the palm of your hand. This includes two, double-option switches on the back for flat or bass roll-off. Of course, in the long run however, this really doesn’t matter all that much. The time has come to touch on the WA-87 R2’s overall audio capturing performance. When deciding between a Neumann, or a Warm Audio with money being a non-issue, one should purchase the vintage u87. Of course, the recreations don’t stop here, and that point alone brings us to today. Similarly, Where the C214 lacked in its highs, but the Bluebird performed well in response to powerful vocals, the Warm Audio also knocked out of the park. Released in 2016, it was the manufacturer’s first microphone. The WA-87 stood out as having a ‘honkier’ presence in the 500Hz-1kHz range. This printing notates the product’s use of CineMag USA transformers, and the model name. It remains unmatched in overall quality and integrity in the mid-range. Thanks to Warm Audio‘s team, we had an opportunity to try the WA-87 R2 for ourselves and offer our thoughts. When it came to the polar pattern selector, one final thing we noticed is that our unit’s switch held a position slightly more to the left within its housing, in comparison to its labels. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. It definitely held its own throughout the course of our experimentation, and at no point did it audibly stand out as sounding cheap in general.