Warm Audio WA12 MKII – Single-Channel Discrete Microphone Preamp (Black)

OVERVIEW

The Warm Audio WA12 MKII is a single-channel, fully discrete, high-voltage microphone preamplifier created to capture the punch, focus and authoritative character associated with classic American console preamps. Its transformer-balanced signal path combines premium CineMag USA input and output transformers with a discrete X731 op-amp, Warm Audio’s reproduction of the vintage Melcor 1731 design. Capable of delivering up to 71 dB of analogue gain, the WA12 MKII provides the headroom and low-noise performance required for professional recording while allowing the circuitry and transformers to be pushed into musically useful saturation. The output attenuation control is positioned after the CineMag output transformer, making it possible to drive the preamp harder while controlling the final output level for anything from open, dynamic and articulate tones to thicker, harmonically enriched sounds.

The WA12 MKII also provides extensive control over the character and behaviour of your signal. Its TONE button changes the input impedance from 600Ω to 150Ω, altering the response of both microphone and Hi-Z sources and adding an alternative tonal perspective that can be particularly useful with darker microphones and instruments. The front-panel 2 MΩ True Hi-Z input routes instruments through the complete preamp circuit – including both CineMag transformers and the discrete op-amp – making it an effective direct-recording solution for electric and acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards, samplers, synth modules and drum machines. The socketed 6-pin X731 op-amp can also be replaced with other discrete op-amps conforming to the ±16V, 2520 pinout standard, allowing further experimentation with tonal character.

For practical recording duties, the WA12 MKII includes a -20 dB pad for handling high-output sources, polarity reversal for resolving phase relationships, selectable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and LED gain metering for monitoring signal level and avoiding unwanted clipping. Balanced XLR microphone input and balanced XLR and ¼” TRS outputs provide professional connectivity, while the compact black chassis can be used on a desktop or integrated into a rack-based studio setup. With a 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response of ±1 dB, 29–65 dB of standard gain and up to 35–71 dB with the TONE control engaged, it offers a broad combination of clean amplification, analogue colour and hands-on tone shaping.

“With its API-inspired design, build quality and component choice, you would expect the Warm to sound good, and it doesn’t disappoint. The character is in the name, especially with the Tone button in play. Lots of classic ’70s-style warmth and punch. Particularly impressive is its handling of the low end.” — MusicRadar

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Clear, Punchy, & Unapologetically Analog

The WA12 MKII truly recreates the iconic sound of punchy, focused American console preamps. Like the original large-format custom-built 12-style preamps, the WA12 delivers the best of authoritative American console tones favoured by artists like The Eagles, Prince, Toto, Eminem, Madonna & many more.

Upgrade Your Front-End – Upgrade Your Sound

The WA12 MKII is a major upgrade to any audio interface front-end. More than just “more gain”, the WA12 adds defined harmonics and tone-shaping that only discrete analog circuitry can replicate. With 71 dB of warm analog gain and a fully discrete CineMag USA transformer-balanced signal path, the Warm Audio WA12 MKII delivers powerful results on any source.

Applications

Vocals — Up-Front Lead Vocals:

Vocal tracks sit right out in front “on-top” of the mix with clarity.

Drums — Punchy, Pounding Drums:

Feel the transients and the percussive “snap” on kick, snare, toms, & more.

Bass — Tight, Deep Bass:

Hear all of the pop and growl of snappy bass parts in a dense mix.

Electric Guitar — Present, Powerful Guitar:

Feel the punch of present guitars that cut right through on both solos and rhythm tracks.

FEATURES

Summary

Like the original 12-series American preamps, the WA12 MKII includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.

The output (attenuation control) is positioned after the CineMag output transformer, making it easy to drive the preamp and transformers into saturation. For example, high-gain/low-output produces a more overdriven, harmonically rich tone, while low- gain/high-output produces a more open, dynamic, and articulate tone.

The WA-12 MKII includes critical preamp features to help handle recording challenges. The Polarity button allows you to handle phase issues by inverting the polarity 180 degrees. The -20 dB pad helps manage loud sources paired with sensitive mics. The LED metering makes it easy to check for clipping before hitting your interface. Selectable 48v phantom power is available to power any mic that requires it. The classic Warm Audio “tone” control alters the input transformer to add “air” or “sheen” to the top end – great for ribbons or “darker” mics.

The WA-12 MKII features multiple input connections with rear XLR and front Hi-Z input options. The Hi-Z connection on the front has a dedicated switch and passes through a JFET for ideal professional direct recording of bass and guitar.

• Classic American console-style microphone preamp character
• Fully discrete, high-voltage analogue circuitry
• Transformer-coupled signal path for rich analogue tone and harmonic detail
• Premium CineMag USA input and output transformers
• Discrete 1731-style op-amp for authentic vintage-inspired character
• Socketed op-amp design allows user replacement with compatible discrete op-amps for alternative sonic flavours
• TONE control provides an alternative impedance setting for additional tonal flexibility
• True Hi-Z DI input routes instruments through the complete preamp circuit and transformer path
• Output attenuation control allows the preamp and output transformer to be driven harder for analogue saturation while maintaining control over the final output level
• -20 dB pad accommodates high-output microphones and instrument sources
• Polarity reverse for phase correction and multi-microphone recording applications
• +48V phantom power for condenser microphones and other phantom-powered devices
• LED metering for convenient signal monitoring
• Suitable for vocals, drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, synthesisers, samplers and other instruments
• Professional balanced analogue connectivity
• Compact format suitable for desktop or rack-based studio setups
• Designed for recording, tracking, mixing and sound-shaping applications
• Hand-tested and inspected in Austin, Texas
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product & External Specs

Type: Single-Channel Fully Discrete, Transformer-Coupled Microphone Preamplifier & Instrument DI

Microphone Input: 1 × XLR

Instrument Input: 1 × ¼-inch True Hi-Z input – 2 MΩ impedance

Outputs: Transformer-Balanced XLR & ¼-inch TRS

TONE Control: Switches input impedance from 600 Ω to 150 Ω, affecting the tonal response of both microphone and Hi-Z inputs

Pad: -20 dB – applies to both microphone and instrument DI inputs

Phantom Power: +48V

Polarity: Polarity reverse switch

Metering: LED signal metering

Output Attenuation: Positioned after the CineMag output transformer, allowing the preamp and transformers to be driven into saturation while controlling the final output level

Chassis Depth: 25 cm (10″)

Warranty: 5-year warranty

Components & Internal Specs

Circuit Topology: Fully Discrete, Transformer-Coupled, Through-Hole Component Design

Transformers: Premium-Grade Input & Output Transformers from CineMag USA

Op-Amp: Socketed 1731-Style Discrete Op-Amp – User-replaceable with most compatible 6-pin discrete op-amps using the 2520 footprint for alternative sonic flavours

Power Supply: Internal Power Supply with Grounded 3-Pin IEC Cable

Performance Specs

Maximum Gain: 71 dB

Gain Range: 29–65 dB / 35–71 dB with TONE Control Engaged

Frequency Response: ±1 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz

DOWNLOADS & SUPPORT

• User Manual
• Product Registration