$699.00
The Warm Audio WA-87 R2 is an authentic reproduction of a truly iconic mic from the late-60s that is widely considered to be one of the greatest studio microphones ever designed. The original hitmaker and most popular studio lead vocal microphone of all time, the original boasts an artist roster that spans Paul McCartney and David Bowie all the way to Calvin Harris and Ed Sheeran. Just like the coveted originals built from the late 60’s to early 70’s, the WA-87 R2 delivers the unmistakably smooth bass and midrange while adding the pristine top end that engineers have chased for decades.
To bring this iconic sound to life, the WA-87 R2 uses top-quality components like a NOS Fairchild transistor and high-bandwidth polystyrene and film capacitors from Wima. The centerpiece of the WA-87 R2 is a custom-wound Cinemag USA output transformer. Our meticulous R&D process allowed us to dial in a true-to-original output level and frequency response that matches performance expectations across world-class recording facilities. Our capsule is designed to the exact specifications of the original K87-style unit found in the best sounding vintage mics from 1968-1972. The result is an accurate sonic replica of arguably the widest-used studio microphone in popular recording history.
Just like the vintage microphone, the WA-87 R2 excels at recording anything you put in front of it. The signature 7-10kHz bump adds that pristine, radio-friendly edge to lead vocals and any source that need to stand out in a professional mix. Three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure 8) gives you the versatility and flexibility for any application you encounter in the professional or home studio. The WA-87 R2 captures acoustic guitar, guitar cabinets, and drum overheads with the legendary pristine detail found in the original. The 80Hz high pass filter reduces low-frequency rumble to save you from otherwise inevitable EQ and mixing headaches. The switchable -10dB pad is crucial for when you want to record extremely loud sources without overloading the internal electronics.