The Warm Audio WA12 MKII Black is a single-channel, fully discrete microphone preamplifier built in the tradition of the classic American console preamps heard on countless hit records. With 71 dB of warm analog gain and a completely transformer-balanced signal path built around premium USA-made CineMag input and output transformers, the WA12 MKII delivers the punchy, forward midrange and big low end that made 312-style preamps a studio staple - from sparkling clean to musically saturated.

At the heart of the WA12 MKII is a discrete, socketed x731-style op-amp (compatible with 2520-footprint op-amps), giving this preamp the high-voltage, high-headroom performance of vintage designs with modern reliability. The signature Tone button switches the input impedance from 600 ohms down to 150 ohms, altering the loading on the input transformer to add air and sheen or thicker color to dynamic, ribbon, and condenser microphones. An output attenuation control placed after the CineMag output transformer lets you drive the preamp hard into transformer saturation while keeping levels in check - ideal for vocals, drums, guitars, and bass that need attitude.

The front-panel true Hi-Z instrument input presents a 2 megohm JFET-buffered load for direct recording of electric guitar and bass with full tone and dynamics intact. Selectable 48V phantom power, a -20 dB pad, polarity inversion, and LED gain metering round out a complete tracking front end. Housed in a rugged half-rack chassis with an internal 115/230V power supply, the WA12 MKII Black brings genuine boutique American preamp tone to project and professional studios alike.

Features

• 71 dB of warm, fully discrete analog gain
• Premium USA-made CineMag input and output transformers - fully transformer-balanced signal path
• Discrete x731-style socketed op-amp, swappable with 2520-footprint op-amps
• Tone button switches input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms for added air, sheen, or vintage color
• Output attenuation control after the output transformer for dialing in transformer saturation
• True 2 megohm Hi-Z JFET instrument input on the front panel for guitar and bass DI
• Selectable 48V phantom power, -20 dB pad, and polarity inversion
• LED gain metering; balanced XLR and 1/4-inch TRS outputs
• Internal 115/230V power supply with standard IEC inlet; compact half-rack black chassis

Technical Specifications

• Type: Single-channel solid-state microphone/instrument preamplifier
• Circuit: Fully discrete, dual CineMag (USA) transformer-balanced design
• Op-Amp: Discrete x731-style, 6-pin socketed (2520-footprint compatible)
• Gain: 71 dB
• Mic Input Impedance: 600 ohms (150 ohms with Tone engaged)
• Hi-Z Instrument Input: 2 megohm true Hi-Z (JFET), front panel 1/4-inch
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• THD: 0.01% (20 Hz - 100 Hz), less than 0.004% (100 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Phantom Power: 48V, selectable
• Pad: -20 dB
• Inputs: 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4-inch Hi-Z (instrument)
• Outputs: 1 x XLR balanced, 1 x 1/4-inch TRS balanced
• Power: Internal 115/230V power supply, standard IEC inlet
• Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 1.75 inches (W x D x H), half-rack format
• Finish: Black

What's Included

• Warm Audio WA12 MKII Black microphone preamplifier
• IEC AC power cable