Son of ’47
Compared to tube-based microphones, solid-state microphones like the Warm Audio WA-47jr are prized for their detailed sound and resistance to distortion. These are the reasons transformerless FET mics with a U47-style capsule are so popular on kick drums and other percussion instruments, capturing their power and intensity with amazing fidelity. So naturally, the WA-47jr shines on percussion. That said, it’s also a go-to choice for acoustic instruments where capturing fast transients is critical, and it should be on your short list of mics to audition on vocalists, electric guitar cabs, and a whole lot more. Perhaps the more pertinent question is: what isn’t it great on?
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Three polar patterns = impressive flexibility
The WA-47jr’s three polar patterns — cardioid, omni, and figure-8 — give you impressive flexibility when it comes to exploring different recording techniques. Cardioid, with its moderate side and near-total rear rejection, is useful for just about any studio task. Omni is great for capturing room ambience along with your source. Use a figure-8 technique to overdub a sax with natural slap or to record two singers on one mic (just be sure of the balance). And with two of these mics, you can implement stereo techniques such as spaced pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and mid-side (M-S).
What can the WA-47jr do for you?
Every studio needs at least one pair of high-quality large-diaphragm condenser mics. You can use the WA-47jr on anything. It’s great on vocals, acoustic guitars, double bass, electric guitar and bass cabs, piano, drums and percussion, strings, brass, woodwinds, and any other source you’d care to throw at it. Considering its amazing price, it would be wise to at least double your value and get two for recording tracks in stereo!
Quality components make the Warm difference
How does Warm Audio do it? They order parts and build in quantity, which keeps costs down and delivers amazing value, but they do not cut corners on parts. The WA-47jr is built with premium all-discrete components, such as Toshiba FETs, Wima film capacitors, Panasonic electrolytic capacitors, and a custom reproduction of the capsule used in vintage ’47s.
A large part of any microphone’s sound is contributed by its capsule. The complexity of the k47 capsule used in the WA-47jr requires a painstaking manufacturing process; such high quality is typically not found in affordable condenser mics. For Warm Audio, premium parts and meticulous design deliver a superior-sounding microphone — one that doesn’t cost a fortune. Stellar performance, top-shelf parts, and amazing value: that’s the Warm Audio formula — and the WA-47jr nails it.
Warm Audio WA-47jr Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone Features:
- Fully discrete, transformerless signal path
- Custom ’47-style k47 34mm gold-sputtered, dual-diaphragm, single–back plate, 6 micron Mylar capsule
- Toshiba FETs, Wima film capacitors, Panasonic electrolytic capacitors
- Cardioid, figure-8, and omnidirectional polar patterns
- 10dB pad; 70Hz highpass filter
- Self-noise: 9dBA
- Dynamic range: 138dBA
- Maximum SPL: 147/157dB (at 1kHz, 1 Kohm, 0.5% THD, 0/-10dB)
- Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz
- Sensitivity: 10mV/Pa or -40dB
- Output impedance: 100 ohms
- Rated load impedance: ≥1 Kohm
- Maximum output: 16dBu at 1kHz, 1 Kohm, 0.5% THD
- S/N ratio: 85dBA (IEC651)
- Equivalent noise: 9dBA (IEC651)
- Dynamic range: 138dBA (IEC651)
- 48-volt phantom powered
- 3-pin gold-plated XLR connector
- Includes shockmount, hardmount, and zipper storage pouch
