Warm Audio WA-44

Such an iconic classic that at the sight of the mic you actually know what it sounds like. A faithful recreation of the RCA 44 that started an absolute revolution in recording and broadcast studios from the 1930s to the 1960s. Famous recordings of the likes of Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Jeff Tweedy, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash and many more.

As we have come to expect from Warm Audio, they have focused on recreating this legendary mic as faithfully as possible with the highest quality components. The ribbon is 99.1% aluminum in true length of 2.5 microns thick. This paired with a full-size Neodymiun magnet made to create a powerful magnetic field that picks up every detail and nuance.

Finally a fat Ribbonmic from Warm ideal for vintage vocal sounds without harshness in the highs, or perfect to combine with the WA-14 on guitar cabinets for example. The WA-44 is a unique piece of gear that can add an extra dimension to your studio.

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Sultry, rich and never harsh in the highs

True to the vintage original, the WA-44 has an instantly recognizable sound profile, with powerful bass, rich mids and never harsh highs with an enhanced proximity effect. The WA-44 shows off its warm, forgiving tone by tempering the harshness of the top end for smooth lead tones on vocals, horns, drums, pianos, strings and more. Like its inspiration, the WA-44 excels when the goal is to capture detailed lows and mids on loud audio sources. The tight figure-8 polar pattern creates opportunities in the studio to capture unique tones that work perfectly in the mix by rejecting side-address noise and reproducing reflections from the back of the microphone. A great choice for vocal or instrument recordings that benefit from a reduction in high-end frequencies, the WA-44 is ideal for capturing haunting horn sections, resonant acoustic instruments, sultry strings, flat drum sounds, deep piano sounds and more.

Specially designed Japanese ribbon

The WA-44 has a 99.1% pure aluminum ribbon, custom-made in Japan, that is reminiscent of vintage RCA 44 microphones. The ribbon is distinguished by its length of nearly 60 mm and thickness of 2.5 microns and enriches its sound compared to smaller ribbon designs. Ribbon purity is paramount for detail and frequency response; even small impurities can dampen output and clarity and increase the noise floor. The WA-44 is encased in an ultra-durable steel case with an intricate headbasket that provides ample space around the ribbon.

Rugged Neodymium Magnet

The ribbon in the WA-44 is suspended between the poles of a high-quality, heavy-duty Neodymium magnet. The vintage original RCA 44 ribbon microphones used AlNiCo magnets, but Neodymium magnets are significantly stronger than AlNiCo magnets and have become the new standard in premium ribbon microphone manufacturing. This allows for more efficient conversion of sound energy to an electrical signal in the ribbon microphone. Neodymium is also much less susceptible to degradation and lasts much longer with regular use.

American CineMag large-core transformer

The WA-44 uses a custom, American-made CineMag output transformer. The transformer in the WA-44 delivers the rich depth and character of the ribbon - including lush mids and soft highs. The CineMag in the WA-44 also makes the microphone compatible with modern preamps and studio equipment, and even provides some protection against inadvertent use of 48v phantom power.

Gotham AG Premium Cable

Often overlooked, the cable that connects a microphone to its preamplifier is a crucial part of the signal chain. The WA-44 uses a Star-Quad shielded "pigtail style" XLR cable from Gotham, Switzerland. The design and build quality of this cable increases the top-end presence and overall magnitude of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often found in poorly built cables.

Specifications:

• Faithful reproduction of the most Iconic Studio Ribbon Mic of all time
  
• Custom CineMag USA transformer
  
• Powerful Neodymium magnet
  
• 99.1% aluminum, 2.5 micron thick ribbon (4.7 mm x 59.7 mm)
  
• Polar pattern: Figure-8
  
• Frequency range: 20 Hz-20 KHz (+/- 12db)
  
• Max SPL: 140dB
  
• Output impedance: 270 Ohm
  
• Braid XLR Gotham cable with star quad shielding
  
• L: 31 | W: 12 D: 6 | Weight: 2.9 KG
  
• Included Accessories: 3/8" Mic Stand Adapter, Embroidered Microphone "Sock", Embroidered Microphone Cover
  

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