[Product Review] “I tried out products by Warm Audio!” by Hiro-a-key a.k.a. Nenashi

Hi, I’m Hiro-a-key.
I am a singer-songwriter and producer based in Tokyo.
Many of you may be hearing about me for the first time, but sometime ago I had a show in Narita and Kawanishi-san and the staff from Sound House took very good care of me. It just so happens that I’m also a frequent customer of Sound House!

Well now, this is the first time in my life that I have written a review on gears!
I recorded in my home studio using 3 borrowed Warm Audio products!
Here we go!

Warm Audio / WA-47jr FET Condenser Microphone

Warm Audio / WA-8000 Tube Condenser Microphone

Warm Audio / WA73-EQ Microphone Preamp

Let’s start with the WA-47jr FET condenser microphone.

The classical silver matte finish looks subdued.
The shape of the shockmount mic holder looks so cool.

It’s easy to set up.

I plugged it into the phantom power and recorded some vocals.

This is what it sounds like.

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-47jr FET-vocal

I thought the midrange recorded pretty well.
The low frequency was captured in a unique way without being too heavy.
The price is reasonable and it would be a perfect choice as a first condenser mic.

I’ve been doing some radio and podcast streaming lately, so this is what it sounds like when I talk.
I recited part of my favorite poem.
*“Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-47jr FET-recitation

My voice is a bit low, but I felt it sounded natural in the recording.

Polar patterns are switchable, so I think it would be useful to have one for recording musical instruments.

I also recorded a song through the WA73-EQ.
It sounds like this.

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-47jr FET-vocal WA73-EQ

Actually, this is the first time that I tried out a mic pre outboard for home recording.

I adjusted some of the settings and volume, but the sound has a lot more depth and warmth compared to the sound of the microphone alone.
I feel that the midrange is recorded well, and the sound is pleasantly extended.
And even when I sing in falsetto, I feel like it picks up the lower frequencies, which is nice.

This combination sounds a bit addictive.

Now let’s take a look at the WA-8000!

The first thing that will surprise you is this really cool sturdy hard case.
The box looks so special and it’s instantly eye-catching!

Opening the case feels like I’m opening one from a spy movie.
Open the case, you will find a variety of black items.

A solid microphone, a solid power supply, and a solid microphone holder.
Quickly set up the WA-8000 like a spy completing his mission.
Have fun pretending to be Ethan Hunt!

Microphone cables are usually black, but the WA-8000’s cable is colored gray, which helps to avoid wiring errors.
This distinctive mic looks as if it’s equipped with a gun magazine, and you can just set it up in a mic holder and snap the side bracket.

The power switch on the power supply also reminds me of the switches on a spaceship or aircraft.

I recorded my vocals and this is what it sounds like.

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-8000-vocal

I think that the WA-8000 captured a warm sound with a good balance overall.
It also smoothed out the falsetto that was a bit too strong.
The good part of the low component of the sound was also retained well.

Like the WA-47jr, I also recorded a recitation.
It sounds like this.

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-8000-recitation

For this recitation, I feel that the WA-8000 adds much more depth to the mid-low range.
The price of the WA-8000 is four times as much as the WA-47jr.
Of course, it all depends on your preference, but I think that just using the WA-8000 can record with excellent sound for its price.

I also recorded the song through the WA73-EQ.
Here’s the sound.

■ WARM AUDIO / WA-8000-vocal WA73-EQ

The WA73-EQ really makes the sound fat, so I think it really makes whisper sounds better.
At the same time, the WA-8000 also picks up various ambient sounds (such as the sound of air conditioners and cicadas in the summer), so I would like to use this combination in a room with good sound absorption and insulation for home recording.

Knowing which microphone to use and whether or not to use a mic preamp will depend on your budget, the sound you want to record, and your home setup, but I hope my review will be helpful!

Thank you for taking the time to read my first review!

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