[Product Review] Warm Audio WA-C1 by Haruki Ishida

This is my first time doing a product review.
My name is Haruki Ishida (Composer/Producer/Multi-instrumentalist).

This time, I had the opportunity to try out the WA-C1 by WARM AUDIO.

I often create sounds with chorus effects on keyboards for live performances, so I’m looking forward to testing this out.

First of all, the mic has a really cute appearance and just having it around lifts my mood. There’s rubber on the bottom, so it doesn’t scratch any surface it’s placed on.

The keyboard I’m using is the Crumar Seven from Italy.

It has a very pleasant electric piano sound, and since it also comes with built-in effects, it offers a lot of freedom in sound design.

I’ll be connecting the WA-C1 to this simple electric piano sound to see how it performs.

The input is connected in stereo, and the output is also in stereo. (Although there's only one input source, it supports stereo.)

First, here’s the clean electric piano sound.

■ Original Electric Piano

Next, I’ll try adding a chorus.

■ Chorus Electric Piano

Just by switching it on, it feels like the volume increases slightly. (Though the levels are matched.) There's a noticeable lift in the midrange, creating a warm and pleasant stereo spread.

It sounds so good and full that I feel like I could leave it on subtly all the time—it’s just a joy to play.

Next, vibrato.

■ Vibrato Electric Piano

The modulation synced nicely with the groove of the drums. Compared to the chorus, it feels even thicker. Although this unit is designed for guitar and bass, I’d say that it works exceptionally well with keyboards too. It applies evenly across the low to high frequencies.

I thought it would be nice to have both chorus and vibrato on at the same time, but each effect has such a pleasant and distinct character that this setup might actually be just right.

Operation is simple—just flicking the switch gives you an instantly improved sound, almost like adding a vacuum tube in the chain. It brings out a warm, rich tone.

The settings used are exactly as shown in the photos.

Since I had the chance, I also tried turning each effect up to the maximum level—please have a listen.

■ Chorus Max Electric Piano

■ Vibrato Max Electric Piano

I also tested it with clavinet and piano sounds, and it worked really well.

If you own a real Wurlitzer or Rhodes, I highly recommend giving this a try.

I compared it with the built-in chorus on the Crumar Seven used in this review, and they’re completely different!
I also regularly use the Yamaha YC, but when applying chorus there, it tends to thin out the sound a bit.

With the WA-C1, though, the sound becomes deeper, the output from the speakers gets fatter, and the overall feel is more immersive. It’s the kind of tone that makes you want to keep playing.
This is a great example of the richness that analog preamps can bring. I highly encourage you to experience it for yourself.

The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.