[Product Review] Warm Audio WA-87jr SE by Ryoji Saito

In the world of music production, the number 87 carries a lot of weight.

It represents a lineage of legendary machines that have supported countless recordings and influenced microphone design for generations.
So, naturally, when a model carries that name, expectations run high.

WARM AUDIO / WA-87jr SE

I personally use the WARM AUDIO WA73-EQ in my production setup and have long trusted their approach to sound design.

This time, I had the chance to test the WA-87jr SE at the recording studio I regularly work at, Gumbo Studio.

For this test, I recorded both an acoustic guitar and my own vocals.

For comparison, I also recorded with a SHURE SM58 alongside it.

Acoustic Guitar

First, I recorded an acoustic guitar.

The first thing I noticed when listening was the smooth connection from the low end to the high end.

The high-frequency texture is especially silky—never harsh, yet still present and noticeable.

Whether I did strumming, muting, or arpeggios, the character never faltered. There was always a “perfectly finished sound that anyone would like.”

It has the refined texture you expect from a professional-grade microphone.

■ WARM AUDIO WA-87jr SE Acoustic Guitar

■ SHURE SM58 Acoustic Guitar

Vocals

Next, I recorded male vocals.

Like with the guitar, it offered solid low-end stability and smooth high-end, but it also excelled at expressing depth.

Capturing the sense of air around the sound is crucial for a condenser mic, and here I felt a clear advantage.

Cheaper mics can sometimes sound flashy but flat, whereas the WA-87jr avoids that flatness and allows you to hear the depth of the space.

I can easily imagine how manageable it would be in a mix, making it a solid first choice for home recording.

■ WARM AUDIO WA-87jr SE Vocal

■ SHURE SM58 Vocal

Overall Impression

In the end, I was left with an extremely positive impression.

It’s well-balanced, highly versatile across any source, and a high-quality mic you can use without worry.

This is a mic that perfectly embodies the phrase, “There’s a reason the popular ones are popular.”

You can feel the same kind of timeless appeal that made the original 87 so beloved, all at this price point.

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