Warm Audio WA-12 MKII 500

A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of mics and instruments. Unfortunately,

many pres are doing only that, raising volume. The “Super Clean” and neutral designs of today often leave

the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it, and in some cases even thinner,

duller, or more harsh. The WA12 MKII has a sound that is unique, big, punchy, and forgiving; a perfect

antidote to the modern digital age. The WA12 MKII boasts large, custom-wound CineMag USA input and

output transformers, as well as our original Warm Audio x731 socketed discrete op-amp.

Packed With Performance

The WA12 MKII is a completely discrete, high voltage, dual-transformer microphone preamplifi er designed for

high gain (+71dB), high headroom, low noise, and an exciting sonic performance – great for all types of

recording applications. A high quality mic preamp is one of the most critical pieces needed to achieve the

elusive ‘larger than life’ sound, and the WA12 MKII is more than capable of delivering.

The WA12 MKII is based around the x731, our own reproduction of the vintage Melcor 1731 discrete

op-amp. It’s considered by many to be the warmer predecessor to the cleaner 2520-style op-amp. The x731

can achieve vibrant, clean and lifelike tones, but can also be driven into mild saturation at higher gain levels.

The WA12 MKII can also accept any socketed op-amp on the market which conforms to the standard +/-16v,

2520 pin-out.

Features