The Warm Audio WA-87jr Nickel is a highly versatile transformerless large-diaphragm condenser microphone that brings the coveted vintage '87 studio tone into a modern, ultra-low noise footprint. Housed in a classic nickel chassis and utilizing a fully discrete signal path, this microphone serves as a primary tracking tool for vocals, complex acoustic arrays, and demanding transient sources in professional production environments.
Authentic Dual-Diaphragm K87 Capsule
Capturing the forward midrange presence and smooth high-frequency extension of iconic 1970s condenser designs relies heavily on precise transducer engineering. The WA-87jr is built around an exact reproduction of the legendary K87-style dual-diaphragm capsule. Unlike streamlined single-backplate iterations, the standard "jr" maintains the true dual-diaphragm, gold-sputtered architecture. This allows the microphone to faithfully translate complex harmonic structures and fast attack times, delivering tracks that naturally cut through heavy instrumentation without requiring aggressive post-EQ processing.
Multi-Pattern Flexibility and High Headroom
Adapting to varied tracking scenarios requires operational versatility directly at the source. The WA-87jr offers three selectable polar patterns—cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8—enabling tracking engineers to dial in the perfect balance of direct signal and room ambience while controlling the proximity effect. The transformerless discrete electronics achieve a remarkably low self-noise floor of just 9 dBA. Additionally, a switchable -10 dB pad allows the mic to handle extreme sound pressure levels up to 135 dB SPL, and an integrated 70 Hz high-pass filter cleanly mitigates structure-borne rumble and low-end mud before reaching the preamp stage.
KEY FEATURES
- True vintage-spec K87-style dual-diaphragm capsule for exceptional detail and classic sonic character.
- Three selectable polar patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8, for varied miking techniques.
- Fully discrete, transformerless FET circuitry featuring WIMA capacitors for a transparent, fast response.
- Switchable -10 dB pad and 70 Hz high-pass filter to control unruly low frequencies and loud sources.
- Rugged chassis construction featuring a timeless studio nickel finish.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Microphone Type: Large-diaphragm condenser (Transformerless FET)
- Capsule: Custom K87-style dual-diaphragm
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Self-Noise: 9 dBA
- Dynamic Range: 116 dBA
- Maximum SPL: 125 dB (135 dB with -10dB pad engaged)
- Output Impedance: 100 Ohms
- Switches: 70 Hz high-pass filter, -10 dB pad
- Power Requirement: +48V phantom power
- Included Accessories: Premium shockmount, hard mount, protective storage pouch
