The Warm Audio WA-FT Fen-Tone is a highly capable ribbon microphone inspired by the iconic pencil-style transducers of the 1950s, meticulously bridging the gap between vintage tonal warmth and modern tracking reliability. Its slim form factor and massive SPL handling capabilities make it a premier choice for taming harsh transients on cranked electric guitar cabinets, aggressive brass sections, and complex drum overheads, effectively rolling off digital harshness while preserving dense midrange articulation.
Overcoming Output Limitations
Tracking with traditional ribbon microphones typically involves fighting a notoriously low output level, a bottleneck that frequently necessitates the addition of expensive inline signal boosters. The WA-FT addresses this fundamental issue directly by integrating a switchable JFET "Warm Lifter" preamp circuit. When activated and supplied with standard 48V phantom power, this internal gain stage delivers a robust 26 dB of ultra-clean analog boost. This ensures seamless interfacing with everyday audio interface preamps and guarantees a pristine signal-to-noise ratio, even when capturing delicate acoustic performances.
High SPL Capability and CineMag Iron
Vintage ribbons are infamous for their fragility and susceptibility to physical damage from high sound pressure levels and air blasts. The WA-FT mitigates this risk by employing a custom 1.8-micron thick aluminum ribbon suspended in a powerful Neodymium magnetic field, allowing the capsule to effortlessly withstand a staggering 148 dB SPL. Paired with a premium US-made CineMag output transformer, the microphone captures a deeply focused low-end and imparts rich harmonic weight, ensuring your source material sounds finished and inherently musical before hitting your mix bus.
KEY FEATURES
- Custom 1.8-micron aluminum ribbon driven by powerful Neodymium magnets for an exceptionally detailed transient response.
- Switchable passive/active operation featuring the integrated JFET Warm Lifter preamp for +26 dB of clean output gain.
- Custom-spec CineMag USA output transformer delivering true vintage weight and organic harmonic saturation.
- Massive 148 dB maximum SPL handling, perfectly tailored for close-miking loud guitar amplifiers and heavy percussion.
- Streamlined, pencil-style chassis allowing for surgical microphone placement in crowded studio and live environments.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Microphone Type: Ribbon (Passive/Active switchable)
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8
- Ribbon Element: 99.1% Aluminum, 1.8-micron thickness
- Output Transformer: Custom CineMag USA
- Internal Preamp: Switchable JFET Warm Lifter (+26 dB gain, requires +48V Phantom Power)
- Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 15 kHz (±3 dB)
- Maximum SPL: 148 dB (1 kHz, THD ≤ 1%)
- Sensitivity (Passive Mode): -47 dBv
- Sensitivity (Active Mode): -21 dBv
- Included Accessories: WA-FT microphone, heavy-duty storage case, mic clip, protective microphone sock
