Warm Audio WA12 MkII Single Channel Preamp Black

Truly recreating the iconic sound of punchy, clean-to-mean console preamps

Clear, Punchy, & Unapologetically Analog
The WA12 MKII truly recreates the iconic sound of punchy, focused American console preamps. Like the original large-format custom-built 12-style preamps, the WA12 delivers the best of authoritative American console tones favored by artists like The Eagles, Prince, Toto, Eminem, Madonna & many more.

Upgrade Your Front-End - Upgrade Your Sound
The WA12 MKII is a major upgrade to any audio interface front-end. More than just “more gain”, the WA12 adds defined harmonics and tone-shaping that only discrete analog circuitry can replicate. With 71 dB of warm analog gain and a fully discrete CineMag USA transformer-balanced signal path, the Warm Audio WA12 MKII delivers powerful results on any source.

Applications
Vocals
Up-front Lead Vocals - Vocal tracks sit right out in front “on-top” of the mix with clarity.

Drums
Punchy, Pounding Drums
Feel the transients and the percussive “snap” on kick, snare, toms, & more.

Bass
Tight, Deep Bass
Hear all of the pop and growl of snappy bass parts in a dense mix.

Electric Guitar
Present, Powerful Guitar
Feel the punch of present guitars that cut right through on both solos and rhythm tracks.

Like the original 12-series American preamps, the WA12 MKII includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.

The output (attenuation control) is positioned after the cinemag output transformer, making it easy to drive the preamp and transformers into saturation. For example, high-gain/low-output produces more overdriven, harmonically rich tone, while low- gain/high-output produces more open, dynamic, & articulate tone.

The WA-12 MKII includes critical preamp features to help handle recording challenges. The Polarity button allows you to handle phase issues by inverting the polarity 180 degrees. The -20 dB pad helps manage loud sources paired with sensitive mics. The LED metering makes it easy to check for clipping before hitting your interface. Selectable 48v phantom power is available to power any mic that requires it. The classic Warm Audio “tone” control alters the input transformer to add “air” or “sheen” to the top end - great for ribbons or “darker” mics.

The WA-12 MKII features multiple input connections with rear XLR and front Hi-Z input options. The Hi-Z connection on the front has a dedicated switch and passes through a JFET for ideal professional direct recording of bass and guitar.

Single-Channel American Mic Pre & Instrument DI
Inputs - Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2meg Ohm Hi-Z
Outputs - Transformer Balanced XLR & TRS
Tone Button Input Impedance - Switches From 600 Ohms To 150 Ohms (Affects The Tone Of Both The Mic And Hi-Z Inputs)
-20db Pad - Pads Both Mic And Instrument DI Inputs
+48 Volt Phantom Power
LED Metering
Output Attenuation Control (Positioned After The Cinemag Output Transformer) Allows For Driving The Preamp And Transformers Into Saturation
Chassis Depth: 10” | 25 cm

Fully Discrete, Transformer-Coupled, Through-Hole Component Topology
Utilizes Premium-Grade Input And Output Transformers From Cinemag USA
Uses A 1731-Style Discrete Op-Amp Socketed For Convenience. Can Be User-Replaced With Most 6-Pin (2520 Footprint), Discrete Op-Amps For Varying Flavor & Tone
Internal Power Supply (Grounded, 3-Pin Cable)

71 dB Of Gain

USA-Made Transformer From CineMag
The WA12 MKII uses custom, USA-made input & output transformers from CineMag. CineMag’s history goes all the way back to the 1940’s, even placing original transformers in the most sought-after 12-style console channel strips. Like all CineMag transformers, the unit in the WA12 MKII is American-made and built to exacting standards.

Instant Analog Color
The classic Warm Audio “tone” control alters the input transformer impedance for extra analog color - 150Ω vs the standard 600Ω on the mic input.

Vintage-Spec'd OP-Amps
The WA12 MKII uses discrete 1731-Style op-amps, socketed for convenience. These components can be user-replaced with most 6-pin (2520 footprint) op-amps for tonal experimentation.