Description
Introducing the WA-8000 tube condenser microphone. The inspiration for our latest release is a highly sought-after and revered design of the early 1990s. The WA-8000 lives up to the sonic legacy that continues to foster die-hard fans to this day. Boasting a natural, open top end, supremely clear midrange, and the ability to render detail in a vocal performance unlike most other mics on the planet, let alone in this price range. Engineered true to spec, the WA-8000 meets all of the critical specifications of the original, giving you the true sound of modern R&B and Hip hop for an unprecedented value.
New Old Stock 6AU6 tube
After rigorously testing and comparing many different brands, the New Old Stock,
military-grade 6AU6 tube provides a wide dynamic range, the ability to flawlessly
capture an open room, distinctive midrange, extremely low noise levels, and a rich
sonic clarity that met the strict standards we set for this mic.
Custom transformer from Lundahl Sweden
With such a simple circuit design, it was imperative that we found the perfect
transformer to marry the tube and capsule with the rest of the circuit. We had great
success with the Lundahl Transformers in our WA-67, it only made sense to test it in
our WA-8000. Sure enough, there was a major sonic difference during the test-
ing phase that left us no other choice but to go with the Lundahl transformers from
Sweden for this recreation.
All-brass K67-style capsule, wired straight to the tube
The microphone we used as inspiration was built around a K67-style capsule,
which has a long history as one of the top capsules to use for vocal microphones. A
crucial piece to the equation when capturing subtle nuances and open room clarity
from the audio source. Once we nailed the proper hole pattern and frequency re-
sponse, we machined our capsule fully out of brass, including the tensioning hoops.
Custom-design external tube mount/heat sink lowers self-noise
The 6AU6 tube sits in a custom-designed external heat sink assembly, which draws
heat away from the tube and the internal workings of the microphone without a
need for active electronics. Having the tube operate within its ideal temperature
range helps lower the noise floor and distortion. The external heat sink additionally
helps make tube changes a snap. The WA-8000 achieves the highest measured
signal-to-noise ratio, true to original spec at 76db (unidirectional) and 73db (omni-
directional).
Boutique 7-pin GAC-7 tube cable from Gotham Switzerland
The cable used to connect a tube microphone to its power supply is hyper-import-
ant. The cable must provide power to the mic’s tube and electronics while also
sending audio from the mic back down to the supply. Most importantly, the cable
must do no harm to the signal. Cutting corners on this cable can marginalize the
performance, and thus, your sound. We continue to use Gotham Switzerland’s
brilliant GAC-7 cable for all of our tube microphone designs. Gotham uses vin-
tage-correct construction techniques, highly upgraded copper, and over-the-top
shielding methods to achieve perfect RF rejection. It’s the only acceptable standard
for serious, studio-grade gear, and that’s why it’s the best 7-pin cable that we can
provide with the WA-8000.
Includes hard carrying case for all components
Safely transport your mic anywhere with the ultra-durable Warm Audio carrying case.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
Max SPL: 131dB (cardioid), 134dB (omni)
Output Impedance: 100 ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 76dB (cardioid), 73dB (omni)
Sensitivity: -33dB/Pa (cardioid), -36dB/Pa (omni)
Self-noise: 15dB (A-weighted) cardioid, 17dB (A-weighted) omni • Tube: 6AU6
Power Source: External 7-pin power supply (included)
