The Secret Weapon of Professional Studios
The WA-47F is a faithful reproduction of a classic low-noise microphone revered as the secret weapon in world-class studios. The original FET-type 47 was released in 1969 and gained enormous popularity in recording studios for its ability to handle fast transients with exceptional detail. Compared to popular tube microphones, the WA-47F offers a purer character in the high frequencies and tighter, more controlled bass response. Legendary artists like Dave Grohl and Daft Punk used the original 47FET on kick drums, inspiring generations of drummers and engineers. For vocals, legends like David Lee Roth and Michael Stipe used the prototype to create some of our most beloved music of all time.
The WA-47F shares the same sonic profile as that original microphone, making it a microphone that will quickly become a favorite in your studio closet.
Full Volume. Dynamic Detail. No Compromise
Like all Warm Audio microphones, the WA-47F is a serious studio tool with premium components and top-tier build quality. Like the originals, the WA-47F takes the sound of the WA-47 tube microphone and swaps the tube for a solid-state FET, meaning theres no compromise between capturing rich midrange, detailed bass, and handling extremely loud sources. At its core, the WA-47F uses a premium reconstruction of the vintage K47-type capsule found in the original microphone for exceptionally wide frequency response and detail. The WA-47F uses a single rear backplate, cardioid-only version of the same capsule used in the award-winning WA-47 tube microphone.
The capsule is mated with a custom TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer that drives the powerful, punchy sound this capsule captures. The WA-47F combines premium Fairchild FET with polystyrene and WIMA capacitors and the AMI output transformer, giving the WA-47F the ideal frequency response to capture extra detail and depth. The -10dB pad gives you extra headroom for those loud sources you need to keep loud. When you need to eliminate unwanted bass frequencies from sources like vocals or electric guitar cabinets, use the provided low-cut filter at 140 Hz to avoid unnecessary post-EQ. Our meticulous Research and Development process allowed us to create a true output level and frequency response that meets the performance expectations of sound engineers and world-class recording facilities.
Studio Workhorse
Like the prototype, the WA-47Fs custom frequency response captures huge drum sounds, loud guitar and bass cabinets and excels primarily on lead vocals.
Kick Drum
In addition to a dynamic microphone inside the drum shell aimed right at the beater, many engineers choose to add a 47FET-type microphone outside the kick drum on the front head. The dynamic microphone on the beater tends to capture the snap of the shell, while the WA-47F outside will get the thump from the drum. The boom of the air pressure of the drum skin with resonance is a huge sound thats easily lost from the dynamic microphone. Adding a WA-47F to your kit will have a huge spatial impact on the sound, making tracks feel more alive and less robotic.
Vocals
The original microphone was selected to capture some very famous vocals like Bon Scotts (AC/DC), David Lee Roth (Van Halen), and Michael Stipe of REM. Like the authentic, the WA-47F offers powerful, detailed vocals ranging from hair metal screams to soft falsetto over iconic indie rock.
Guitar & Bass Cabinets
The prototype is also beloved in studios for guitar and bass cabinets - especially for punchy, loud guitar parts like youd find on an AC/DC album. The openness of the condenser capsule and the circuits ability to handle higher than normal SPL means you can record loud guitars without compromising on detail. For Those About To Rock - youll notice the difference.
WA-47-B-50v Capsule
The WA-47-B-50v capsule is a true reconstruction of the single-backplate K47-type capsule found in the original 47FET microphone. This capsule captures incredible detail in the 20Hz-19kHz range. With a unique gradual lift in the midrange and slight presence peak in the highs, the capsule inside the WA-47F will quickly become your favorite microphone for any source requiring critical detail and pleasing top end at higher volumes.
AMI USA Output Transformer
The history of TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) transformers begins with the founding of the most sought-after German innovations in analog audio. The TAB (AMI) transformer in the WA-47F is US-manufactured and built to strict standards as designed by Oliver Archut. The sweet sonic character of the WA-47F would not be possible without the incredible, historically accurate transformer provided by TAB-Funkenwerk.
Fairchild Transistors & Premium Capacitors
The WA-47F uses premium Fairchild FET - the same component found in the most demanding and expensive reissues. High-quality polystyrene and WIMA capacitors in the WA-47F provide the exceptional signal conversion this circuit requires.
Authentic Appearance & Elite Build Quality
The WA-47F is surrounded by an exceptionally durable nickel-plated brass body with a refined shape that adds extra space around the capsule. Every WA-47F is meticulously hand-tested at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for better sound.
