Whether we’re talking about looks or sound, the ribbon mics of the 1930s are some of the most immediately identifiable mics of all-time — and Warm Audio has impeccably recreated both for their WA-44 studio ribbon microphone. Just like the originals, the WA-44 delivers rich, warm tone that epitomizes “classic” ribbon character. Its bidirectional polar pattern provides exceptional off-axis rejection while its custom, vintage-matched ribbon and robust neodymium magnet work in tandem with a custom CineMag USA-made transformer to deliver lush mids, a rolled-off top end, and the pronounced proximity effect that ribbons are known and prized for. Inspected and tested by Warm Audio, the WA-44 is the perfect choice for capturing lead tones on vocals, horns, acoustics, drums, piano, voice work, and so much more.
Listen to any classic recording or radio broadcast, and there’s a good chance that you’re hearing an authentic 44 microphone. Heck, some scoring studios and radio stations still use them today! The Warm Audio WA-44 conscientiously reproduces all the detail and nuance that made the original version of the ribbon mic one of the most famous broadcast microphones of all time — rich proximity effect, tamed high end, and mid-range presence.
While the sound of the WA-44 oozes that coveted vintage panache, it’s made from only the best of modern components. These include the namesake 2.5-micron-thick ribbon, which is made from more than 99% aluminum. Additionally, powering the WA-44’s potent neodymium magnet is a custom US-made CineMag transformer. Finally, the included Star-Quad shielded Gotham XLR cable ensures that your sounds reach your interface with only the finest audio representation.
The 44 microphones of yesteryear may have been destined to become the mics for broadcast, but the WA-44 of today is all but guaranteed to become your new studio workhorse. Its narrow bidirectional (figure-8) polar pattern gives your source a focused sound with its fantastic off-axis rejection, and its huge frequency response plus high max SPL make the WA-44 an excellent choice not only for voice, but also drums and cymbals, strings, horns, piano, and much more.
