Warm Audio WA-CX12
Warm Audio WA-CX12
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Description / Specs
Description / Specs
Coveted & Rare. Until Now.
The WA-CX12 is a faithful recreation of the most natural and balanced tube mic of all time, praised for its organic tone and pleasing high end. The original AKG C12 was produced in Austria from 1953 to 1963 and is the definitive version of the 12-style mic. The WA-CX12 sound profile and circuit design are inspired by the original production run of only 2500 mics, which are highly sought after for their ability to capture the natural beauty of vocal performances, room sounds, and other distant miking techniques. The list of famous recording artists who have never used a 12-style microphone is likely shorter than the list of those who have. Some of the most notable artists to create music with the original include The Beatles, Lupe Fiasco, Tom Petty, Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, and Taylor Swift, just to name a few. The WA-CX12 cuts no corners in achieving the highly coveted open, airy, and natural sound profile used repeatedly by some of the world’s most recognized engineers and artists.
No-Compromise Components
The WA-CX12 is a professional large-diaphragm tube microphone with premium components, elite build quality, and is hand-inspected in Austin, Texas. The circuit design of the WA-CX12 stays true to the original production run from 1953-1963 and forms the basis for the historically accurate sound profile. Like the original, the WA-CX12 tone is mostly flat with a slight dip at 2kHz and a gradual boost between 5-10kHz. At the start of the chain, the CX12 features an edge-terminated, all-brass CK12-style capsule that remains faithful to the frequency response of the original 12-style microphones. This capsule allows the WA-CX12 to offer 9 polar patterns including the typical cardioid, omni, and figure-8, plus 6 intermediate patterns. Moving down from the capsule, the WA-CX12 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube for added warmth. At the end of the circuit, the WA-CX12 uses a custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer, which gives the WA-CX12 a very full, wide, and open sound, maximizing the capsule and additional circuit components. The WA-CX12 features premium capacitors throughout and a no-solder mask board for the lowest possible noise. As with all Warm Audio products, we focus heavily on quality components to ensure we release the best sounding product possible.
True To Legacy, True To Sound
The WA-CX12 sound profile is known for capturing the authentic sound of a performance. Designed to provide clarity in the midrange and soften any harshness in the high frequencies, the WA-CX12 delivers professional solo vocals, intricate piano performances, and epic, natural room sounds.
| The gently tuned 5-10kHz boost of the WA-CX12 highlights and smooths the upper register in many vocal performances. | One of the more popular studio uses for the original 12-style microphone is as a stereo pair on grand piano. Because of the mic’s relatively flat frequency at 0dB until the top-end boost kicks in, the WA-CX12 adds just the right amount of pristine high end to a piano performance. | Whether it’s room reflections, splashy cymbals, or guitar & bass cabinets - mixing in a distant WA-CX12 can bring a natural “live” sound to professional recordings. |
Premium Components - Elite Build Quality - Superior Sound
WA-12-B-60V CK12-Style CapsuleThe WA-12-B-60V CK12-style capsule accurately matches the frequency response of the original capsule found in vintage C12 mics. This capsule captures incredible detail across the 30Hz-20kHz frequency response. With a remarkably flat response until the top-end boost starts to hit around 3k, the capsule inside the WA-CX12 will help you capture natural sounds with some added top-end smoothness before the pleasant 19kHz rolloff. |
AMI USA-MADE Output TransformerThe history of TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) transformers goes all the way back to the founding of the most sought-after German analog audio innovations. The TAB (AMI) transformer in the WA-CX12 is American-made with large-core German laminations and built to exacting standards as designed by Oliver Archut. The custom transformer drives the full natural sound captured by the capsule delivering that renowned Austrian sound. |
Premium Tubes, Capacitors, & BoardsThe WA-CX12 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube that adds warmth and depth to the microphone’s signal. Like all Warm Audio products, we use premium capacitors in the circuit for ideal signal transfer. The PCB board in the WA-CX12 does not have solder masks which allows for the lowest noise floor possible, preventing crosstalk from added capacitance. |
Authentic Appearance, Elite Build Quality, Premium AccessoriesThe WA-CX12 is encased in an ultra-durable nickel-plated brass body. Every WA-CX12 comes with a custom tweed carrying case housing the mic, wood mic case, premium Gotham 7-pin cable, IEC cable, shockmount, and external power supply. Every WA-CX12 is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound. |
Authentic Appearance, Elite Build Quality, Premium Accessories
The WA-CX12 is encased in an ultra-durable nickel-plated brass body. Every WA-CX12 comes with a custom tweed carrying case housing the mic, wood mic case, premium Gotham 7-pin cable, IEC cable, shockmount, and external power supply. Every WA-CX12 is meticulously hand-inspected at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with a passion for superior sound.
Technical Specifications
- Custom Edge Terminated, All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style Capsule
- Custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer
- Premium 12AY7 Vacuum Tube
- Premium Capacitors
- Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, + 6 additional mixed patterns
- Max SPL: 149dB
- Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
- Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 73dB
- EIN / Self-Noise: 22dBA
- Total Weight: 17 Lbs, Mic Only: 2lbs 7oz
- Mic Dimensions: 11 ⅝” x 2” (29.5cm x 5cm)
- Included Accessories: Custom Tweed Carrying Case, External IEC Grounded PSU, IEC Power Cable, Premium Gotham 5 Meter 7-Pin Tube Microphone Cable, Wood Microphone Box, Shockmount
