ROAD TEST
Warm Audio WA-14 Large - Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
By Adam Gallant
Warm Audio is continuing its mission to bring vintage-modeled studio hardware to our home and project studios at a comfortable price point . The team is on a tremendous roll with its latest batch of microphone releases based on iconic European designs that have long been staples of the recording industry . We recently had the chance to test out a pair of WA-14s , Warm Audio ’ s take on the 1970s era of AKG ’ s C414s .
C414s are a classic studio microphone designed and built by Austria ’ s AKG , and the models produced during the ‘ 70s are arguably the most sought-after of all . During this time , AKG was using all-brass , handmade CK12 capsules , which were eventually re-designed with some nylon and Teflon parts .
Out of the Box The WA-14 is true to the classic with an allbrass capsule . It has been faithfully designed to match the frequency response and tonality of the famous CK12 capsule . The WA-14 ’ s diaphragm is 24 k gold sputtered and like all Warm Audio gear , you ’ ll find custom CineMag USA transformers under the hood . Output impedance is rated at 150 ohms , self-noise at -115dB , and the frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz .
Out of the box , these microphones were heavier than I was anticipating . The casing is robust , the screen is strong , and the finish is a clean , matte black . The microphones come with a shock mount , rigid mount , leatherette pouch , and a spare set of suspenders for the shock mount . The shock mount has a trustworthy design that couples nicely to the microphone .
On the microphone side , we see a slight lip where the XLR connection is made . This lip provides added contact for the shockmount , preventing slipping and making for a secure fit , even when the mic is hung capsule side down . Much like the AKG version , the shock mount for this mic is a little on the bulky side . I often reach for the rigid mount , especially with an X-Y stereo configuration or when space is tight .
On the front side of the microphone , we have a pad switch with positions at 0dB , -10dB , and -20dB . The fully-engaged pad makes a pair of WA-14s ideal for drum overheads in rock music as well as tom and snare top / bottom . For polar patterns , the microphone can be switched between cardioid , figure eight , and omnidirectional . A Blumlein pair would also do nicely as a stereo room configuration for strings or acoustic guitar .
In Use During our initial tests , we used the WA-14s for drum overheads and it ’ s worth noting how much volume these microphones will take . No audible overloading of the microphones was heard during some really loud crash and ride sections .
On male and female voice , keep an ear out for sibilance . Depending on the singer , this mic may be perfect or have too much presence . For background vocals I found myself switching the polar pattern to omni and getting great results in the high end with a bonus of reduced proximity effect in the lows .
On violin and viola , the low mids were well represented and the top end was airy with plenty of bow sound coming through . When we set the mic to a cardioid polar pattern , the rear side rejection was impressive , making this mic useful for live-off-the-floor situations and a great solution for a vocalist who is simultaneously playing the guitar .
I would say that there is nothing overly hyped about this microphone ’ s sound , but it still remains distinctive . It offers plenty of low mids that feel almost like a dynamic mic and a nice amount of presence that provides the detail you would expect from a large diaphragm condenser . The WA-14 worked particularly well for us on acoustic guitar and percussion , offering a fast transient response and wellsupported low end .
The 414 style of mic often gets labeled as a workhorse and I can attest to that . Since the Warm Audio pair has landed , they have been used on a daily basis with great results . Whether you ’ re after one or a matching pair , if you ’ re searching for a large diaphragm condenser that covers pretty much any instrument , the WA-14 offers great performance , an unprecedented value , and is backed by a one-year warranty to boot .
Thanks to the folks at Warm Audio . Keep up the great work .
Adam Gallant has worked in all facets of digital audio production , from music composition to location and post audio for television and film . He currently owns and operates The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown , PE .
22 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN