Warm Audio WA-CX12
UPC/EAN #850031640108
MPN #WA-CX12
$1429.00
Save 19.9%, MSRP $1785.00
9-Pattern, large diaphragm tube condenser based on one of the most natural and balanced tube microphone of all time
Coveted & Rare. Until Now.
The WA-CX12 is a faithful recreation of the most natural and balanced tube mic of all time, lauded for its organic tone and pleasing top end. The original AKG C12 was produced in Austria from 1953 - 1963 and is the definitive version of the 12-style mic. The WA-CX12 sound profile and circuit design is inspired by the original production run of only 2500 mics, which are highly coveted for their ability to capture the natural beauty of vocal performances, room sounds, and other far 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 Morrissette, 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 over and over again 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 is faithful to the original production run from 1953-1963, and serves as the basis for the historically accurate sound profile. Like the original, the WA-CX12 tone is mostly flat until a slight dip at 2kHz with a gradual boost between 5-10kHz. At the beginning of the chain, the CX12 has an edge-terminated, all-brass CK12-style capsule, that stays true to the frequency response of the original-run 12-style microphones. This capsule allows the WA-CX12 to have 9 polar patterns with the typical cardioid, omni, and figure-8, in addition to 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, getting the most out of the capsule and additional circuit components. The WA-CX12 has premium capacitors throughout, and a no-solder mask board for the lowest noise possible. 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 real sound of a performance. Designed to provide clarity in the midrange and smooth out any high end harshness, the WA-CX12 delivers professional solo vocals, intricate piano performances, and epic, natural room sounds.
Premium Components - Elite Build Quality - Superior Sound
WA-12-B-60V CEK12-Style Capsule
The 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 Transformer
The 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, & Boards
The 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 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.
Features
Faithful Recreation of the Most Natural and Balanced Tube Microphone of All Time: The WA-CX12 cuts no corners in achieving a highly accurate sound profile compared to the original, known for its organic tones and elevated room sounds.Smooth Highs and Vibrant Midrange: The WA-CX12 captures organic and natural sounding tone with pleasing high end and colorful midrange so you feel the performance come through.Custom, Solid Brass CK12-Style Capsule: Dual capsule, edge terminated, and custom machined out of solid brass. Meticulously spec'd to match the detail and warmth of the originalCustom TAB-Funkenwerk USA Output Transformer: Large-core imported German laminations drive all of the full natural sound captured by the capsule.Premium Tube: Rigorously tested, hand-selected 12AY7 Vacuum Tube.9 Polar Patterns: Including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 patterns plus 6 intermediate stages for ultimate versatility, especially in stereo-pairsBoutique 7-pin GAC-7 tube cable from Gotham Switzerland: Using vintage-correct construction methods and highly-upgraded components, our 7 pin cable achieves near-perfect signal transfer.Includes vintage hard carrying case for all components: Safely transport your mic anywhere with the custom, ultra-durable, vintage-vibe tweed carrying case.
Specifications
Custom Edge Terminated, All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style CapsuleCustom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output TransformerPremium 12AY7 Vacuum TubePremium CapacitorsPolar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, + 6 additional mixed patternsMax SPL: 149dBFrequency Response: 30Hz-20kHzOutput Impedance: 200 OhmsSignal-To-Noise Ratio: 73dBEIN / Self-Noise: 32dBATotal Weight: 17 Lbs, Mic Only: 2lbs 7ozMic Dimensions: 11 ?" 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
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