Warm Audio WA-47F – Large-Diaphragm FET Transformer-Balanced Studio Condenser Microphone

OVERVIEW

The Warm Audio WA-47F is a large-diaphragm, transformer-balanced FET condenser microphone created as a faithful recreation of a legendary high-SPL, low-noise studio classic. Its K47-style capsule delivers the detailed, powerful character associated with the original 47 FET design, combining rich midrange, tight low-end response and smooth high-frequency detail. The result is a microphone capable of capturing everything from intimate vocals to powerful drums and amplified instruments with clarity, punch and impressive transient response.

At the heart of the WA-47F is a true reproduction of the K47-style capsule paired with a custom USA-made AMI output transformer, which helps deliver its distinctive body, midrange presence and controlled brilliance. Premium Fairchild transistors and WIMA and polystyrene capacitors complement the transformer-balanced FET circuit, while the cardioid polar pattern provides focused capture for a wide range of recording applications.

Built to perform when things get loud, the WA-47F handles high sound pressure levels with ease, making it particularly effective on kick drums, electric guitar, bass cabinets and horns, while remaining equally capable as a detailed vocal microphone. The switchable -10 dB pad provides additional headroom for louder sources, while the 140 Hz high-pass filter helps remove unwanted low-frequency rumble before it reaches the recording chain. With its combination of classic-inspired voicing, premium components and versatile studio performance, the WA-47F is a highly capable addition to any professional microphone locker.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

K47-Style Large-Diaphragm Capsule

The WA-47F features a true reproduction of the K47-style capsule used in the original 47 FET microphone, providing detailed capture with powerful low-end and a strong, musical midrange presence.

Custom USA-Made AMI Transformer

A custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA output transformer helps deliver the microphone’s bold sonic character, combining body, midrange presence and controlled high-frequency detail.

High-SPL Performance

Designed to retain detail when recording loud sources, the WA-47F is particularly well suited to kick drums, amplified guitar and bass, horns and other high-energy instruments.

Premium Fairchild Transistors

Premium Fairchild transistors form part of the FET circuitry, helping the microphone deliver the fast transient response and detailed sound associated with this classic design.

Switchable -10 dB Pad

The -10 dB pad provides additional headroom when recording louder sources, extending the microphone’s already impressive high-SPL capability.

140 Hz High-Pass Filter

The switchable 140 Hz high-pass filter makes it easy to reduce unwanted low-frequency rumble before the signal reaches the rest of the recording chain.

Versatile Cardioid Capture

The cardioid pattern provides focused directional capture, making the WA-47F a versatile choice for vocals, drums, guitar and bass cabinets, horns and other studio applications.

Premium Component Selection

WIMA and polystyrene capacitors complement the custom transformer and Fairchild transistors, reflecting the microphone’s premium component selection and vintage-inspired design philosophy.

FEATURES

• Large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone
• Faithful recreation of a high-SPL, low-noise 47 FET-style classic
• True reproduction of a K47-style capsule
• Custom USA-made TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) output transformer
• Premium Fairchild transistors
• WIMA and polystyrene capacitors
• Transformer-balanced output
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Switchable -10 dB pad
• Switchable 140 Hz high-pass filter
• Designed for detailed capture of loud sources
• Particularly suited to kick drums, electric guitar and bass cabinets, vocals and horns
• Integrated hard mount
• Premium wood storage box and hard mount included with the microphone package.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Microphone

Microphone Type: Large-Diaphragm FET Condenser
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Capsule: Gold-Sputtered, Large-Diaphragm, Single-Backplate, K47-Style Capsule
Circuit Type: FET
Output: Transformer-Balanced
Output Transformer: Custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA
Transistors: Premium Fairchild
Capacitors: WIMA and Polystyrene

FREQUENCY & PERFORMANCE

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 19 kHz
Maximum SPL: 137 dB
Maximum SPL with -10 dB Pad: 147 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 69 dB (+ weighted), 76 dB-A
EIN / Self-Noise: 25 dB (+ weighted), 18 dB-A
Output Impedance: 150 Ω
Rated Load Impedance: >1 kΩ

CONTROLS

Pad: -10 dB, switchable
High-Pass Filter: 140 Hz, switchable

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Microphone Dimensions: 20.3 cm x 7 cm / 8″ x 2.75″
Microphone Weight: Approx. 0.91 kg / 2 lb
Total Package Weight: Approx. 1.59 kg / 3.5 lb

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Mount: Integrated hard mount
Storage: Premium wood box / protective carrying case