Warm Audio WA-87JR – Large Diaphragm FET Transformerless Condenser Microphone (Black)

OVERVIEW

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The Warm Audio WA-87JR is a large-diaphragm FET transformerless condenser microphone bringing the character of an iconic 87-style studio vocal microphone into a contemporary, accessible design. At its core is a gold-sputtered, large-diaphragm, dual-backplate K87-style capsule, faithfully reproducing the fundamental character of the celebrated original 87-style design. Its 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response, 9 dBA self-noise, and 116 dBA dynamic range provide the clarity, detail and headroom required for professional recording, while its three selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8) allow the microphone to adapt to a wide range of recording techniques and acoustic environments.

Unlike transformer-coupled vintage designs, the WA-87JR uses a fully discrete, transformerless FET circuit designed for clean and precise signal transfer. Premium Toshiba transistors, WIMA film capacitors and Panasonic electrolytic capacitors complement the K87-style capsule, helping deliver a polished, detailed sound with a smooth high end and a touch of vintage-inspired character. The selectable -10 dB pad increases maximum SPL handling to 135 dB, while the 70 Hz high-pass filter helps remove unwanted low-frequency rumble and excessive bass energy before it reaches the recording chain.

The WA-87JR is equally suited to lead vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar cabinets, drum overheads and percussion, making it a versatile choice for both project and professional studios. Every microphone is hand-inspected at Warm Audio’s Austin, Texas headquarters, and the WA-87JR includes a shockmount, hard mount and protective leather storage pouch.

 

 

K87-Style Capsule

The WA-87JR uses a custom K87-style capsule, a true reproduction of the large, dual-diaphragm 87-style capsule in the original 87 mic – the same capsule used in Warm Audio’s award-winning flagship WA-87 R2 professional microphone. This capsule captures authentic analog detail across the 20Hz-20kHz frequency spectrum, and combined with the clean, pure signal transfer from the contemporary circuit design, the WA-87JR feels right at home on many sources. Perfect for adding radio-ready polish to any recording.

 

 

 

 

-10dB Switch for Added Headroom

The WA-87JR features a selectable -10dB pad switch that allows it to handle SPLs up to 135dB, making it easy to capture loud sources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 Polar Patterns

The WA-87JR offers three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8), giving you a variety of options to choose how you want to capture stereo sounds and reject noise. Perfect for vocals and lead instruments.

 

 

 

 

 

High-Pass Filter Switch

The WA-87JR has the ability to engage a switchable 70 Hz high-pass filter that helps remove unwanted bass rumble and noise at the source – before you even hit record – instead of playing with potentially tone-destructive EQ during the mixing process.

 

 

 

 

The Warm Audio WA-87JR is suitable not only for recording rap vocals, but also for singing and a wide range of instruments. You’ll also be well equipped for many other recording tasks. With some post-processing, this microphone can deliver a sound that rivals major productions. – Gear News

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Contemporary Version of a Legendary Lead Vocal Mic

The WA-87JR is a contemporary version of the iconic 87-style studio microphone that captures pristine, detailed tone with modern circuitry. The WA-87JR mics are equally great at home in a project studio or in a world-class recording facility. Each of them features a vintage-correct reproduction of the celebrated K87-style capsule, the same capsule found in the flagship WA-87 R2 condenser mic. The capsule has the same tonal character known for capturing legendary recordings by classic and modern artists including David Bowie, Elton John, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and many more.

Delivering a Legacy of Pristine Studio Sound

Combining one of the most revered vocal condenser capsules of all time with Warm Audio’s carefully crafted, modern circuits, the WA-87JR delivers rich detail and top-end clarity for capturing everything from vocals to acoustic guitars, drum overheads and more. Available with additional onboard controls and multiple polar patterns or a streamlined cardioid-only design, the WA-87JR mics all feature a discrete signal path, exceptional dynamic range, and ultra-low self-noise. The sound profile of the WA-87JR series blends past and present to achieve the perfect balance of pristine detail with never-harsh high-end.

Applications

Vocals – Stream-Ready Vocals:

Up-front vocals with commanding presence and clear top-end.

Acoustic Guitar – Articulate Acoustic Guitars:

Clear, articulate tone on acoustic guitars.

Electric Guitar – Detailed Electric Guitar Cabs:

Detail and present top-end for guitars that need to stand out.

Percussion – Brilliant Drum Rooms & OHs:

Capture the brilliance of cymbals, snap of snares, and punch of toms.

FEATURES

• Large-diaphragm transformerless condenser microphone
• Contemporary interpretation of the iconic 87-style studio vocal microphone
• Gold-sputtered, large-diaphragm, dual-backplate K87-style capsule inspired by vintage 87-style designs
• Vintage-correct capsule design based on the celebrated original 87-style microphone
• Fully discrete FET transformerless analogue circuitry
• Premium Toshiba transistors for clean, professional signal integrity
• WIMA film capacitors for high-quality signal transfer
• Panasonic electrolytic capacitors for enhanced signal conversion and vintage-inspired character
• Three selectable polar patterns for versatile recording and sound-capture options
  • Cardioid pattern for focused vocals and lead instruments with strong off-axis rejection
  • Omnidirectional pattern for natural, open capture and room ambience
  • Figure-8 pattern for front-and-rear capture with strong side rejection
• Switchable pad for additional headroom when recording louder sources
• Switchable high-pass filter for reducing unwanted low-frequency rumble and noise at the source
• Pristine detail and smooth, never-shrill high-frequency character
• Exceptional dynamic range and ultra-low self-noise for professional recording
• Versatile performance across vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drum overheads and percussion
• Hand-tested and inspected at Warm Audio’s Austin, Texas headquarters
• Black finish – also available in Nickel
• Includes shockmount, hard mount, and a protective leather storage pouch
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

POLAR PATTERNS

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product Type: Large-Diaphragm FET Transformerless Condenser Microphone

Switches:

• 0 dB or -10 dB Pad
• 70 Hz High-Pass Filter

Polar Patterns: 3

• Cardioid
• Figure-8
• Omnidirectional

Internal Components:

• Gold-Sputtered, Large-Diaphragm, Dual-Backplate K87-Style Capsule
• Fully Discrete Signal Path
• Premium Toshiba Transistors
• WIMA Film Capacitors
• Panasonic Electrolytic Capacitors

Self-Noise: 9 dBA

Dynamic Range: 116 dBA

Maximum SPL: 125 dB (without pad) / 135 dB (with -10 dB pad)

Frequency Range: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa or -40 dB

Connector: 3-Pin Gold-Plated XLR (Balanced)

Power Requirement: +48V Phantom Power

Colour/Finish: Black – also available in Nickel

Included Accessories:

• 1 × Shockmount
• 1 × Hard Mount
• Protective Leather Storage Pouch

Dimensions:

• Height/Length — Approx. 20.3 cm (8″)
• Diameter — Approx. 5.7 cm (2.2″)

Weight: Approx. 0.6 kg (1.3 lbs)

Warranty: 5-Years

DOWNLOADS & SUPPORT

• User Manual
• Product Registration