Warm Audio WA-CX24 – Large Diaphragm Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone

OVERVIEW

Premium Components • Elite Build Quality • Superior Sound

The Warm Audio WA-CX24 is a faithful recreation of one of the most iconic stereo tube condenser microphones in recording history, delivering the expansive stereo imaging, warmth, and natural detail that defined countless classic recordings. Designed around dual all-brass CK12-style capsules and powered by a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube, the WA-CX24 captures vocals, pianos, drum overheads, orchestras, and room ambience with remarkable depth, clarity, and smooth high-frequency response.

At the heart of the WA-CX24 are two independently rotating capsules that allow engineers to create highly accurate stereo recordings using techniques such as XY, Blumlein, mid-side, and custom stereo configurations. Combined with dual USA-made TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) output transformers and nine selectable polar patterns per capsule, the microphone offers exceptional flexibility for capturing everything from intimate vocal performances to expansive stereo room tones with precise phase coherence.

Built using premium components throughout, including polystyrene and Wima film capacitors, custom Gotham 9-pin cabling, and carefully engineered low-noise circuitry, the WA-CX24 is designed for professional studio environments demanding uncompromising stereo performance. Each microphone is meticulously hand-tested and inspected in Austin, Texas, to ensure elite build quality and reliable operation for modern recording workflows.

 

CK12-Style Capsule

The all-brass CK12-style capsule provides the performance of the vintage original by smoothing out the top-end and delivering a pleasing, natural tone to the transformer. Unlike later nylon iterations of this capsule, the WA-CX24 faithfully replicates the clear open top end of the original all-brass CK12, both the top and bottom capsules!

 

 

 

 

Independently Rotating Top Capsule

Rotate the top capsule up to a full 180 degrees independently from the bottom capsule to achieve error-proof XY, Blumlein, and various stereo imaging options. Mix and match polar patterns for different blends of focus & space.

 

 

 

 

 

Dual AMI USA-Made Output Transformers

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 two TAB (AMI) transformers in the WA-CX24 are USA-Made with large-core German laminations and built to exacting standards as designed by Oliver Archut. These custom transformers drive the full natural sound captured by both capsules, delivering that renowned Austrian sound in stereo.

 

 

 

Premium Tubes, Capacitors & Boards

The WA-CX24 uses a premium 12AY7 vacuum tube to complement the CK12-style capsule for added warmth and depth to the microphone’s signal, resulting in clarity without harsh high-end. Like all Warm Audio products, premium capacitors are used in the circuit for ideal signal transfer. The PCB board in the WA-CX24 does not have solder masks, which allows for the lowest noise floor possible, preventing crosstalk from added capacitance.

 

 

 

 

Dual 9 Polar Patterns

The WA-CX24 has the three traditional key polar patterns on the external power unit for both capsules – Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8. It also includes six (6) additional intermediate (in between) patterns, providing the ultimate flexibility and versatility for a variety of stereo recording applications. Having all of these options makes it easy to capture different types of audio depending on the instruments, room, and recording. Achieve phase-coherent Blumlein and mid-side recordings with just one mic.

 

 

 

Hand-Tested, Elite Build Quality

Every single WA-CX24 is meticulously hand tested & inspected at Warm HQ in Austin, TX by real musicians and engineers with passion for superior sound.

Premium Cable from Gotham, Switzerland

Often overlooked, the cable connecting a tube microphone to its power supply is quite a critical element of the signal chain. The WA-CX24 uses a custom GAC-9 9-pin cable from Gotham, Switzerland – the same cable stock used by the most prestigious European mic manufacturers. The design and build quality of this cable increases top-end presence and the overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often found in poorly built cables.

The real attraction of the WA-CX24 isn’t that it mimics a sought-after vintage model. It’s that it is a high-quality stereo valve mic at an unprecedented low price. As far as I’m aware, there’s simply no competition below the level of the Peluso P24, which is more than twice as expensive. If you want a multi-pattern, stereo valve mic for under $2k, the WA-CX24 isn’t just the best option. It’s the only game in town. And the fact that it bears more than a passing resemblance to one of the greatest mics of all time is the icing on the cake. – Sound On Sound

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Bringing Back the Most Unattainable Vintage Stereo Mic

The WA-CX24 is a faithful recreation of the most iconic stereo tube condenser mic ever made. Designed to capture the rich, three-dimensional sound behind countless classic recordings, it delivers the same wide stereo image and natural warmth that made the original a studio staple. With dual large-diaphragm capsules and true tube circuitry, the WA-CX24 reproduces the smooth detail that made it a favourite on orchestras, pianos, and drum overheads. Famous for sessions with artists and engineers like Elvis Costello and Steve Albini, the original’s sound profile & iconic multi-pattern stereo functionality is accurately preserved with the WA-CX24.

True Stereo Sound, No-Compromise Components

In addition to the original sound profile, WA-CX24 recreates the critical dual 180-degree rotating capsules for exceptional flexibility to achieve precise stereo imaging in audio recordings. Independently adjusting the position of each capsule allows for error-proof stereo pickup patterns for various recording techniques, such as XY, Blumlein, mid-side, or a custom angle tailored to the sound source and recording environment. Built around dual all-brass CK12-style capsules & two TAB Funkenwerk (AMI) US-made output transformers, the WA-CX24 delivers professional stereo recordings with phase-coherent vocals, intricate piano performances, and epic stereo room sounds.

Applications

Vocals – Dual-Tracked Stereo Vocals:

One Take, Two Tracks, Perfectly In Phase With Natural Compression.

Piano – Present Stereo Pianos:

Pristine & Present With Rich Lower-Mids Plus XY Stereo Image.

Room – In-Phase Stereo Room Tones:

Natural With Smooth Highs & Phase-Coherent Stereo Tracking.

Horns – String/Horn Sections:

Rich & Detailed With Body And Sweet High-End On Many Sources.

FEATURES

• True stereo large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
• Dual all-brass CK12-style capsules inspired by the original vintage Austrian design
• Independently rotating capsules with up to 180-degree adjustment
• Ideal for XY, Blumlein, mid-side, and custom stereo recording techniques
• Dual USA-made TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) output transformers
• Premium 12AY7 vacuum tube circuitry for warmth and depth
• Nine selectable polar patterns for each capsule
• Smooth, open high-frequency response with natural tonal balance
• Premium polystyrene and Wima film capacitors
• Low-noise PCB design without solder masks for reduced crosstalk
• Custom Gotham 9-pin cable from Switzerland
• Excellent for stereo vocals, piano, room miking, strings, horns, and drum overheads
• High maximum SPL handling of 149 dB
• Hand-tested and inspected in Austin, Texas
• Includes external grounded power supply and premium accessories
• Supplied with dual shockmounts, tweed carrying case, and wooden microphone box
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

POLAR PATTERNS

TECHNICAL SPECS

Product Type: Large-Diaphragm Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone

Polar Patterns: 9

• Cardioid
• Omnidirectional
• Figure-8
• + 6 additional intermediate patterns (accessible on two switches, one per capsule)

Internal Components:

• 2 x Custom Edge Terminated, Dual-Backplate, All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style Capsules
• 2 x Custom T14 TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformers
• All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style Capsule
• Premium 12AY7 Vacuum Tube
• Premium Polystyrene and Wima Film Capacitors

Max SPL: 149 dB

Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 20 kHz

Output Impedance: 200 Ohms

Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 73 dB

EIN / Self-Noise: 22 dBA

Included Accessories:

• 2 x Shockmounts
• Custom Tweed Carrying Case
• External IEC Grounded PSU
• IEC Power Cable
• Premium Gotham 5 Meter 9-Pin Tube Microphone Cable
• Wood Microphone Box

Dimensions:

• Height/Length — 35.5cm (14”)
• Diameter — 5cm (2”)

Weight:

• Box with Full Contents — 9.3 kg (20.5 lbs)
• Mic Only — 1.36 kg (3 lbs)

Warranty: 5-Years

DOWNLOADS & SUPPORT

• User Manual
• Product Registration