Recording February 2022 - 12

REVIEW
Warm Audio
WA-8000
The big question...
I reached out to a colleague who owns
a Sony C-800G (huge thanks to Nick Pelc
and Augminished Studio), and we set up
a session to do some vocal recording with
both mics placed as tightly together as
possible. Beyond the expected similarities,
the WA-8000 was a fair amount brighter
than the C-800G, especially above
10 kHz. I also noticed a difference in
the low end in the 120-150 Hz range;
the WA-8000 had less energy here, delivering
a touch less body than its inspiration.
There are a couple of factors to
consider here: the age of the C-800G
capsule, and the variance between the
tubes across mics. This particular Sony
C-800G has seen daily use for years on
end, and the tubes are well burned in by
now. I suspect this contributes to the topend
differences between the two mics.
Overall, the sonic shape and presence
of the two mics do share similarities-the
essential
Sony signature is
there. Warm Audio has accomplished
quite a task, recreating this iconic microphone
from scratch.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for an open, forward,
and modern-sounding vocal microphone,
the WA-8000 fits the bill with flying colors.
It will feel right at home doing what
it's famous for-capturing hip-hop, R&B,
and pop vocals in all genders. Massive
respect for the Warm Audio team for
taking on this endeavor and once again
making a legendary signature sound accessible
to the masses-it's legit.
Further
Thoughts...
BY PAUL VNUK JR.
When the Warm Audio WA-8000
arrived at our editorial office, I was so
curious that I had to take a few days to
experience it in my own studio before
sending it on to Alex.
A tale of the tube
I put the WA-8000 to use on vocals (spoken
and sung), acoustic guitar, drums, and
percussion, and in every case I was treated
to an ultra-clear slice of reality. Yes, the
C-800G is a bright modern mic, and so too
is the WA-8000. The WA-8000 sounds relatively
uncolored-it captures what it's given in
a manner that brings to mind the Neumann
TLM 103 (another mic famous for its top end).
I enjoyed the WA-8000 when it was closest to
its source, especially on vocals, right at the point where its proximity effect bonds
with that trademark clarity. I did find it fairly plosive prone however, so a good
pop filter is necessary when you're right up on it. When you need the vocals to cut
sharply though a dense mix, the WA-8000 is a great choice. My favorite use was
on stacked backing vocals; here, it helped the vocal tracks sit clearly and effortlessly
in the back of the mix, without getting swallowed up.
Price: $1,199
More from: warmaudio.com
12 RECORDING February 2022
I also found the mic a nice choice for acoustic guitar in a dense rock mix where
you want to feel and hear the strums and picking but not deal with the weight and
buildup coming from the body. Finally, like Alex, I think the WA-8000 makes a
great, clear-sounding room mic when you really want to highlight the aspects of
the instrument in its space.
The WA-8000 is like its inspiration-a mic that ultimately landed a die-hard
niche position bordering on the urban mythical. Thanks to Warm Audio, players
looking to acquire this sonic signature will no longer need to scheme too hard to
get it in the locker.
http://www.warmaudio.com
Recording February 2022

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