Warm Audio WA-2MPX Microphone Preamp - Nearly New

Full Description

An icon rebirthed - 351-style mic preamp

Capture the sound of one of the most iconic pieces of audio gear ever created. True to the original, this 351-style preamp delivers the same unique character and analog warmth that made its inspiration such a sought-after preamp. Legendary artists such as Les Paul, Nat King Cole, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley used the original preamp on countless hit recordings, regarded for its vintage-tube design and analog character. The original preamp was instrumental in pioneering 'reel-to-reel' tape recordings due to its raw analog power and distinctive tube sound.

Bringing the original into the modern era, the WA-MPX is a faithful recreation of a 351-style preamp equipped with three tubes per channel for optimised analog sound. Accompanying the three tubes are custom-wound CineMag USA transformers, allowing you to dial in your sound with maximum precision. You can achieve everything from subtle volume boosting (preserving overall clarity) to hard-driven saturation.

Tape Saturation and filtering

Building on the original's design, the WA-MPX now includes a dedicated 'Tape Saturation' mode which adds natural compression and harmonic distortion. This unique take on tape saturation combines multiple harmonic elements to recreate the distinctive sound of this classic preamp. Utilising custom transformers and discrete circuitry, the WA-MPX delivers authentic reel-to-reel style sound at 15IPS. You can also shape your sound using the onboard high-pass and low-pass filters. The 2kHz low-pass filter is ideal for dialling in midrange warmth and punch; whereas the 80Hz high-pass filter help to eliminate unwanted bass frequencies in the low-end response.

Robust, vintage-inspired design

Every WA-MPX that leaves the factory is hand-tested and inspected at Warm Audio's headquarters, put through its paces by trained engineers and veteran musicians to ensure every unit meets its rigorous standards. The rack-mountable design features a retro-style aesthetic, reminiscent of audio hardware of the era. Constructed with a steel chassis and an aluminium faceplate with vintage-style rotary knobs; the WA-MPX embodies the sound and look of the original.

Monitor your sound using the classic-style VU meter, allowing you to check your levels at a glance. There are also a range of two-position switches including Polarity, High-Gain, +48V Phantom power and Tape Saturation. There is also a stepped control that allows you to switch between the microphone, instrument and line inputs. The rear of the unit features balanced outputs with XLR and TRS connections as well as matching mic/line inputs.

Features

• Faithful reproduction of a classic vintage preamp with 351-style design
• Two-channel design with three tubes per channel for maximum vintage analog tonality
• Capture the sound that pioneered the birth of 'reel-to-reel' tapes
• Wide range of analog tone variations
• Custom-wound, large-core CineMag USA transformers
• Switchable 'Tape Saturation' mode provides natural compression for authentic 'tape-era' sound
• High-pass and low-pass filters for shaping your sound
• Retro-inspired design with vintage-style knobs and steel chassis

Specifications

• Gain: 90dB of analog tube gain per channel
• Mic Input:
  • 600 ohms transformer - 6000 ohms rated
  • 150 ohms transformer - 1500 ohms rated (with tone)
• Vacuum Tubes: Premium (2X) 12AX7 and (1X) 12AU7 Vacuum Tubes
• High-Pass Filter: 80 Hz
• Low-Pass Filter: 2kHz
• Inputs: XLR Mic, TS instrument and TRS line
• Outputs: XLR / TRS line
• Power: IEC 115v/230v power inlet
• Product Code: WRMWA2MPX