Warm Audio continues their mission of reverse-engineering some history’s most renowned microphones with their WA-CX12 tube condenser microphone. The CK12-style custom, solid brass capsule houses premier electronics to rival its namesake’s glassy highs and boisterous midrange, producing a natural, balanced tone. With nine polar patterns, a 12AY7 tube, and boutique 7-pin GAC-7 tube cable, this high-powered mic is capable of handling just about anything you can throw at it, especially if you consider its high-SPL handling and frequency response range. Sweetwater’s pro audio gurus can confirm: if you’re looking for a robust all-around mic that doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity, then the WA-CX12 is an obvious choice.
The WA-CX12 is inspired by an ability to capture sound in a natural, airy manner — presence, not just substance. Want two voices on one mic? Figure-8. Hyper-precise, punchy drums? Cardioid. Ambient, lush piano? Omnidirectional. With a total of 9 polar pattern configuration options (including numerous in-between and mixed choices), you’ll never be short on recording arrangements. The custom edge-terminated capsule affords a versatility to this mic that can heighten recording possibilities to maximize flexibility while retaining a consistent recording nature.
A max SPL of 149dB is already impressive, but a frequency response range of 30Hz to 20kHz, as well? Now we’re talking range. The dual-backplate design increases microphone sensitivity and frequency response, allowing for a nuanced capture of sounds at most registers, while maintaining a flatter midrange, leading to the unique vibrance of the middle frequencies. A premium 12AY7 tube connects to a boutique 7-pin GAC-7 tube cable from Gotham Audio. A professionally low 200 ohms of output impedance is attained, in part, due to the external IEC-grounded PSU. Encapsulated in an all-brass vintage housing, the WA-CX12 is a multi-purpose workhorse with the ability to capture classic sounds.