Product Description
The Warm Audio WA73 is a single-channel, class A, '73-style British microphone preamp that pays tribute to British audio history. For decades, '73-style preamps have set the tone for pop and rock records, and they're still the top choice for many engineers. When Warm Audio developed the WA73, they aimed to meet vintage standards in design and performance. After years of R&D, reverse-engineering, and auditioning, this amazing preamp was born! Key features include UK-made Carnhill transformers, hand wiring and assembly, 80dB of gain with a resistor stepped gain switch, fully discrete circuitry, a tone button to change input transformer impedance for different tones, a polarity switch, and 48V phantom power. Technical specs cover a 4-position inductor-based hipass filter (50, 80, 160, 300 Hz), XLR mic input, line level TRS input, TS send/receive insert jacks, XLR and TRS line level outputs, direct in and instrument input, output control, LED level indication, 19' rack-mountability, a ground lift switch, and an internal IEC 115V/230V power inlet.
Using the Warm Audio WA73 is easy. First, connect your microphone to the XLR mic input. If you're using a line-level device, use the line level TRS input. The TS send/receive insert jacks let you add external processors to your signal. The output can be connected via the XLR or TRS line level outputs. Use the output control to adjust the output level, and the LED level indication will show you the signal strength. The gain switch offers 80dB of gain, allowing you to boost your signal as needed. The tone button can change the input transformer impedance to get different tones, so feel free to experiment. The polarity switch can be used to invert the phase of your signal. When it comes to power, make sure to set the internal IEC power inlet to the correct voltage (115V or 230V) according to your location. The 48V phantom power can be used to power condenser microphones. For maintenance, keep the preamp in a clean and dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity. If it gets dirty, use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the exterior. Don't open the unit yourself as it's hand-wired and hand-assembled. If you have any problems, contact the manufacturer's support team.
