Warm Audio's WA87 - Does it live up to the name??

What is it?

The WA87 is Warm Audio’s answer to a more affordable Neumann U 87 (one of the highest acclaimed microphones of all time). The U 87 is often described as smooth, refined, warm, detailed, and natural. It’s no doubt that Warm Audio had their hands full attempting to live up to that type of reputation for their clone.

my interest

For the last several years, I’ve been using my Aston Spirit as my go-to vocal mic (really everything mic). I’ve always appreciated the clarity and brightness, while retaining body. With the end-game mic being the Sony c800, I felt like I had to get Warm Audio’s clone, the WA-8000. Now THIS mic became my favorite mic - it still is my favorite mic. However, with it’s own power source and large travel case it isn’t always the most efficient or “handy” mic. I don’t find myself wanting to travel with it often.

When I started working out of 303 Recording in Indianapolis, they had the U 87 set up as their vocal mic, going through a Neve 1073 and a Heritage Audio TUBESESSOR (a CL-1B clone). At first, I struggled with the warmth and strength of this vocal chain. But soon…I started to see how it could be processed and how vocals could sound through this chain. I decided I wanted my own version of this chain.

my experience

I’m not sure if you know, but a U 87 is NOT cheap. After my satisfaction with Warm Audio’s c800 clone (WA-8000), I checked out their other products. Of course, they have a U 87 clone, the WA87. I snatched it up on an Open Box deal!

Since it arrived, I’ve used it in almost every single recording session - running it through a Universal Audio La-610 preamp/channel strip. I have definitely noticed that there is a bit more warmth and vocals come in smoother. I have to push the gain on my preamp a bit harder than with the Aston Spirit (my previous go-to). There’s much less sibilance, but I don’t find myself having to boost high end for brightness.

Honestly, I love this microphone and it is currently my default vocal recording mic. The fullness and clarity it provides works great with nearly everything. I’ll break out the Aston Spirit if I feel like I need the vocals to cut through a bit harder, and I’ll bring in the WA-8000 when I need an extra polished vocal (thinking pop music or modern R&B).

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