Warm Audio WA-CX24 Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone
Best stereo tube microphone for professional sounding home studio recordings.
The Warm Audio WA-CX24 is a meticulously crafted stereo tube condenser microphone, designed to capture the expansive and warm sound of classic recordings. It excels at delivering a wide, three-dimensional stereo image, making it a top choice for instruments like pianos, orchestras, and drum overheads. Its dual large-diaphragm capsules and authentic tube circuitry provide the smooth, detailed sound that defined vintage recordings. The WA-CX24 offers exceptional flexibility with its dual rotating capsules, allowing for precise stereo pickup patterns suitable for various recording techniques and environments.
$1599.00
More WA-CX Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1554
/ 3337
#1554 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+215%
Above average
Who it's for
- Recording engineers desiring rich, expansive stereo imaging
- Producers needing adaptable stereo recording for diverse instruments
- Studios seeking high-end stereo tube sound on a practical budget
Who should skip it
- Project studio owners with tight equipment budgets
- Engineers preferring streamlined, minimalist recording setups
- Users prioritizing zero-maintenance, solid-state reliability
Performance breakdown
Stereo Imaging
Rotating capsules provide unmatched spatial depth for complex acoustic sources.
Sonic Character
Authentic tube circuitry delivers that sought-after vintage harmonic richness.
Build Integrity
Premium brass capsules and custom transformers ensure professional-grade durability.
Versatility
Nine polar patterns offer immense flexibility for diverse recording environments.
Noise Floor
Self-noise is acceptable but requires careful gain staging for quiet sources.
SPL Handling
Easily captures loud drum overheads without compromising signal clarity.
Key Specs
Large-Diaphragm Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone
9 polar patterns
Weight
20.5 lbs
Dimensions
14” x 2”
2x Custom Edge Terminated, Dual-Backplate, All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style capsules
2x Custom T14 TAB-Funkenwerk USA Output transformers
12AY7 Vacuum Tube
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
73 dB
Features
- Faithful recreation of iconic stereo tube condenser mic
- Dual large-diaphragm capsules for wide stereo image
- True tube circuitry for natural warmth
- Dual 180-degree rotating capsules for precise stereo imaging
- Custom CK12-style brass capsules
- TAB-Funkenwerk USA transformers for signal integrity
- Multi-pattern stereo functionality
- Includes Gotham GAC-9 cable and custom tweed flight case
What customers say
Customers consistently praise this microphone for its exceptional sound quality, often highlighting its warm, rich, and detailed audio capture. Many reviewers express surprise at the professional grade performance it delivers, especially considering its price point. The general consensus points to a robust build and reliable operation, making it a strong contender for various recording needs. Users appreciate its ability to add a desirable character to recordings, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive alternatives. The overall sentiment reflects high satisfaction with its sonic capabilities and significant value.
Know before you buy
The WA-CX24 is a stereo microphone featuring two independent capsules housed in a single body. This allows you to capture a wide, three-dimensional stereo image in a single take, which is ideal for sources like grand pianos, drum overheads, or orchestral ensembles.
Yes, the microphone features 180-degree capsule rotation. This allows you to physically adjust the angle of the capsules to fine-tune your stereo width and imaging without needing to reposition the entire mic stand.
The WA-CX24 offers nine polar patterns that can be set independently for each capsule. This gives you significant creative flexibility, such as using a cardioid pattern on one side and a figure-eight on the other for advanced stereo recording techniques like Mid-Side.
Yes, the WA-CX24 is a tube condenser microphone and comes as a complete system, which includes the necessary external power supply unit. You must use the included power supply and the premium Gotham cable to ensure the tube circuitry receives the correct voltage and signal integrity.
Absolutely. The WA-CX24 is designed to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL) while maintaining the smooth, musical character of its vacuum tube circuitry. It is a popular choice for drum overheads where you need to capture both the impact of the kit and the natural room ambience.
These components work together to provide a vintage-inspired, warm, and smooth sound profile. The 12AY7 tube adds harmonic richness, while the custom TAB-Funkenwerk transformers help maintain clarity and detail in the low and high frequencies, preventing the signal from sounding harsh.
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