WARM AUDIO WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- WARM AUDIO
Table of Contents
WA-CX 12
**TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONE
**
THANK YOU!
Thank you for purchasing the Warm Audio WA-CX 12 condenser microphone. We feel
this product offers the best in terms of sound, function, and vibe from the
classic era of analog recording. We don’t cut corners when it comes to what
goes into our products, and the WA-CX 12 is no exception. The WA-CX 12 is a
vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, 9-pattern condenser
microphone based on the iconic ’12 style microphone. Reimagined based on the
original production run of ’12 microphones from 1953-1963, the sound of the
WA-CX 12 can be heard on countless hit records of the last 50+ years. We at
Warm Audio are very excited to bring this classic recreation to you at such an
affordable price. We are confident you will enjoy creating a lifetime of
beautiful recordings with the WA-CX12.
Bryce Young
President
Warm Audio
Leander, Texas USA
REGISTER YOUR WA-CX12I
Before we begin, please take the time to visit
www.warmaudio.com to register your product. To
ensure you receive proper and uninterrupted warranty support for your product,
please register your unit within 14 days from purchase.
WARRANTY STATEMENT
Warm Audio warranties this product to be free from defect in materials and
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, for the original purchaser
to whom this equipment is registered. This warranty is non-transferrable.
This warranty is void in the event of damage incurred from unauthorized
service to this unit, or from electrical or mechanical modification to this
unit. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from abuse, accidental
damage, misuse, improper electrical conditions such as mis-wiring, incorrect
voltage or frequency, unstable power, disconnection from earth ground (for
products requiring a 3 pin, grounded power cable), or from exposure to hostile
environmental conditions such as moisture, humidity, smoke, fire, sand or
other debris, and extreme temperatures.
Warm Audio will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace this product in a
timely manner. This limited warranty extends only to products determined to be
defective and does not cover incidental costs such as equipment rental, loss
of revenue, etc. Please visit us of
www.warmaudio.com for more information on your
warranty, or to request warranty service.
This warranty applies to products sold in the United States of America. For
warranty information in any other country, please refer to your local Warm
Audio distributor. This warranty provides specific legal rights, which may
vary from state to state. Depending on the state in which you live, you moy
have rights in addition to those covered in this statement. Please refer to
your state laws or see your local Warm Audio retailer for more information.
NON-WARRANTY SERVICE
If you have a defective unit that is outside of our warranty period or
conditions; we are still here for you and can get your unit working again for
a modest service fee. Please visit us at
www.warmaudio.com to contact us about setting
up a repair or for more information.
With the proper care, your Warm Audio gear should last a lifetime and provide
a lifetime of enjoyment. We believe the best advertisement we can have is a
properly working unit being put to great use. Let’s work together to make it
happen.
NOW LET’S GET STARTED!
INTRODUCTION
A faithful recreation of one of the most natural and balanced tube condenser
microphones of all time, the WA-CX12 captures the true sound of sources and
rooms with extreme accuracy. Used over and over again by some of the world’s
most recognized engineers and artists, the original microphone stands out as
open, airy, and natural, making this unattainable classic a staple in any
world-class recording studio. With no-compromise components and elite build
quality, the WA-CX12 delivers that iconic sound that no personal or
professional mic locker is complete without.
With possibly the most natural sound profile in tube microphones, the WA-CX12
delivers the go-to sound when you need to capture natural, open audio. While
the original is primarily celebrated for its use as a lead vocal mic,
experienced engineers also cite defined bass, organic mids, and polished high
end. Making the sound profile of the WA-CX12 a fantastic choice for several
instruments and room-miking techniques. The organic tones from the WA-CX12
come from precise design methods pairing the CK12-style capsule with the
custom large-core TAB-Funken-werk USA output transformer.
Designing our WA-CX12 to sound like the classic ’12 was no easy task,
especially since some of the vintage components are no longer manufactured or
available. We are thrilled to release such a gorgeous sounding, reborn classic
to the market at a price that finally puts a once unattainable sound within
reach.
A LOOK INSIDE THE WA-CX12
Solid Brass CK12-Style Capsule
Our carefully engineered CX-12 capsule is an all-brass, edge-terminated
capsule that captures all the smoothness, rich top end, and warm vintage
sonics of the original CK12 capsule. The CXI 2 uses a variant CEK-12 back
plate as a basis, which overcomes the manufacturing limitations of the
original CK12 capsule. The 0-ring and housing of the CX12 are all machined
from solid brass and the diaphragm is 24k gold sputtered 6 microns, NOS PET
film (mylar). The end result is a very consistent, reliable capsule that
matches the frequency response and tonality of the classical spec’d 50s-60s
capsule.
The Transformer
The WA-CX12 utilizes a custom, American-made TAB-Funkenwerk Output
Transformer. This transformer helps provide the natural balance in the
midrange with just a bit of top-end polish that one would hope to get from a
12-style condenser microphone.
The Cable
One component of a tube microphone that is often overlooked is the 7-pin cable
that connects the microphone to its power supply. When Warm first started
building and auditioning our tube microphones, we learned quite a bit about
7-pin cables and how the shielding and wire gauge size can drastically change
the sonics of a tube microphone. We have partnered with Gotham Audio in
Switzerland to use their very carefully built high-end 7-pin “GAC-7 cables.
Using this cable increases the top-end presence and the overall size of the
recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic
effect often experienced in poorly built cables. Gotham Cabling is a premium
addition and manufactured to exacting standards. The additional durability and
improved sound quality is no small addition to the overall value of the WA-
CX12.
FEATURES
-
Contents
Your WA-CX12 package includes; the WA-CX12 microphone, power supply, IEC power cable, shock mount, 7-pin Gotham cable, and premium tweed storage box. -
Power Switch
The power switch is located on the power supply. -
IEC Power Inlet
The IEC power inlet is located on the rear side of the power supply and allows for a standard IEC cable to connect the power supply to your wall power outlet. -
115V/230v Voltage Selector Switch
A voltage selector switch is located near the IEC inlet on the power supply and allows the user to set the appropriate voltage for the country they are located. We advise you to be careful with this switch because plugging in the unit at the wrong voltage setting will likely damage the WA-CXI2 and its power supply. Plugging in the WA-CX12 power supply at the incorrect voltage could even cause injury or death. Typically the voltage selector switch will be pre- set to the proper voltage for the country where the product was purchased and should not be changed. -
Polar Pattern Select Switch
The polar-pattern selection switch is located on the power supply and provides 9 pattern options. Patterns are Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-of eight, and 6 intermediate stages. -
7 pin microphone cable connector (female)
A 7 pin female microphone cable connector is located on the power supply. The 7 pin Gotham branded cable included in the WA-CX12 box is connected to this connector on one end and to the WA-CX12 microphone on the other. -
7 pin microphone cable connector (male)
A 7 pin male microphone cable connector is located at the base of the WA-CXI2 microphone. This connection pairs the WA-CX12 microphone to its power supply. -
XLR Output
A standard 3-pin XLR male connector is located on the power supply. The microphone’s signal will exit this connector. Connect this connector to a preamp via a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Custom edge terminated, dual-backplate, all-brass vintage CK 12-style capsule
- Custom TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformer
- Premium 12AY7 vacuum tube
- Premium Capacitors
- Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns – Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, + 6 additional mixed patterns
- Max SPI.: 149dB
- Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
- Output Impedance: 200 ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 73dB
- EIN / Self-noise: 32dBA
- Power Source: External IEC grounded PSU
- Cable: Gotham 5 meter GAC-7, premium 7-pin tube microphone cable
- Total Weight: 17 lbs, Mic only: 2lbs 7oz
- Mic Dimensions: 11 5/8° x 2″ (29.5cm x 5cm)
TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL USES IN CARDIOID MODE
The classic ’12-style microphone is known first and foremost as a lead and
backing vocal microphone. It has been used to capture powerful vocal
performances in rock, country, hip-hop, gospel, blues, metal, voiceover/spoken
word, and just about every other genre out there. Two ’12-style microphones
for drum overhead recording, either in an X-Y configuration or as a spaced
pair, is a classic choice as well. Likewise, a pair of ’12-style microphones
in an X-Y configuration is a great way to achieve a big acoustic guitar sound.
A single ’12-style microphone is a good choice for capturing many guitar amps,
either alone or in conjunction with additional dynamic or ribbon microphones.
USES IN OMNIDIRECTIONAL MODE
The omnidirectional pattern is most often associated with room mic recording,
be it a room mic on a drum kit or an ambiance mic placed farther out from a
guitar or bass cabinet, or another instrument. Omnidirectional stereo
recording is also sometimes associated with ‘live’ recording techniques and
classical recording. Additionally, an omnidirectional mic can be one
ingredient, along with a figure-of-eight microphone, in creating a Mid/Side
stereo recording array. It is also worth noting that most condenser microphone
capsules are, by nature, designed to be omnidirectional devices. For this
reason, omnidirectional patterns tend to yield the most linear frequency
response and suffer the least from the proximity effect.
USES IN FIGURE-OF-EIGHT MODE
figure-of-eight pattern recording is often used with pairs of the same
microphone for advanced recording techniques such as the Blumlein Pair array;
but has several more common practical applications as well, some of which only
require a single microphone. One figure-of-eight application is to record a
‘duet’ or group vocal with a single microphone. Two or even four vocalists can
stand on either side of the microphone, each getting the full attention of one
side of the mic capsule. A variant of the duet application is when someone
plays an instrument, such as acoustic guitar, into one side of the microphone
while a partner sings on the other side. One of the more famous uses of the
’12 style microphone is as a bass amplifier microphone. Setting the mic
between 4 and 8 feet away from the bass amp and occasionally adding a second
mic a few feet further combine for a noticeably pleasant round sound.
MICROPHONE PLACEMENT & SPACING
When it comes to distancing a microphone from its sound source, one may think
of this process, among other things, as choosing the desired ratio of the
original sound source to reflections and acoustic space. The closer to the
source, the less space and ambiance will be captured. In some cases, this is
fully desirable; and ambiance will be added in later via the magic of digital
delay and reverb. In other cases, natural acoustics are critical. A great
illustration of this is the recording of a gunshot or cannon fire: at very
close range, the sound is surprisingly thin; however, at a distance, the sound
becomes more full and explosive. This is a great reference to keep in mind;
because to some degree, this phenomenon holds true with anything where natural
acoustics is an important part of the sound, most notably with percussion.
Beware that all processes do have boundaries and microphones do have a maximum
SPL level they can be subjected to without distortion. Both microphones and
preamps have a signal-to-noise ratio that tends to get poor in cases where
more gain is required to make up for a distant signal. It’s generally good
advice to place a microphone about 12 inches from a source and to fine-tune it
from there until you have exactly what you are looking for.
A BRIEF WORD ON ROOM TREATMENT
Room acoustics can be just as important as the microphone you choose. Even the
best microphone won’t sound great if you are picking up unwanted reflections
that can smear or comb-filter the sound you are recording. Just because a
microphone is set to the cardioid pattern, does not mean that it is not
picking up unwanted room reflections or outside noises such as street traffic,
footsteps, or air conditioning vents. Though a walk-in vocal booth is hardly
necessary for most situations; a good quality ‘vocal shield” type product can
make an enormous difference, often making the difference between a demo
quality and a professional quality recording. Likewise, when recording combo
amps and other instruments, using gobos or other acoustic isolation products
can be hugely beneficial. Getting proper isolation, and just the right amount,
but not too much room ambiance is one thing that really cannot be effectively
corrected later in the process. It is of the utmost importance to put in the
extra time to set things up well in the beginning.
SIGNAL INTEGRITY
In professional audio, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. When it
comes to microphone cabling, a quality cable can make a big difference. Though
not as critical as with instruments or dynamic microphones, a thin, poor
quality, or worn XLR cable can affect the sound of a microphone. With extreme
age or wear, gaps can form in the foil or spiral shield of a microphone cable,
allowing RFI and EMI to leak through, or shield wiring can begin to make
intermittent contact with the signal wire. XLR pins can corrode after many
years of exposure, or solder joints break at the stress points inside an XLR
barrel. Occasional cable testing and maintenance is good practice, and worn
XLR pins can often be given new life (pending they are still salvageable) by
spraying liberally with a contact cleaner such as DeOxit and worked thoroughly
for several iterations. Generally speaking, it’s best to stick to the minimum
cable length required for your recording application. For example, if a 20 ft.
cable will work, little good can come from using a 35 ft. cable. Though
condenser microphones are far better equipped to survive longer or lesser
quality cable runs than dynamic and ribbon mics, audio can begin to attenuate
(perceived as lower volume/weakened signal) or become contaminated beyond a
certain threshold.
When recording vocals, it’s a good idea to use the highest quality pop filter
you can acquire. This not only protects the microphone; it protects the
recorded tracks by keeping plosives (a clipping that occurs from sudden air
pressure on the capsule) to a minimum. Pop filters can also be creatively used
in other situations where sudden air pressure changes can occur, which include
large loudspeaker movement, the sound hole of a kick drum, or the gap between
the two brass pieces of a hi-hat cymbal. As a general rule, a higher quality
pop filter will have a less audible impact on the sounds passing through them;
while less expensive, improvised, or foam windscreen type filters can
sometimes have a muffling effect on high frequencies.
Microphone placement is as much an art as it is a science. Placement takes a
great deal of patience, attentive listening, and of course – experimentation.
The more music you record, the greater instinct you will have for knowing
which microphones to first try for given situations, and how to place them.
One thing to keep in mind is that what a microphone “hears’ will often be
radically different from what a casual observer hears when standing several
feet back from where a microphone is. It’s good practice to get down and put
one’s ear close to a speaker cabinet or right in front of a bass drum’s
resonator head and hear what that microphone is hearing from its position. Get
a sense of how different your source sounds close up, farther back, and from
different angles. Begin to move a microphone around very slowly and listen for
the changes in sound that you get. Notice how a small change in mic position
can make an under-snare microphone go from bad to good.
Notice how moving a guitar cabinet mic further to the side of the center
cone, or further off-axis will affect the sound.
©2022 Warm Audio™ LLC. Leander, Texas USA I www.warmaudio.com
Documents / Resources
| WARM
AUDIO WA-CX12 Tube Condenser
Microphone
[pdf] User Manual
WA-CX12, Tube Condenser Microphone, WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone, WA-CX12
Microphone, Condenser Microphone, Microphone
---|---
| WARM
AUDIO WA-CX12 Tube Condenser
Microphone
[pdf] User Manual
WA-CX12, Tube Condenser Microphone, WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone,
Condenser Microphone, Microphone
| WARM
AUDIO WA-CX12 Tube Condenser
Microphone
[pdf] Instruction Manual
WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone, WA-CX12, Tube Condenser Microphone,
Condenser Microphone, Microphone
| WARM
AUDIO WA-CX12 Tube Condenser
Microphone
[pdf] User Manual
WA-CX12, Tube Condenser Microphone, WA-CX12 Tube Condenser Microphone,
Condenser Microphone, Microphone
References
- Warm Audio | Faithful recreations. Legendary sounds.
- Warm Audio | Faithful recreations. Legendary sounds.