Warm Audio WA-12-500 MK2 500 Series Microphone Preamp Warm Audio

A 500 rack mic pre with replaceable 6-pin opamp sockets.

If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal you will love the WA12-500 MKII. The WA12-500 MKII transforms plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone. If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you’ve always wanted, there is a good chance you will appreciate the WA12-500 MKII.

​The WA12 – 500 MKII is a completely discrete, high voltage, dual-transformer microphone preamplifier designed for high gain (+71dB), high headroom, low noise, and an exciting sonic performance. A high-quality mic preamp is one of the most critical pieces needed to achieve the elusive ‘larger than life’ sound the WA12 – 500 MKII delivers.

The WA12 – 500 MKII is based around a discrete op-amp, the X731, which is Warm Audio’s own reproduction of the vintage classic Melcor 1731, considered by some to be the warmer predecessor to the modern 2520-style op-amp. The X731 can achieve vibrant, clean and lifelike tones; but can also be driven into mild saturation at much higher gain levels. The effects can be subtle, but very pleasing to the ear. The WA12 – 500 MKII can also accept any discrete op-amp on the market which conforms to the +/-16v, 2520 pinout standard.

When developing the WA12-500 MKII, Warm Audio’s design team’s ears played a big part in the design process. Using CineMag USA transformers and an all discrete signal path ensured that the WA12-500 MKII would have the building blocks to compete with the best preamps on the market.