Classic American Console Preamp Design

The WA-412 provides 4 channels of classic American console preamps in a sleek 1RU design. This style of preamp is often referred to as “the sound of Rock 'n' Roll” for its BIG punchy low end and smooth open top end. The price/performance ratio of the WA-412 is almost unfathomable to the experienced studio engineer who has possibly paid much more for preamps of this style during their career. Featuring fully discrete socketed 6-pin opamps and custom-wound Altran USA input and output transformers, the WA-412 leaves nothing to be desired. If you are looking for multiple channels of world-class tone in an affordable package, the WA-412 is the right choice for you.

Highlights:

Clear, Punchy, & Unapologetically Analog

The WA-412 truly recreates 4-channels of iconic sound of punchy, clean-to-mean American console preamps. Like the original “clean to mean” 12-style preamps, the WA-412 delivers the best of authoritative American console tones favored by artists like The Eagles, Prince, Toto, Eminem, Madonna & many more.

4-Channels Of American Console-Grade Tone

The WA-412 instantly adds 4-channels of console-quality all-analog front-end to your setup. More than just “more gain”, the WA-412 preamps add defined harmonics and tone-shaping that only discrete analog circuitry can replicate. With 65 dB of warm analog gain and a fully discrete Altran USA transformer-balanced signal path, the Warm Audio WA-412 delivers professional results with a vintage vibe on every track.

Applications

Vocals - Group Vocals

• Vocal tracks sit right out in front “on top” of the mix with clarity.

Drums - Punchy, Pounding Drums

• Feel the transients and the percussion in the entire drum kit.

Bass - Tight, Deep Bass

• Hear all of the pop and growl of snappy bass parts in a dense mix.

Electric Guitar - Powerful Stereo Electric Guitars

• Feel the punch of present guitars that cut right through on both solos and rhythm tracks.

Key Features:

• Like the original 12-series American preamps, the WA-412 includes all the features that deliver a complete and professional recording experience.
• The output control can be highly useful in 'sculpting' the sound of the preamp, providing precise control and creative gain staging. For example, high-gain/low-output produces a more overdriven, harmonically rich tone, while low-gain/high-output produces a more open, dynamic, & articulate tone.
• The WA-412 includes critical preamp features to help handle recording challenges. The Polarity button allows you to handle phase issues by inverting the polarity 180 degrees. The -20 dB pad helps manage loud sources paired with sensitive mics. The LED metering makes it easy to check for clipping before hitting your interface. Selectable 48v phantom power is available to power any mic that requires it. The classic Warm Audio “tone” control alters the input transformer to add “air” or “sheen” to the top end - great for ribbons or “darker” mics.
• The WA-412 features multiple input connections with rear XLR and front Hi-Z input options. The Hi-Z connection on the front has a dedicated switch and passes through a JFET for ideal professional direct recording of bass and guitar.

Technical Specifications:

Product Description & External Specs (Per Channel)

• 4-Channel American Microphone Preamplifier + Instrument DI.
• Inputs: Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2MΩ Hi-Z.
• Outputs: Transformer Balanced XLR & TRS.
• Tone Button Input Impedance: Switches from 600Ω to 150Ω (affects the tone of both the mic and Hi-Z inputs).
• -20dB Pad: Pads both mic and instrument DI inputs.
• +48V Phantom Power.
• LED Metering.
• Output Trim Knob: For precise level control & tone sculpting.

Components & Internal Specs (Per Channel)

• Fully Discrete, Transformer-Coupled, Through-Hole Component Topology.
• Altran USA Custom Wound, Premium Input and Output Transformers.
• X520 Discrete Op-Amp in every channel, socketed for convenience; can be user-replaced with most 6-pin, discrete op-amps for varying flavor & tone.
• Internal Power Supply (Grounded, 3-pin cable).

Performance Specs (Per Channel)

• Gain: 65dB.
• Self-Noise: < 90dB (Nominal).
• Frequency Response:
• • 20Hz to 20kHz < ±0.25dB (Tone Button Disengaged).
  • 20Hz to 20kHz ±2dB (Tone Button Engaged).