Warm Audio WA273 2-Channel Microphone Preamp w/ WA-HR HeadRoom Headphones, Black

Warm Audio WA273 Dual Channel British Microphone Preamp

A Dual Channel '73 For The Rest Of Us

If there’s one style of preamp that professional engineers would unanimously agree has defined the tone of pop/rock records for decades, it would most definitely be the venerable '73-style of mic pre.  '73-style preamps have been massively used in recording and live applications for many years and are still considered to be the “Holy Grail” of preamp choices today.  The Warm Audio “WA73 Family” consists of single and dual channel '73-style preamps (with & w/out EQ), that each pay careful homage to British audio history.

When we at Warm Audio decided to release the WA273 it was imperative that it met vintage expectation in both design and performance.  The tone and sweet character that vintage '73-style mic preamps impart is so unique and familiar, that we had only the pure desire to release sonically accurate reproductions. After years of R&D, careful reverse-engineering, and countless hours of auditioning, the WA273 has been born!

The WA273 is a “Desert Island” boutique preamp, but it can also be classified as a studio and live work-horse.  Classic '73-style preamps are known for being versatile tools that work with all kinds of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon.  The WA273 equally shines on all types of microphones and sources including; vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, percussion, orchestras, keyboards, and even as a tone shaping tool to run partial or complete mixes through.  With 80dB of gain and a fully discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path, there’s no recording, mixing or engineering task that the WA273 can’t handle.

UK Custom Carnhill Transformers

Enthusiasts unequivocally get excited about the components used in classic '73-style British preamps.  The signal transformers are a common topic of conversation.  Vintage units used various versions of transformers throughout the years, but the most coveted were the earliest versions.  These are regarded as the most desirable choice due to their fluid and forgiving nature.  They saturate sweetly when pushed, and have been known to make engineers cry when they hear how beautiful their mixes sound through them! Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design faithful reproductions of these most coveted, early version transformers.  We at Warm Audio have not yet heard a modern day '73-style preamp sound as sweet and musical as does our WA273 with these beautiful custom Transformers.

Capacitors & Signal Path

An important part of classic British tone not often discussed are the different styles of capacitors and output transistor used in '73-style circuits.  We found it important to maintain integrity to early British designs by using tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is much smoother in the high gain settings than what is typically found in modern '73-style preamps.

Warm Audio WA-HR HeadRoom Closed-Back Professional Studio Headphones, Black

The WA-HR headphones are closed-back professional studio headphones with premium drivers and designed for ultimate comfort. The 45mm neodymium drivers reproduce sound with incredible detail. The swappable, studio-tested circumaural ear pads provide added cushioning and support for long listening sessions. WA-HR headphones combine ergonomics and audio quality, making them perfect for tracking, mixing, monitoring, & critical listening.

Premium Drivers (Sound Profile): HeadRoom headphones are designed for serious musicians and audio engineers who demand both accuracy and comfort. Outfitted with powerful 45mm Neodymium drivers and custom ear cup design, WA-HR provides the accuracy you need for professional monitoring, recording and rehearsing.

Professional Closed-Back Design: The WA-HR headphones use a tried-and-true closed-back studio design for added isolation, great for controlling unwanted outside noise while recording, mixing, and editing.

Durable, Comfortable, Lightweight: With an adjustable, low-tension headband, HeadRoom headphones fit tightly without squeezing too much. The ergonomic ear cups and headband pad are designed with premium materials to provide added comfort during longer listening sessions. All of these features combine with a durable yet lightweight metal frame to support longer-lasting creativity by reducing ear fatigue.

Professional Accessories: WA-HR ships in a custom, molded case for convenient protection during travel and storage. With detachable straight and coiled cables, extra earpads, and gold 3.5mm jack & 6.35mm TRS adapter, HeadRoom headphones are prepared for any listening experience.

Hand-Tested In Austin, TX: Like all Warm Audio gear, WA-HR headphones are tested and inspected by trained technicians with a passion for making music in Austin, TX USA.

WA-HR Features

• For Professional Tracking, Mixing, Editing, Critical Listening, & More
• Premium 45mm Neodymium Drivers For Exceptional Detail
• 45 Ohm Impedance For Professional Sound Reproduction Across A Variety Of Audio Devices
• Custom-Tuned For Enhanced Sonic Detail And Exceptional Midrange Clarity
• Swappable, Studio-Tested Circumaural Ear Pads For Superior Sound Isolation & Ultimate Comfort
• Removable Straight Or Coiled Cable For Compact Storage And Easy Portability
• Rugged Craftsmanship & Construction