Warm Audio WA-412 4 Channel Universal Pre Amp With DI

Warm Audio WA-412
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.

 

Inspiration Behind The WA-412

When I first started holding regular studio sessions years ago I always desired to have more channels of high-end mic pre’s. I could only afford to have one or two in my studio at a time, which was never enough to record a full band or drummer. I knew very well that if signals were not recorded well “on the way in” they wouldn’t be salvageable later, but my budget constrained me. Because of this so many of the sources were recorded through poor-quality mic preamps. If the WA-412 was available back then I likely wouldn’t have had to settle for poor, low-quality tone. The WA-412 was designed “for the people” (if you will) and we believe it will become a serious work-horse in many professional and home studios. – Bryce Young (founder)

 

Packed With Features

The WA-412 has all of the features one would expect from this style of preamp… and more. Output Trim is available on every channel for precise control and creative gain staging. A Tone switch (transformer input impedance) is also available on each channel, which allows you to choose between a warm and punchy classic console tone, or go for a more open & neutral sound.

 

Quality Components

Each channel utilizes a fully discrete socketed 6-pin opamp that can be swapped with other opamps. Discrete opamp circuitry is known for its high headroom and low distortion characteristics and has much to do with the coveted sound of these classic console preamps.

 

FEATURES:

• Based on a classic American console preamp design known for its punchy, bold sonics
• Fully discrete, transformer-coupled, through-hole component topology
• Custom-wound, premium Altran USA input and output transformers on each channel
• Discrete X520 socketed op-amp on every channel
• May be user-swapped with most 6-pin, discrete op-amps
• 65db of gain; 20dB pad (pads both mic and instrument inputs)
• Inputs: microphone (XLR), active instrument direct-injection (1/4″)
• Outputs: transformer-balanced XLR and TRS.
• Tone button – switches input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms
• Changes tone of both mic and DI inputs
• Phantom power (+48 volts), switchable per channel
• LED metering per channel
• Output trim knob per channel for exacting level control and sound sculpting
• Internal power supply (grounded, 3-pin IEC power cable)

Preamp Type	Solid State
No. of Channels	04
Phantom Power	Yes
EQ	Highpass 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz
Analog Inputs	4 x XLR (mic), 4 x 1/4″ (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs	4 x XLR, 4 x 1/4″
Rackmount Space	1U
Weight	7 kg