{"product_id":"wa273-dual-channel-british-mic-pre-warm-audio-tech-pro-audio-gear","title":"WA273 Dual Channel British Mic Pre Warm Audio Tech\/Pro Audio Gear","description":"\u003ch1\u003eWarm Audio WA273 Dual-Channel British-Style Microphone Preamp\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo channels of rich analog gain for vocals, instruments, drums, ribbons and professional studio recording.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Warm Audio WA273 is a professional \u003cstrong\u003edual-channel microphone preamplifier\u003c\/strong\u003e designed for recording engineers, producers, musicians and studios looking for the warm, full character associated with classic British console-style preamps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cstrong\u003etwo independent channels, up to 80 dB of gain, a fully discrete signal path, Carnhill transformers, microphone\/line\/instrument connectivity, high-pass filtering, switchable input impedance and insert points\u003c\/strong\u003e, the WA273 can become a powerful front end for microphones and instruments before they reach your audio interface or recording system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse it for vocals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord a stereo pair of microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture drums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack electric guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive a ribbon microphone substantial gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr drive the preamp harder to introduce additional transformer and analog character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Does the Warm Audio WA273 Work?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA microphone produces a relatively low-level electrical signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore that signal can be properly recorded, it typically needs to be amplified to a stronger line-level signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat's the job of a microphone preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect your microphone to the WA273.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WA273 amplifies the microphone signal through its analog circuitry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting line-level signal can then be sent to an audio interface, converter, recorder or additional compatible outboard equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the WA273 uses a transformer-balanced, discrete analog architecture, the preamp isn't simply about making the signal louder—it can also contribute tonal character to the recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTwo Independent Preamp Channels\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WA273 provides \u003cstrong\u003etwo channels of microphone preamplification\u003c\/strong\u003e in one rackmount unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat makes it useful for recording two sources simultaneously or working with stereo microphone configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStereo drum overheads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePiano\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcoustic guitar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar cabinets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eString ensembles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoom microphones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo vocalists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDual-microphone instrument setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor studios, two channels also mean two microphones can benefit from the same general preamp architecture during a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUp to 80 dB of Gain\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WA273 provides up to \u003cstrong\u003e80 dB of gain\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving engineers substantial amplification for a wide variety of microphone types.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat can be particularly useful with lower-output microphones, including many passive ribbon and dynamic microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than requiring an additional inline gain device in every situation, the WA273 provides a substantial amount of gain directly from the preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCarnhill Transformer-Balanced Signal Path\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA defining part of the WA273 architecture is its use of \u003cstrong\u003eCarnhill transformers\u003c\/strong\u003e within the signal path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransformers are an important part of the character associated with this style of analog preamplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the source, microphone and gain structure, the WA273 can provide everything from relatively open amplification to more noticeable analog color and harmonic character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives engineers the ability to think of the preamp as part of the sound—not merely a utility between the microphone and converter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClean It Up or Drive It Harder\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the creative advantages of analog preamplification is gain staging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a cleaner recording, configure the input and output levels appropriately to maintain greater headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant additional character?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrive the input stage harder and compensate with the output level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows engineers to explore different amounts of analog coloration without necessarily changing microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat can be especially useful on vocals, drums, bass and electric guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMicrophone, Line \u0026amp; Instrument Inputs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WA273 isn't limited to microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts connectivity supports \u003cstrong\u003emicrophone, line-level and instrument-level sources\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing the preamp to handle a broad range of recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMicrophones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect compatible condenser, dynamic and ribbon microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLine-Level Equipment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProcess compatible line-level sources through the analog preamp architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInstruments\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect instruments such as electric guitar or bass through the front-panel instrument input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the WA273 useful throughout a recording session instead of limiting it to one type of source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcellent for Vocals\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVocals are one of the most natural applications for a high-quality analog microphone preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePair the WA273 with an appropriate microphone and use its gain architecture to create anything from a relatively natural vocal recording to a richer, more colored sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor productions where the vocal needs to feel substantial and present before plugins are added, the preamp can become an important part of the recording chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePowerful Choice for Ribbon Microphones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRibbon microphones can have relatively low output and may require significant clean gain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith up to \u003cstrong\u003e80 dB available\u003c\/strong\u003e, the WA273 is well suited to many ribbon-microphone recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe switchable input-impedance functionality can also provide another way to explore the interaction between the microphone and preamp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the WA273 particularly interesting for ribbon microphones used on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar cabinets\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrum overheads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorns\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoom microphones\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcoustic instruments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSwitchable Tone \/ Input Impedance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarm Audio's \u003cstrong\u003eTone control\u003c\/strong\u003e changes the input transformer impedance between approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1200 ohms and 300 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging impedance can alter the way certain microphones interact with the preamp and may produce changes in tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis can be especially useful when experimenting with ribbon microphones and darker microphone sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than treating impedance as a fixed technical specification, the WA273 gives engineers the ability to use it creatively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e48V Phantom Power\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach channel provides \u003cstrong\u003e48V phantom power\u003c\/strong\u003e for compatible condenser microphones and other equipment that requires it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhantom power should only be enabled when appropriate for the connected equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways confirm the power requirements of your microphone before engaging 48V.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHigh-Pass Filter\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA built-in \u003cstrong\u003ehigh-pass filter\u003c\/strong\u003e helps reduce unwanted low-frequency information before the signal reaches the recorder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis can be useful for minimizing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFloor vibration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHandling noise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHVAC rumble\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcessive low-frequency buildup\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther unwanted sub-bass information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFiltering unnecessary low frequencies during recording can help create cleaner tracks and reduce corrective processing later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePolarity Reverse\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePolarity inversion is available for situations involving multiple microphones or other signal relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis can be particularly useful when recording drums, guitar cabinets and other sources using more than one microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen two microphone signals interact poorly, checking polarity can sometimes produce a substantial improvement in the combined sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInsert Points for Outboard Processing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach channel provides a \u003cstrong\u003eswitchable send\/return insert\u003c\/strong\u003e, allowing compatible external processors to be incorporated into the signal chain before the final output stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, you can build a recording chain such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone → WA273 Preamp → Compressor → WA273 Output Stage → Audio Interface\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows compressors, equalizers and other compatible outboard processors to become part of the tracking chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRecord Stereo Sources Through Matching Architecture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the WA273 provides two channels, it's particularly useful for stereo recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a pair of microphones on:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePiano\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrum overheads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcoustic ensembles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePercussion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoom ambience\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStereo guitar setups\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth signals pass through the same general preamp architecture, helping create a cohesive stereo recording chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Rackmount Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe WA273 is designed for integration into professional studio racks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstall it alongside compressors, equalizers, converters, interfaces and other outboard equipment to build a permanent analog recording front end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor studios moving beyond the preamps built into an audio interface, a dedicated outboard preamp can be one of the most meaningful upgrades to the recording signal chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual-channel microphone preamplifier\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreamp Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e British console-inspired analog architecture\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Gain:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 80 dB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuit Architecture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully discrete signal path\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransformers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnhill transformer-balanced signal path\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicrophone Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLine Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstrument Inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhantom Power:\u003c\/strong\u003e 48V\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Pass Filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolarity Reverse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInput Impedance Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTone Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switches input transformer impedance between approximately 1200Ω and 300Ω\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsert Points:\u003c\/strong\u003e Switchable send\/return inserts\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Control:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRackmount:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vocals, drums, guitars, bass, ribbon microphones, acoustic instruments, stereo recording and professional studio tracking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Is the Warm Audio WA273 For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecording Engineers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Add two channels of transformer-balanced analog preamplification to a professional tracking setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVocal Producers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Build a high-quality analog front end between the microphone and audio interface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRibbon Microphone Users\u003c\/strong\u003e — Take advantage of substantial gain and switchable impedance when working with compatible ribbon microphones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrum Engineers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Record overheads, room microphones or individual drums through two channels of the same preamp architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuitarists\u003c\/strong\u003e — Record guitar cabinets with microphones or connect guitar and bass directly through the instrument inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHome \u0026amp; Project Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e — Upgrade beyond the microphone preamps built into many standard audio interfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessional Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e — Add a versatile dual-channel preamp for tracking sessions, stereo recording and outboard signal-chain integration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the Warm Audio WA273?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe WA273 is a two-channel analog microphone preamplifier designed around a classic British console-inspired architecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many channels does the WA273 have?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt provides \u003cstrong\u003etwo independent preamp channels\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it suitable for both dual-mono and stereo recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much gain does the WA273 provide?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe WA273 provides up to \u003cstrong\u003e80 dB of gain\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the WA273 have an EQ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The WA273 is the dedicated dual-channel preamp version. If you need the related model with integrated EQ sections, look at the \u003cstrong\u003eWA273-EQ\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use the WA273 with ribbon microphones?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Its substantial available gain and switchable impedance make it particularly useful for many compatible ribbon-microphone applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use condenser microphones?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. 48V phantom power is available for compatible condenser microphones that require it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plug a guitar or bass directly into the WA273?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Instrument-level connectivity allows compatible electric guitars and basses to be connected directly for recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does the Tone control do?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Tone function changes the input-transformer impedance, providing another way to alter how compatible microphones interact with the preamp and potentially change the resulting tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I connect an external compressor?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Switchable insert points allow compatible external processing equipment such as compressors or equalizers to be incorporated into the recording chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I still need an audio interface?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn most computer-based recording setups, yes. The WA273 is a microphone preamp rather than a USB audio interface. Its output is typically connected to an appropriate line-level input on an audio interface or converter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between the WA273 and WA273-EQ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth are dual-channel British-style microphone preamps. The WA273 focuses on preamplification, while the WA273-EQ adds dedicated EQ sections for additional frequency shaping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGive Your Recording Chain an Analog Front End\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Warm Audio WA273 combines \u003cstrong\u003etwo preamp channels, up to 80 dB of gain, Carnhill transformers, discrete analog circuitry, switchable impedance, high-pass filtering and flexible mic\/line\/instrument connectivity\u003c\/strong\u003e in one professional studio processor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord a vocal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapture stereo drums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrack a ribbon microphone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlug in a bass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecord a piano.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd external compression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr experiment with gain staging to create your own analog character before the signal ever reaches the DAW.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor musicians and engineers ready to move beyond relying exclusively on interface preamps, the WA273 provides a versatile two-channel analog front end for a serious recording environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeed help building your complete recording signal chain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBackline Music Gear can help identify compatible microphones, compressors, audio interfaces, converters, premium XLR cables, patchbays and other studio equipment based on your recording workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarm Audio, WA273, Carnhill and related names are trademarks or property of their respective owners. Product and trademark names are used solely for accurate product identification. Specifications, components and included accessories are subject to manufacturer changes; verify the specific product configuration at time of purchase.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Backline Music Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52664829870212,"sku":null,"price":1199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1017\/4054\/4132\/files\/WA273DualChannelBritishMicPreWarmAudioTech_ProAudioGear_BacklineMusicGear.gif?v=1787120840","url":"https:\/\/backlinemusicgear.com\/products\/wa273-dual-channel-british-mic-pre-warm-audio-tech-pro-audio-gear","provider":"Backline Music Gear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}