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Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser

$719.20 to $899.00 Price Tier: High-end

4 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Warm Audio WA-251

1 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (52)

$899.00 $898.99 $0.01

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5.0 (5)

$899.00

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4.6 (35)

$719.20 Used

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4.0 (8)

$791.85 31 available New

$500.00 22 available Used

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5.0 (1)

$899.00 $898.99 $0.01

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4.5 (4)

$899.00

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5.0 (2)

$899.00

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4.8 (26)

$825.00 $822.00 $3.00 · All time low

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£762.00

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5.0 (1)

$899.00

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Average Price: $823

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser, a faithful recreation of the classic '251-style large-diaphragm condenser microphone that has been used on countless hit records over the past 50+ years. This microphone is designed to offer top-tier studio quality to a new generation of recording artists at an affordable price. The WA-251 is ideal for pro studios, home studios, live performances, and broadcasts.

The true magic of the WA-251 lies in its custom-all brass WA-12-B-60V edge-terminated capsule, a loving reproduction of the vintage CK12-style capsule. This key component, along with the Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube, is crucial to producing the vintage warmth, balanced frequency response, and the iconic sound that the '251 is renowned for.

The WA-251 is not just about emulating the past, but also about providing versatility for the modern artist. It comes with three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, and figure-8), offering a balanced frequency response for ultimate adaptability.

Key Features:

Custom all-brass CK12-style capsule: WA-12-B-60V
Slovak Republic JJ 12AY7 vacuum tube
CineMag USA output transformer
Gotham 5-meter GAC-7, 7-pin tube microphone cable
WIMA, Solen French, and polystyrene capacitors
3 polar patterns: cardioid, omni, figure-8
Dynamic range: 125dBA
Maximum SPL: 132dB (<0.5% THD)
Frequency range: 20Hz–20kHz
Output impedance: 200 ohms
S/N ratio: 80dBA
External IEC grounded PSU
Includes 7-pin cable, wood box, power supply, and shockmount.

Owner's manual

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type	Tube Condenser
Mono/Stereo	Mono
Polar Pattern	Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Diaphragm Size	Large diaphragm
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL	132dB SPL
Output Impedance	200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio	80dB (A weighted)
Self Noise	12dB (A weighted)
Tube	JJ Slovak 12AY7
Features	Custom CineMag USA transformer
Power Source	External Power Supply
Connector	7-pin (mic), XLR (power supply)
Dimensions	9.72" x 1.81"
Included Accessories	Shockmount, Gotham Cable, Wood box

FAQs

What are the polar patterns available on the Warm Audio WA-251?: The Warm Audio WA-251 offers three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, providing versatility for various recording scenarios and environments.
Is the Warm Audio WA-251 suitable for vocal recording?: Yes, the Warm Audio WA-251 is well-suited for vocal recording, offering a warm and detailed sound that captures the nuances of vocal performances with its large diaphragm and tube design.
Does the Warm Audio WA-251 require any special power supply?: The Warm Audio WA-251 requires an external power supply, which is included with the microphone, ensuring optimal performance and sound quality.
What is the frequency response range of the Warm Audio WA-251?: The Warm Audio WA-251 has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, allowing it to capture a wide spectrum of audio frequencies with clarity.
How does the Warm Audio WA-251 handle high sound pressure levels?: The Warm Audio WA-251 can handle a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 132dB, making it capable of capturing loud sound sources without distortion.

Videos

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Masterclaes

The Warm Audio WA251 vs Vintage Telefunken ELAM 251 vs AKG C24 vs Microphone Parts 12-251 SHOOTOUT

Masterclaes

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone Demo

Sweetwater

Warm Audio WA251 Review / Test (vs. WA67, WA47, U87, U67)

Podcastage

Warm Audio WA 251｜ Test & Review｜

Christian Svedin

Epic Vocal Chain Microphone: Warm Audio WA-251

Archie Beatz

Reviews

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PROS

Provides a unique sound flavor, adding variety to the mic collection
Excellent for vocals and acoustic guitar with a smooth, rich tube sound
Compares favorably to more expensive mics, offering great value
Warm, clear highs and creamy mids enhance recordings
Construction indicates high build quality with quality components
Visually appealing design
Quick warm-up time for the tube, ready to record in 15-20 mins
Various reviews mention it as an "outstanding" choice for professional studios
Automatic power termination feature after inactivity is a convenient plus

CONS

Shockmount clamps are not secure enough, leading to potential mic slippage
General build quality and accessories, especially the mount, are considered below expected standards
Soft sound signature might make it difficult to integrate into a mix
May reveal too much detail for some vocalists, potentially requiring adjustment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser.

Features and functionality

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The WA-251 is described as having natural smoothness, high-end presence, and a vintage airiness, making it particularly appealing for a warm, crisp tone.
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The WA-251 is praised for its multi-polar pattern option, which is particularly useful for recording choir-like vocals using the omni pattern.
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Owners report no need for burn-in or warm-up time for the WA-251 to perform optimally; it typically sounds consistent upon powering up.
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User experience

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Owners note the WA-251 can sound "wooly" when used close but delivers a good sound with slight saturation when backed off.
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Some WA-251 units may exhibit a high noise floor and crackling right out of the box, possibly due to known faulty batches.
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A replacement WA-251 often resolves initial noise issues, as some units are known to be faulty while others perform flawlessly.
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Use cases and applications

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The WA-251 excels in recording acoustic guitars, especially with a Taylor, delivering an "amazingly good" sound.
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The WA-251 is highlighted as a versatile mic, not only excelling in vocals and acoustic instruments but also being favored as a room mic for drums.
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The WA-251's smooth and silky sound is specifically appreciated when recording female vocals, as noted by an owner who regularly records their girlfriend's singing.
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Comparisons

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The WA-251 is compared to the Slate ML1 Virtual Microphone System for clean vocal takes, with no complaints about the latter's performance.
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One owner prefers the WA-251 over the Rode NTK for its smoothness on vocals, while using the NTK for a crisp sound on hip hop vocals.
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Software and compatibility

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Users pair the WA-251 with a Neve 1073SPX preamp and a Black Lion 1176 Blue stripe compressor for enhanced recording quality.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's crucial to avoid uninsulated, damp environments as they can affect the electronics, leading to potential noise issues with tube mics like the WA-251.
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Ensuring correct setup, including avoiding phantom power when unnecessary, helps prevent hiss and crackle issues with tube microphones.
Source

Critic Reviews

Warm Audio WA-251

soundonsound.com

The Warm Audio WA-251 is a remarkable homage to the legendary Telefunken ELA M 251, delivering rich, smooth sound at a fraction of the cost. With versatile polar patterns and a solid sonic performance, it excels in both vocal and instrumental applications. However, it's let down by its build quality and aesthetics, which may appear less premium compared to pricier competitors. While it may not turn heads visually, in the studio, the WA-251 shines, offering exceptional value for those seeking high-quality recordings without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Review: Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone

audiogearz.com

Warm Audio's WA-251 is a stellar homage to the iconic Telefunken ELA M 251E, delivering impressive sound quality and vintage character at a fraction of the cost. Its design is charming, and the microphone excels particularly with vocals, providing clarity and warmth. While it lacks the exact replication of the original's sound, it closely mimics the essence. However, users should be wary of its susceptibility to plosives and proximity effects, necessitating a pop filter. Despite these minor drawbacks, the WA-251's versatility with multiple polar patterns and overall performance makes it a top contender in its price range, earning a strong recommendation for those seeking professional quality without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Review: Warm Audio WA-251 and WA-84

musictech.com

Warm Audio's WA-251 and WA-84 microphones deliver a commendable homage to iconic vintage models at an accessible price. The WA-251 shines with its versatile polar patterns and vintage character, making it a solid choice for vocals and instruments alike. Meanwhile, the WA-84 impresses with its clarity and smoothness, easily rivaling its Neumann counterpart. However, while both mics offer excellent value, the WA-84 might not be a necessity for all setups. Overall, these mics provide impressive performance, but potential buyers should weigh the WA-84's necessity against its price.

positive

Full Review

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser review on performermag.com

performermag.com

The Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone delivers exceptional sound quality with a robust build, making it a steal at $799. Its versatile modes and ability to handle various recording situations shine, capturing vocals and instruments with nuance and clarity. The standout performance in both studio sessions and live applications is impressive, enhancing everything from drum tracking to acoustic guitars. While the review highlights no significant downsides, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, positioning this mic as a must-have for any serious recording artist.

positive

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