Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Warm Audio WA500 is your ticket to capturing that elusive sonic warmth that often eludes modern recordings. This 500 Series preamp is designed to infuse your tracks with a vintage-inspired coloration, enhancing everything from delicate vocals to the raw power of a guitar riff. The WA500 doesn't just raise the gain; it enriches your sound, imbuing it with character that makes each note resonate with clarity and depth.

One of the standout features of the WA500 is its ingenious Tone button, which allows you to switch the input impedance, providing unparalleled versatility. Whether you're working with high-end condenser mics or classic ribbon mics, this preamp has you covered with a robust 71dB of gain. This means you can effortlessly capture the full dynamic range of your instruments without compromising on sound quality.

Crafted with precision, the WA500 boasts fully discrete components, including genuine Cinemag input and output transformers, ensuring top-tier performance. It's a perfect balance of premium craftsmanship and affordability, making it a must-have addition to any studio that values both quality and value. Whether you're recording live instruments or vocals, the WA500's versatility and exceptional tonal capabilities will make it an indispensable part of your audio arsenal.

Key Features:

  • 71dB of gain suitable for all mic types, including ribbon microphones
  • High voltage 1731-style operational amplifier for superior sound fidelity
  • Tone button for input impedance switching from 600 to 150 ohms
  • Fully discrete design with custom Cinemag input and output transformers
  • 48-volt phantom power and 20dB pad for additional versatility
  • Mic level balanced input options: XLR or 1/4" TRS
  • Balanced outputs: XLR and 1/4" TRS
  • 2-megohm true hi-Z input on front panel, ideal for guitars, bass, and keyboards

Reviews

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dellasollounge

Warms up anything with a lovely sonic harmonic texture

If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal you will most definitely love the WA12. The WA12 is designed to transform plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone. If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you’ve always wanted, there is a good chance you will love the WA12.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use warm audio WA 500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
patchwilliam

patchwilliam

Gear IQ 270

More Warm Audio Preamps

Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$729.00 - $899.00

# 12

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Warm Audio WA12

$230.00 - $549.00

# 25

Rank

George Clanton Jonwayne
2 artists using
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast

$649.00 - $699.00

# 29

Rank

Mandrax Icon
1 artist using
Warm Audio WA12 MKII

$398.00 - $549.00

# 38

Rank

Andy Larocque Temu
2 artists using
Warm Audio WA273-EQ

$1,199.00 - $1,599.00

# 74

Rank

 
Avalon VT-737SP

$1,619.88 - $4,168.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Chris Stapleton
106 artists using
API 512c

$828.45 - $968.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
33 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,178.80 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Kevin Parker Billie Joe Armstrong John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$511.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$932.15 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

$333.00 - $464.00

# 8

Rank

Chris Cornell Masaru Teramae James Taylor
11 artists using
Rupert Neve Designs 511

$769.00 - $849.00

# 9

Rank

Josh Dun Oliver Ackermann Bibio
5 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,890.00 - $2,830.00

# 10

Rank

Steven Wilson Avicii Matt Berry
12 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

# 11

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Focusrite OctoPre MkII

 

# 13

Rank

Kevin Parker Brian Eno Ulrich Wild
5 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 14

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$760.48 - $1,799.99

# 18

Rank

Tim Henson Alex Rüdinger beaux
5 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$1,150.00 - $1,500.00

# 21

Rank

Andy Schichter Matt Didemus
2 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$143.00 - $169.00

# 22

Rank

James Petralli mndsgn Mirrored Theory
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Similar

Gear Guides