Warm Audio WA273

$959.00 to $1,199.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 11, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated June 11, 2026.

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Reviews

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4.5 (17)

$1,199.00

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5.0 (2)

$1,199.00

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4.2 (5)

$1,199.00 New

$959.15 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (8)

$967.45 21 available New

$699.99 12 available Used

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$1,199.00

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4.0 (1)

$1,199.00

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$1,199.00

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4.6 (20)

$969.00 $959.00 $10.00 · All time low

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£849.00

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5.0 (2)

$1,199.00

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Average Price: $1,102

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, Warm Audio WA273 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 8 merchants for "Warm Audio WA273". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Warm Audio WA273 is a dual-channel preamp that faithfully resurrects the revered '73-style British mic preamp, a staple in the world of professional audio engineering. Known for its ability to deliver a punchy and rich sound, this preamp masterfully captures the essence of the original 1073 circuit. Whether you're recording vocals, guitars, drums, or orchestral instruments, the WA273 provides a lush and dimensional sound that elevates your recordings to studio-quality heights.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the WA273 features UK-made Carnhill transformers, ensuring that every note is infused with the warmth and character that has defined countless hits. Its discrete, Class A circuitry offers 80dB of gain, making it an ideal choice for use with any type of microphone, from ribbon to condenser. The WA273's handwired construction and high-quality components, including tantalum and polystyrene capacitors, provide a durable and reliable performance.

The WA273 is more than just a preamp; it's a versatile tool that can also be used as a tone-shaping device, offering per-channel instrument jacks, polarity reverse, 48-volt phantom power, and switchable impedance for optimum tonal control. With its fully discrete transformer-balanced signal path, the WA273 is not just about capturing sound—it's about creating it.

Key Features:

Dual-channel preamp with '73-style design
Handwired, Class A circuitry
UK-made Carnhill transformers
80dB of gain with resistor-stepped gain switch
Switchable impedance for tonal variation
4-position high-pass filter: Off, 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz
Inputs: XLR mic inputs, TRS line-level inputs, DI instrument inputs
Outputs: XLR and TRS line-level outputs
Per-channel instrument jacks and polarity switches
48V phantom power
Rugged 19" rackmount chassis with internal power supply

Owner's manual

Warm Audio WA273 User Manual

Product specs

Preamp Type	Class A Solid State
Number of Channels	2
Phantom Power	Yes
Polarity Switch	Yes
EQ	Highpass 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz
Analog Inputs	2 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4" (line), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z)
Analog Outputs	2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
Channel Inserts	Yes
Frequency Response	20Hz-20kHz (±0.5 dB)
Rack Spaces	1U
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable
Width	19"

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Warm Audio WA273?: The Warm Audio WA273 is a Class A solid-state preamp, designed to deliver high-quality audio with a classic British sound.
How many channels does the Warm Audio WA273 have?: The Warm Audio WA273 is a dual-channel microphone preamp, allowing you to process two audio signals simultaneously.
Does the Warm Audio WA273 provide phantom power?: Yes, the Warm Audio WA273 includes phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones.
What are the input and output options available on the Warm Audio WA273?: The WA273 offers 2 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4" (line), and 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z) inputs, as well as 2 x XLR and 2 x 1/4" outputs, providing versatile connectivity options.
Does the Warm Audio WA273 have a built-in EQ?: Yes, the WA273 features a highpass filter with selectable frequencies at 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, and 300Hz, offering basic EQ capabilities.
Is the Warm Audio WA273 suitable for studio rack mounting?: Yes, the Warm Audio WA273 is a 1U rack-mountable unit, ideal for integration into professional studio environments.

Videos

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Yons

Neve 1073SPX VS WARM AUDIO WA273 | Quick test on rap vocals

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Warm Audio // WA273 Dual Channel British Mic Pre "Getting Started"

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Warm Audio wa273 1073 with MPC Live 2

MALO BEATS

Reviews

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PROS

Affordable 1073 style preamp with excellent sound quality
XLR input on the front for easy access
Sturdy build, described as "hard like a tank"
Adds defined resolution and brilliance to direct signals
Features Carnhill transformers for clear, transparent, or saturated sound
Stepped gain knobs and non-stepped output knob for precise control
High pass filter for clean signal recording
Useful for recording matched stereo pairs and recalling settings
No noise/pops during use; doesn’t overheat even when ventilation is blocked
Compatible with various instruments and vocals

CONS

Knobs feel a bit cheap, raising durability concerns
Some units have cosmetic and functional QC issues
Reports of manufacturing defects like non-working mic input on second channel
Volume dial noise when adjusting volume
Red gain knob misalignment, pointing inaccurately between markings
Occasional internal problems, such as faulty 48V on the second channel

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Warm Audio WA273.

Comparisons

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Users found the Warm Audio WA273 adds more separation in the mix compared to UAD Avalon settings, but both offer a close sonic resemblance.
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The RND Portico series is highlighted for its Neve heritage sound, yet distinct from the Cambridge Neve models, offering a clear and modern tone.
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Owners suggest the Behringer 1273 may deliver similar tonal qualities to the WA273 for a lower price, though this is not universally agreed upon.
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Features and functionality

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The WA273's heavy build is noted for quality, weighing approximately 10 lbs, often correlating with durability and sturdiness.
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The WA273's design lacks tube technology, but driving its input can still produce a pleasant sound through careful gain staging.
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The WA273-EQ lacks explicit channel matching specifications, leading to potential mismatches in stereo EQ applications unless manually calibrated.
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Use cases and applications

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For a darker piano sound, driving the WA273 input heavily while managing output levels is suggested to impart subtle coloration.
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The WA273 was trialed for a jazz piano track, aiming to enhance mid-range presence without additional EQ adjustments.
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For those considering DIY projects, the DIYRE 73P kit is mentioned as a superior alternative to both Warm Audio and Behringer preamps.
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Software and compatibility

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Users prefer UAD Neve 1073 plugins for convenience and impressive emulation over analog preamps for piano playback.
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User experience

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Some users describe past experiences with WA gear as sounding "brittle," influencing their preference towards other brands like Phoenix Audio.
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Some users find the WA273-EQ slow for use on the 2 bus, indicating it may not be optimal for quick stereo processing tasks.
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Value and pricing

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WA273 units with EQ are reportedly being sold at 30% discounts for mint condition, indicating market depreciation or high resale availability.
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Build quality

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Users noted inconsistent channel matching on the WA273-EQ, with input gain knobs snapping to slightly different positions, suggesting potential quality control issues.
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Setup and maintenance

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Calibration with a tone is necessary to align stereo input and output levels accurately, particularly when using the WA273-EQ for stereo mixing.
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