Warm Audio WA73 Microphone Preamp

5.0 (1)

$599.00

4.3 (8)

$569.05 New

$549.00 Used (Like New)

5.0 (4)

$594.21 26 available New

$397.00 9 available Used

3.0 (2)

$599.00 $569.05 $29.95 · All time low

5.0 (2)

$599.00

$599.00

4.6 (23)

$584.00 $583.00 $1.00 · All time low

£470.00

$599.00

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Warm Audio WA73 Microphone Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Warm Audio WA73 Microphone Preamp, a tribute to the timeless sound of the iconic '73-style preamps. These preamps have been the backbone of pop/rock recordings for decades, and now with the WA73, this distinguished audio heritage is at your fingertips.

This boutique preamp features a fully discrete, Class A circuit and UK Carnhill transformers, which contribute to its distinctive character. It's an all-around workhorse, proving its worth with any type of microphone - condenser, dynamic, or ribbon. The WA73 is a versatile tool, adept at capturing vocals, guitars, bass, drums, orchestras, and keyboards. It can even serve as a tone shaping tool for your mixes.

The WA73 is not just about vintage charm. It is a meticulously crafted unit that offers 80dB of gain and a balanced signal path. It's the perfect blend of historical sonic brilliance and contemporary functionality. Unleash your creativity and let the WA73 infuse your recordings with the classic tone of yesteryears.

Key Features:

Single-channel, Class A, '73-style British microphone preamp
Hand-wired and hand-assembled for utmost authenticity
UK-made Carnhill transformers
80dB of gain, suitable for a wide range of microphones and sources
TONE button for altering input transformer impedance and tonal shaping
48V Phantom Power
4-position inductor-based hipass filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz
XLR and TRS Line Level Outputs
Direct In, Instrument Input
LED Level Indication
Ground Lift Switch
Internal IEC 115v/230v Power Inlet

Product specs

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

FAQs

What type of preamp is the Warm Audio WA73?: The Warm Audio WA73 is a Class A solid-state microphone preamp, designed to emulate the classic British preamp sound, providing warmth and clarity to your recordings.
Does the Warm Audio WA73 provide phantom power?: Yes, the Warm Audio WA73 includes phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
What connectivity options are available on the Warm Audio WA73?: The Warm Audio WA73 offers a variety of connectivity options including 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), and 1 x 1/4" (line) inputs, as well as 1 x XLR and 1 x 1/4" outputs.
Can the Warm Audio WA73 be used for direct instrument input?: Yes, the Warm Audio WA73 features a Hi-Z 1/4" input, making it suitable for direct instrument input such as electric guitars or basses.
Does the Warm Audio WA73 include any EQ options?: The Warm Audio WA73 includes a high-pass filter with selectable frequencies at 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, and 300Hz, allowing you to tailor the low-end response of your recordings.
How much rack space does the Warm Audio WA73 require?: The Warm Audio WA73 requires 1U of rack space, making it a compact addition to your studio setup.

Videos

Add video

Ed Thorne | Mixing & Mastering

ANALOG vs DIGITAL PREAMPS | Warm Audio WA73 VS Universal Audio Neve 1073 Unison

Ed Thorne | Mixing & Mastering

Warm Audio WA73 Family Overview

Sweetwater

Do THIS INSTEAD | Connecting Warm Audio Gear

Archie Beatz

The Warm Audio WA73 Is A BEAST!

Archie Beatz

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptionally warm, clear sound quality
Offers heaps of gain, ideal for various applications
Durable build quality with high-quality internal components
Versatile with great tonal options, even without EQ
Simple operation, easy to use for professionals and beginners
Enhances recordings, giving them a polished and finished sound
Comparably affordable, providing high value for the price
Positive comparisons to much more expensive gear like Neve 1073
Effective for a wide range of inputs including vocals, bass, and kick drum
Front LINE IN feature appreciated for convenience

CONS

Some units may have initial technical issues (e.g., LED malfunctions)
Limited sonic manipulation options without built-in EQ
May not significantly outperform all alternatives within the same price range
One review noted a loss of clarity when used with certain equipment

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Warm Audio WA73 Microphone Preamp.

Features and functionality

0 0

The WA73 uses a large 20db pad before the mic transformer for line input, differing from Neve 1073's separate transformer approach.
Source
0 0

The gain and output knobs on the WA73 allow for customizable sound, from cleaner tones with lower gain and high output to rich harmonics with high gain and low output.
Source
0 0

Owners note the WA73's output trim might not add gain, with unity gain achieved at maximum, unlike the ISA One where the output is always at unity.
Source

Build quality

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Quality control issues have been reported, including units not functioning upon arrival, attributed to outsourced manufacturing.
Source

Comparisons

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When pushed, WA73's EQ is perceived as slightly harsher than a Cambridge Neve 1073.
Source
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The WA73 is described as smoother and more silky compared to the rawer sound of GAP Pre73, offering distinct tonal options for users.
Source
0 0

The WA73 is said to differ from Neve in that it saturates audio through gain steps and volume adjustment, unlike standard interface preamps which offer cleaner sounds.
Source

User experience

0 0

Engaging the EQ, even flat, can add significant body and character, noted particularly with bass recordings.
Source
0 0

Owners note that the WA73 presents a more colored sound than typical interface preamps, ideal for those seeking vintage saturation.
Source
0 0

Users report needing to push WA73's output past 0dB to achieve desired saturation levels, especially with guitar and bass DI signals.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The high-pass filter can introduce a noticeable peak at set frequencies, beneficial in some contexts but problematic for bass due to resonant frequency peaks.
Source
0 0

The WA73 is particularly recommended for mid-range sources with high sound pressure levels, such as snare drums and guitar cabinets, where a colored preamp can enhance the sound.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

For proper calibration, set both the WA73 and ISA One inputs to 0dB and compare output levels; mismatches may indicate a defective unit or lost balanced line.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Potential impedance mismatch issues may occur with modern audio interfaces; a 600-600 ohm transformer can resolve this discrepancy for improved output brightness.
Source

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

homestudioguy

153

2 days ago

Warm

It’s what they advertise, it can be used with nearly everything and when driven add that saturation.

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

Genre Usage

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

Folk, World, & Country

Blues

Funk / Soul

Stage & Screen

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