Warm Audio WA-47 Jr Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, KSM32, U87)
Today I review a relatively affordable clone of the U47, the Warm Audio WA-47 Jr. This has a slight midforward sound with a slower sounding treble range making it sound less detailed and articulate. In my opinion this culminates into a more vintage sounding tone. If you're buying this microphone, buy it because you like the sound of this microphone, not because you like the U47.
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:21 - Setup
00:36 - What’s in the Box
01:01 - Build Quality
01:37 - Specifications
02:08 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:05 - Plosive Test
03:16 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:39 - Background Noise Test
03:57 - Untreated Room Test
04:17 - Shock Rejection Test
04:35 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:49 - High Pass Filter Test
05:35 - Intro to Comparison
05:45 - Neewer NW700 Comparison
06:11 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:36 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
07:08 - Rode NT1 Comparison
07:34 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
08:02 - Shure KSM32 Comparison
08:37 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:04 - Music Test
10:11 - Pros & Cons
11:13 - Overall Thoughts
13:56 - Recommendation
15:42 - Outro
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Пікірлер: 196
I've had this mic for 6 months now as my studio workhorse across different vocalists and honestly that rolled off smooth top end sound is a huge benefit over quite a few mics in this price range. I have had great success boosting the brightness of this mic to modern music standards without the top end becoming harsh, grainy, or sizzly sounding, even on a bright female vocal (the Rode NT1 becomes grainy when boosted too much from my experience). This whole package is a steal at this price point for any home studio owner. Great review as always man!!
@scarletfragment99
2 жыл бұрын
I was thinking that, the rode has a brighter top end which sounds more modern, but it doesn't have much warmth, the feel like the warm audio lacks that, but maybe that sound is not the greatest, i was thinking nt1 it might sound grainy and harsh, and not be able to get warmth, were i feel like if i have to boost the high end, thats fine, i dont want that harsh sound that hurts the ear.. plus the alternative polar pattern could be helpful because i might try to double the mic for other uses, as i dont want to dump a huge amount into microphones.. idk its tough..
Not even shopping for a microphone but I wanna shout you out for being a master at your craft. Always a treat. Thank you!
I've owned about 2 dozen mics over the years and this is the only one I regret selling. The silver version is so sexy in person and it is a great mic for recording duets. ...I think I'm gonna buy this one again. There was something so inspiring about seeing the silver one glowing in my vocal booth.
Let's get a Warm 87R2 and WA47 review as well man, I love your take on these!
I think it's important to point out this is modeled after the u47 fet (on average $4,000) I noticed you kept referring to a u47 for around 10k and was worried you were comparing it to the Tube Version (WA47 is the tube version not the 47jr) Also, I think it would be cool to mention other uses for mics like this as the 47fet is a popular Kick drum mic. I've also found a certain love for using this mic as a Midside mic paired with a centered u67 on acoustic guitar. The tamed top end gives an interesting feeling of width and dimension while keeping the articulation in the center and a more controllable state. But your review of the mic was pretty dead on in every area that you covered. Always a fan of these videos and was happy to see the Wa47jr finally make an appearance!
god warm audio gets me bricked tf up
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
I don't know what that means. What is "bricked tf up"?
@kobbyampofo
2 жыл бұрын
I hate to be the one to clarity 😭 but means 🪨 hard. Or hard as a 🧱. Sorry I had to share this with you
@WorldOfJae
2 жыл бұрын
@@Podcastage a BONER 💀😂
@the_forgotten_times
2 жыл бұрын
@@Podcastage I thought it somehow made him constipated...and I thought, wow, warm audio makes me want to crap myself...but I can't. what a situation.
@TUTOSANDROIDtutorialesymas
2 жыл бұрын
@@the_forgotten_times ahahaha
Your electric guitar section was musically excellent here. Could listen to it all day. My favorite microphone of these is the Shure KSM32.
Suggestion. Add a compression test for singing. A lot of mics need that to bring out that articulation and detail. It's one of the reasons I liked to combo old tube mics with strong compression, like the Red7 preamp/comp combo unit or an 1176/1178. Those dark mics light up with the right amount of compression, and it's most often used for vocals.
Great review, i like the honesty, and the fact u not slobbin on warm audio knob from the get go. Alot of people do these reviews as they are paid to give a good review
Another great video from Bandrew. Always the best 👍
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
thank you very much that means a ton!
I really like this mic. I am favoring the Warm over my NT1 for narration these days, just a wee bit better fit for my voice. I also like the milder sssss's as I can be a bit sibilant at times and this mic is more forgiving than my Rode. Also, I appreciate the less aggressive HP at 70. Sorry about your recent water-logged troubles, looking forward to more of your reviews.
That KSM32 sounds so beautifully dark. Love that mic.
@taylorchan5423
10 ай бұрын
me too,KSM32 is a legendary mic for almost every instrument, so smooth on top end
Bottom line: This mic sounds VERY good for $250. And it has switchable polar patters... cardioid, figure 8, and omni. Someone who is trying to do home recording could do pretty well by just buying this one microphone. Or maybe two of them. Don't get caught up in buying thousands and thousands of dollars worth of microphones and gear until you are actually making money with your recording work. The cheap stuff is so good nowadays, that you can make very good recordings for a few hundred dollars.
I have been WAITING for you to review this mic!!!
I love my WA jr. Glad i bought it. Thumbs up for the review. I agree with it all
I use this microphone as a virtual emcee. Running through a Focusrite, and managing Zoom webinars. It is authoritative and gives you more presence than 99% of your audience. Overkill for what I'm using it for? Yeah. But it's a great microphone and I get compliments from gear heads all the time, and the silver version is super appealing looking. I think it competes with something like the RE20, but YMMV. LOVE THE REVIEW!
I love the darkness of the 47, just a bit slower response to transients than other modern mics. I found neat king very similar to the WA but more opened on top. I just love the rode nt1. Just perfect. Steady, fast, well rounded for every purpose, ultra clean and noiseless. Never disappointed. The best microphone i ever used was rode nt2000 an i used vintage 87 and 414.
I really like the figure 8 sound. Great detail in the lower end.
I think the articulation of this mic is excellent, actually... It has a smooth hi mid boost that gives voices a very nice articulation without sounding bright or sibilant and still let the vocal pop in the mix... The rhythm guitar did sound a little muddy but I don't think that is what this mic is made for and easily fixed by messing with amp or eq... for $249 this mic is a steal and may be replacing another mic in my locker with this one...
@NextgenPL
2 жыл бұрын
You mean WA47jr is 249dollars? When did You find this price, I see everywhere 299 dollars...
@DWHarper62
2 жыл бұрын
@@NextgenPL talk to Bandrew, he is the one who told me...
Also, how do you feel about doing reviews of some "hidden-gem" mics that aren't very popular? Just as an example, I've heard great things about the M-Audio Sputnik, but there's so little info on it online that I'm afraid of buying it. Cheers man!
Not even remotely close to a U47 in character tbh, but I just got one recently and it is DAMN good for my needs. Recommended if you need a decently versatile workhorse that just does what it does at a fair price.
@hxhdfjifzirstc894
2 жыл бұрын
For $250, this thing is an amazing deal.
@tommibjork
2 жыл бұрын
U47 is the 50's tube mic. Fet47 is the transistor version from Neumann, I believe WA47jr is emulating the latter.
@milklordnomadic
2 жыл бұрын
@@tommibjork yeah it's a fet47 clone ostensibly, but not in reality. It's definitely it's own sound, but also still similar sound to any other Chinese amped 100-500 dollar mic at the same time. A nice versatile mic on the darker side 🎤
Excellent review!!
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Rod.
I place this mic about a foot in front of the kik drum...sounds huge w great low end!
Love your reviews bro. All in the details I like it.
I like your dork rock and i dig this mic. Totally usable, considering the amazing EQ we all have at our disposal. Seriously, as long as the basic texture is pleasant, a mic can sound great with *correct placement* and a small amount of processing. Add correct use of a plugin like Soothe and you have better tools than the Beatles had when they made Revolver. Toss in some Kush, Softube or Acustica EQ and you’ll get a nice sound. Roll off the low mids for guitar and you’re there. It’s not a perfect or classic mic but if used correctly nobody is going to say “ugh.” It has never been a better time to record music. People who blame their tools have no excuse anymore, spend the hours to learn craft. 🤘
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
I really like your perspective here and think that you're exactly right. I criticize mics because I need to. I'm trying to help people understand the mics better before they buy it and that means I nit pick. But when it comes to real world uses, people can get away with very little. In my video about "when to upgrade" or "no one cares about audio", I mention that most people will not know. And you're right that the post processing tools we have are very useful nowadays and can carry you that extra bit. The time when I learn the most is when I have limitations. I only have one mic so I need to figure out how to use it to get the best sound. I only have one guitar and it hurts my hand at this position so I need to figure out how to riff around that. It forces you to learn to improve, and also can pull out some creativity.
Thanks for doing these comparisons, that’s some really helpful info.
Glad to finally see my mic being reviewed! I am still not too versed with noticing the differences in frequencies but have personally enjoyed owning this mic 3 or 4 years. Was recommended to me in a voice acting discord server for my higher pitched voice. Mine came with the shock mount bands assembled and an additional set of bands in the packaging, was that not your case as well? Oddly enough I ended up getting a defective mic the first time I bought it off of Guitar Center. As it was my first XLR based mic & Audio Interface I was initially disappointed with how noisy my new setup was (ID4 + WA-47jr) and couldn't understand why there wasn't a more significant noise floor difference between this and my $30 USB mic. After 2 weeks or so of testing & buying a new cable I realized in veeery rare occasions my sound would be sooo much cleaner! Wiggling the Polar Pattern dial would have it work for a session then the noise would randomly come back. I chose to return it for the same model (was seamless to do at the store) & thankfully that one was clear right away! A definite improvement over my USB mic.
Thank you. Please also review Warm Audio WA-47F.
Just bought two of these (and one WA-251 tube mic) and I am loving the sound and look of these. They are a tad low-end heavy, but nothing that can't be easily fixed with an EQ or the built-in high-pass filter.
@satoreslured
28 күн бұрын
I need my low ends to shine, so maybe it’s a good thing
@satoreslured
28 күн бұрын
Do you recommend any other mics? I’m naturally a baritone
@nj1255
27 күн бұрын
@@satoreslured The WA-47jr might be a bit boomy on a baritone voice. There's no way of knowing for sure without testing it with your voice, but I have a feeling it might not suit baritones. Something with a very flat response and little to no low frequency roll-off would probably be better. It's not easy finding a mic like that for cheap though. Earthworks Audio are famous for making microphones that have a flat and super extended frequency response. Maybe the SR314 could be something, if you can afford a $700/€800* mic? They are more than worth it though. Their mics are some of the best ever, and will probably only increase in value in the future. (*it's about $150 cheaper if you live in the US since they are a smaller US manufacturer).
@satoreslured
27 күн бұрын
@@nj1255 Thank you!
Hi brother! Thank you for always bringing us the reviews, they are gems. You help us a lot to decide which is the best option. I have a big doubt, between a akg c214 and the warm 47 Jr. Which one do you recommend?
waiting for the LEWITT LCT 540 S review
@Rod-Wheeler
2 жыл бұрын
The 540s is great! I have one, it's incredibly accurate and quite!
@mixanyar2742
2 жыл бұрын
@@Rod-Wheeler oh thank you❤️❤️ i know it's a good mic but i need to know exactly the sound profile, that's why i'm asking bandrew to review it, but thanks a lot, love ya
@studio_person
2 жыл бұрын
+
Rule 47: Do not buy a mic because its name is similar to a mic that sounds amazing. Well done, Bandolf.
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
I like this new rule!
@keithgendler8727
2 жыл бұрын
It's covered on page 18 of the @Podcastage "All The Mics Handbook."
For the whingers about not noticing the difference, you have to listen on a decent pair of flat response headphones to notice the nuances and differences. Gamer boy headphones simply don't cut it at all.
Must say you play guitar really good! The Warm Audio WA-47 jr came in second place only behind the Neumann UA87
@NextgenPL
2 жыл бұрын
😅 I hope its true case Im gonna by 47jr and sound pro😅
WA-47 Jr and KSM32 are both so good on your voice!
@benbladeeee9973
6 ай бұрын
That"s EXACTLY what I was thinking . Funny .
I heard the difference. The Warm Audio WA-47jr is also good and smooth hight end.
Box throw and PBPP - another successful episode!
Thanks for this review!! Can you do a review on the WA8000??
@podcastage, how about a review of the "regular" WA-47? interested to hear your comment! Thanks
Nice review! Which one would you pick, the AT4040, Lewitt lct 440 or this one? Thanks
I enjoy your videos bro. Would you also review an antelope audio edge solo mic? That would be awesome man
The WA47jr isn't a bad microphone but seems close to the Lewitt 440 and not as smooth as the NT1. I am a big fan now of the CAD e100sx.
@subtonic24
2 жыл бұрын
I own both the NT1 and WA47jr and I can tell you from side by side comparisons and use in the studio that the NT1 does have more of a flat and even sound, but the WA47jr is overall a much smoother sounding mic especially in the top end. It becomes a lot more obvious when you have to boost high frequencies or if you run into a sibilant vocalist (NT1 doesn't handle sibilance very well).
@dickginkowski6071
2 жыл бұрын
@@subtonic24 I noticed that with my NT1 hence my use of the e100sx
Miktek MK300 vs NT1 vs this? 😵💫 If possible pls do a review of the Miktek 🙌🏼
@wavescomplete5085
2 жыл бұрын
i got information from seller in my country, Rode production so bad in 2022. Sold 20 unit, 5 unit will return to seller to claim warranty😅.
Lots of features with this one. The high pass filter sounded great. Personally I liked the omnidirectional pattern, and it sounded better than the more expensive KSM32, but worse than the similarly priced Lewitt.
Your comparison is the best awesome in youtube!! Next time can you review vanguard audio labs v4 gen 2 ? I don't see someone review it as good as you.
Hey man, really been chewing through your videos lately. I'm new to all this and would love it if you could do a processing tutorial, IE programs and settings you would use on X mic to make it sound better, how to decide what to do based on your voice/what you're hearing, etc. Thanks and keep up the great videos!
@alisongaze
2 жыл бұрын
go to his second chanel he does that there
@brandonpare2349
2 жыл бұрын
@@alisongaze Just went and watched his EQ for spoken word video. Do you have any recommendations for how I would do something similar with a good free software with the use case of work video calls and gaming and such?
@alisongaze
2 жыл бұрын
@@brandonpare2349 voice meeter banana is a pretty good software since you are talking about work calls and gaming ( adding live eq) its pretty good a lot of people use it, and its free!
Hi! one question. I'm thinking of buying a microphone but I don't know which one to buy and which one is better for vocals and instruments. my options are these Stellar x2, Se2200, La-220 or Wa-47 jr Which one would you recommend?… (I have the Audient id14 MKII) Thanks!
It’s quite hard sounding compared to the Shure KSM32 for example.. I thought I’d mention that.. 👍
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
I really believe the KSM32 is a unicorn. That mic has one of the sweetest top ends I've ever heard.
The cardioid pattern seems very wide, though it's still clean at 90 degrees. It seems to be adding some reverb for the acoustic guitar test.
what are you doing with all the mics you reviewed? And how many do you have?
I've got a Neat Worker Bee V1 What would be a great step-up without breaking the bank? I just record at home..
Pretty good mic for that warm radio voice, along the Neat King Bee. Excellent for singers, podcasters and streamers. Probably not for instruments.
@Podcastage
8 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts.
Which one is better this mic or Rode nt2a?
Neumann u87 is insane. Also Danny approved
maybe it's my speaker, but there seems to be a metallic ringing happening in your video
Thank you for your awesome video as always! Possible comparison against Microtech Gefell UMT70S since it also is a FET condenser mic but with a real M7 capsule? Maybe not a fair comparison but at least you have a real M7 mic... Edit: Please ignore everything I wrote above... I just realized that WA-47 Jr is using a K47 style capsule, not the M7 capsule on the original U47.
@diegoconti2646
4 ай бұрын
The Neumann u47 fet has a k47 capsule and not an m7
Rode nt1 was very nice toooooooo. Danny approved! Stamp!
I was wondering if you could do a video on how to fix background noise (usb mics). Me and my friends all have this problem living in noise house holds.
Hi...ben.... Which mic is best for sound quality under 300$ (at4040 / lewitt lct 440 /warm audio wa 47jr / senhizer mk4 / blue bluebird) 2. Which mic avobe will be best for less treated room? Please answer.... ❤️❤️ Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩
@rylandweet7750
2 жыл бұрын
4040 is better then all of what you mentioned. And better by quite a bit, the versatility of the 4040 is phenomenal, can use it off axis on axis , Multiple mic techniques for that mic and it works amazing
HELLO! pls help me i don't know if i should get the warm audio jr or the rode nt2a
So, is there a big difference between a FET mic driving a valve pre, vs a valve mic driving a FET pre?
Great show...great detail..thanks
Can you make an comparative video about the mics for electric guitar recording?
At4040 vs Lct 440 pure vs wa 47jr witch is best for sound quality?? And which is best for less treated room...background noise rejections??. 🥰🥰
There’s a new vintage mic on Amazon, CAD Audio CADLive A77, it’d be cool if you did a review.
It's the microphone equivalent of a big tub of vanilla ice cream.
@keithgendler8727
2 жыл бұрын
I like vanilla ice cream much better than this.
wow ! most useful 👍️technical video sharing in this greater channel 💖👍️🙏keep supporting 💪watching form Qatar
I haven’t seen the Austrian audio Mic in your reviews lately have your feelings changed towards the mic?
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
Kobby - No it hasn't. I just haven't been doing many mics in the price range of $1100 lately so it's not really too helpful to include a sample of random mics that are 3x the price. The U87 is really only there as a control from video to video. I did include the OC818 in the Gefell review in January though.
Please do one on the warm audio wa8000
This is Danny Approved
Is there a backstory to your hatred of stickers?
I can't recommend enough this mic. It's a workhorse in my studio
@keithferris9574
2 жыл бұрын
Is it warm on vox?
@elruso7524
2 жыл бұрын
@@keithferris9574 absolutely. No harsh whatsoever. That's one of the things that stand out the most for me
@fandubindo1891
2 жыл бұрын
@@elruso7524 is it better than lewitt 440 pure and rode nt 1?
@elruso7524
2 жыл бұрын
@@fandubindo1891 I don't have experience with either of them. Sorry I can't help
Danke!
I'm expecting an April fools video where you review something completely different in this format. Please.
Love your content bro…
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
thank you very much for the kind words. It means a lot.
Can you review the UT Twin 87
The Shure KSM32 sounds great!
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
The KSM32 is a secret weapon. Seriously soooo good.
Any thoughts on the boya by-m1000?
Can you review the lewitt 441 flex
Does it sound good upside down?
the sibilance is in the same league of the Shure and Neumann
i want you to try the Wa-47F!
Is AIR mode on the focusrite enabled?
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
I'm still using the 18i20 2nd Gen which does not have the air feature.
Great review. Should one get the audio technica at2020 or the SE electronics X1A (as it have less self-noise) as budget all purpose mic. What you recommend?
@craigchammings6580
2 жыл бұрын
Of my 30 or so mics, I don't have an SE X1A, but I do have a pair of at2020s. I think they're great for the money, but very bright compared to a lot of mics. Great for the modern acoustic or inexpensive drum overhead sounds, but not really an all purpose mic imo. Honestly, it's hard for an sm57 to sound bad on anything, they last forever, and you can find used ones all over the place.
@billlord4203
2 жыл бұрын
@Soulful I have both and in my opinion, the X1A outperforms the 2020. For that price range, you may also want to consider the Neat Worker Bee II. I have only heard one clip from it, but on initial impression I like what I hear. I have several of their original Worker Bees as well as the King Bee II, both of which I would not hesitate to recommend. Bandrew has a review of the original Worker Bee around here somewhere 🙂
U87 did sound good. Shure ksm 32 was also warmer but cleaner.
Shure ksm32 also Danny approved
Sir , Plz compare Akg Lyra and Akg Ara , love from India ♥️
KSM 32 dont hurt my ear on my cheap speaker. With little adjusment i think it can shine
@Podcastage
11 ай бұрын
Shure KSM32 is fantastic. Good ear.
Is it a fet mic design? Cool but.... How is this related to the venerable grandfather of tube mics... How is it at all appropriate to try to brand as a budget U47 clone? Doesn't sound anything like a U47! I guess that's just because of the low mids bump and the tamed highs....a little too tame to be the most versatile mic.a U47 is a much more versatile mic! It would be a good option to consider in the $150-$200 dollar range. I'd totally recommend people get a Rode NT1 or probably even a King Bee 2 and just EQ to get a more vintage sound when you're after one... And you'll have a much more versatile mic.
@danielpujol8266
Жыл бұрын
@ramspencer5492 : Yes, it IS a clone of the U47 FET. Every time her says just "U47", he's saying the wrong thing! It's the only thing wrong about this video, (and he is usually so excellent and thorough in all reviews). So just forget about comparing this mic to the actual U47 at all. Compare it to only the U47 FET if you wan to compare to the correct Neumann inspiration. * Warm Audio does make an actual U47 clone as well as this model too, hence why him not saying "FET" each time in this video is unintentionally misleading or confusing.
i like the details of the AT2020 more. the rest is not bad
i really disappointed with my WA 47jr black color. after buy black color last week, i want change the silver color. yesterday i buy silver color. now i have WA 47jr both color.🤑🤑
Love the KSM 32, I can't stand the Warm Audio. The AT 2020 is better than the Warm at one third of the price.
you should make a review video where you don't have a beanie it'll be fun
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
That's where my cloaking device is hidden...i mean umm err uhh....i can't because....LOOK A NOS VINTAGE U47!!!
@SgtStevePH
2 жыл бұрын
hey... HEY, GET BACK HERE AND DO IT!!!
I think You're not amazed by this mic cause You have black version😅 Try the magical silver one😅
This mic or the 87 r2?? ‼️
@Podcastage
Жыл бұрын
I haven't tried the Rev 2 so I can't speak to how it performs.
I was wondering why do u hate stickers so much???
@baxthered
9 ай бұрын
He tried getting a bunch of podcastage stickers like seven years ago and tried giving them out but he still has some and he hates them because they're kind of intrusive and he doesn't know where to put them and doesn't need any more stickers
I'm waiting for Warm Audio to release the WA-P69
@ChrisFineganTunes
2 жыл бұрын
I think Ben Shapiro should review that one.
@Podcastage
2 жыл бұрын
If I could get Ben Shapiro to do a reading to test the WA-P69, I would.
your voice sounds too good. it sounds good on all the mics even the shitty neewer one lol
The Le Witt is as nice but the Ts were louder
This human always starts off by assuming that i am human. 👽