Warm Audio WA-44 Studio Ribbon Microphone

The Warm Audio WA-44 is a figure-8 studio ribbon microphone inspired by the legendary RCA 44BX from the 1930s. It pairs a full-length, 99.1% pure aluminum ribbon custom-crafted in Japan with a heavy neodymium magnet and a USA-made CineMag transformer to deliver the warm bass, lush midrange, and naturally tamed high end that defined an era of recording and broadcast. The WA-44 excels on vocals, horns, strings, drums, acoustic instruments, and guitar cabinets.

The figure-8 polar pattern captures sound equally from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting sources at the sides, making it useful for Blumlein stereo pairs, mid-side recording, and isolating a source from adjacent instruments. The WA-44's pronounced proximity effect adds warmth and bass weight when positioned close to a singer or instrument, a characteristic that defined the intimate vocal recordings of the golden age of radio and early studio music. The ribbon element handles up to 140 dB SPL, so it can be placed directly on guitar cabinets and brass sections without concern.

At over six pounds, the WA-44 is built with intricate metalwork that faithfully recreates the visual presence and physical heft of vintage RCA ribbon microphones. The pigtail XLR cable uses Gotham star-quad shielding for low-noise signal transfer from the microphone to the preamp.

Specifications

• Type: Ribbon
• Polar pattern: Figure-8
• Ribbon: 99.1% aluminum, 2.5-micron thick (4.7 mm x 59.7 mm), custom-crafted in Japan
• Transformer: Custom CineMag USA
• Magnet: Neodymium
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-12 dB)
• Max SPL: 140 dB
• Output impedance: 270 Ohms
• Cable: Pigtail XLR with Gotham star-quad shielding
• Dimensions: 317.5 x 120.7 x 68.6 mm (12.5" x 4.75" x 2.7")
• Weight: 2.81 kg (6.2 lb)

In the Box

• WA-44 ribbon microphone
• 3/8" mic stand adapter
• Embroidered microphone sock
• Embroidered protective case