Warm Audio WA251 Review / Test

Video: https://youtu.be/t8X-Is7naeU

Today i review the Warm Audio WA251, a clone of the legendary Telefunken ELAM 251. This is a slightly V-shaped sounding microphone with a bump in the bass and low mids and a lift in the treble and air. It offers a relatively smooth sound character and a low noise for a tube mic of 12dBA.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:00
Boosted in Post: +6dB

SPECS:

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8

• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz

• Self Noise: 12dBA

• S/N Ratio: 80dBA

• Max SPL: 132dB

• Impedance: 200 Ohms

Buy the Rode NTK (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: https://geni.us/wa251
Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/wa251
Thomann:

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon:  https://geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: https://imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: https://bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: https://www.thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:27 - What’s in the Box
00:54 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
02:08 - Specifications
02:22 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
03:42 - Plosive Test
03:54 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
04:16 - Background Noise Test 
04:31 - Untreated Room Test
04:54 - Shock Rejection Test
05:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
05:26 - Intro to Comparison
05:50 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
06:14 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:42 - Earthworks SR117 Comparison
07:16 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:41 - Avantone CV12 Comparison
08:16 - Warm Audio WA67 Comparison
08:53 - Warm Audio WA47 Comparison
09:29 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:06 - Neumann U67 Reissue Comparison
10:41 - Music Test
11:56 - Pros & Cons
12:55 - Overall Thoughts
14:39 - Recommendation
16:03 - Outro