Warm Audio WA-412 4-Channel Pre Amp/DI - Secondhand

Full Description

Capture multiple sources with ease

The WA-412 combines four microphone preamps in a single rackmount unit, making it a practical choice for recording sessions involving several sources at once. You can track drums with multiple microphones, record a small ensemble or capture vocals and instruments simultaneously without needing separate preamp units.

Each channel provides its own controls, allowing you to tailor settings independently for different microphones and sound sources. With gain ranging up to 65dB, the WA-412 can accommodate everything from lower-output dynamic microphones to condenser models requiring phantom power. This flexibility makes it useful across a wide variety of recording applications.

Shape your sound at the input stage

A standout feature of the WA-412 is its selectable input impedance control. In its standard setting, the preamp operates at 600 ohms. Engaging the Tone switch changes the input transformer ratio and increases the impedance to 150 ohms while also extending available gain. This adjustment affects how microphones interact with the preamp, producing different tonal responses depending on the source and microphone being used.

The lower impedance setting can create a tighter and more focused sound, while the higher setting is often perceived as more open and detailed. It gives you another creative option before reaching for EQ or processing later in the signal chain.

Classic circuitry with modern flexibility

At the heart of the WA-412 are Warm Audio's custom X520 discrete op-amps. Based on a respected vintage design, these op-amps are paired with transformer-balanced inputs and outputs to deliver a signal path built around traditional analog recording principles. The design is fully discrete and uses through-hole components throughout.

The X520 op-amps can produce clean detailed audio at conservative gain settings, while higher gain levels introduce a subtle saturation effect that many engineers find useful for adding character. The WA-412 can also accept standard 2520-format op-amps, providing additional scope for users who like to experiment with different circuit flavours and tonal responses.

Built for instruments as well as microphones

The WA-412 is more than a microphone preamp. Each channel features a front-panel Hi-Z instrument input that routes guitars, basses, keyboards, samplers and drum machines through the same transformer and op-amp signal path used for microphones. This active DI design allows instruments to benefit from the unit's analog circuitry without requiring an external direct box.

Additional controls such as polarity reverse, a -20dB pad and dedicated output level adjustment provide further flexibility when setting recording levels. LED metering on each channel helps monitor signal strength and saturation, making it easier to achieve reliable gain staging during tracking sessions. The result is a versatile studio tool that can serve as the centrepiece of many recording setups.

Features

• Fully discrete, transformer coupled, through-hole component topology
• Altran USA custom wound, premium input and output transformers
• X520 discrete op-amp in every channel, socketed for convenience. Can be user-replaced with most 6 pin, discrete op-amps for varying flavor & tone
• 65db of gain
• Tone button - Input impedance switches from 600 ohms to 150 ohms (affects the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs
• -20dB pad
• +48V Phantom Power
• LED metering on each channel
• Output trim knob for precise level control and sculpting
• Internal power supply (grounded, 3 pin IEC cord)
• Five-year manufacturer warranty

Specifications

• Preamp Type: Solid State
• Number Of Channels: 4
• Inputs: 4 x XLR, 4 x Active Instrument 2Meg ohm Hi-z
• Outputs: Transformer balanced XLR & TRS
• Rack Size: 1U
• Product Code: WA-412