WA-CX24 - Microphone Warm Audio - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL WA-CX24 Warm Audio

For The Most Updated Product Specs & Warranty Information Visit https://warmaudio.com/wa-cx24

THANK YOU!

Thank you for purchasing the Warm Audio WA-CX24 condenser microphone. We feel this product offers the best in terms of sound, function, and vibe from the classic era of analog recording. We don't cut corners when it comes to what goes into our products, and the WA-CX24 is no exception. The WA-CX24 is a stereo, vacuum tube, large-diaphragm, transformer balanced, 9-pattern condenser microphone based on the iconic stereo 24-style microphone. The WA-CX24 faithfully recreates the sound on beloved hit records made in the most exclusive studios for 50+ years. We at Warm Audio are very excited to bring this classic recreation to you at such an affordable price. We are confident you will enjoy creating a lifetime of beautiful recordings with the WA-CX24.

Bryce Young

President

Warm Audio

Leander, Texas USA

REGISTER YOUR WA-CX24!

Before we begin, please take the time to visit www.warmaudio.com to register your product and properly enroll in the limited 5-year warranty. To ensure you receive proper and uninterrupted warranty support for your product, please register your unit within 14 days from purchase.

LIMITED 5-YEAR WARRANTY STATEMENT

Warm Audio warranties this product to be free from defect in materials and workmanship for five years from the date of purchase, for the original purchaser to whom this equipment is registered. This warranty is non-transferrable.

Exemption Note: vacuum tubes are warranted for one year from purchase date.

This warranty is void in the event of damage incurred from unauthorized service to this unit, or from electrical or mechanical modification to this unit. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from abuse, accidental damage, misuse, improper electrical conditions such as mis-wiring, incorrect voltage or frequency, unstable power, disconnection from earth ground (for products requiring a 3 pin, grounded power cable), or from exposure to hostile environmental conditions such as moisture, humidity, smoke, fire, sand or other debris, and extreme temperatures.

Warm Audio will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace this product in a timely manner. This limited warranty extends only to products determined to be defective and does not cover incidental costs such as equipment rental, loss of revenue, etc. Please visit us at www.warmaudio.com for more information on your warranty, or to request warranty service.

This warranty applies to products sold globally by authorized Warm Audio retailers. Depending on the state in which you live, you may have rights in addition to those covered in this statement. Please refer to your state laws or see your local Warm Audio retailer for more information. For warranty information in countries outside the United States, please refer to your local Warm Audio distributor.

NON-WARRANTY SERVICE

If you have a defective unit that is outside of our warranty period or conditions; we are still here for you and can get your unit working again for a modest service fee. Please visit us at www.warmaudio.com to contact us about setting up a repair or for more information.

With proper care, your Warm Audio gear should last a lifetime and provide a lifetime of enjoyment. We believe the best advertisement we can have is a properly working unit being put to great use. Let's work together to make it happen.

NOW LET'S GET STARTED!

INTRODUCTION

A faithful recreation of one of the most legendary stereo tube condenser microphones of all time known for natural sound with pleasing top end, the WA-CX24 captures the true sound of sources and rooms with extreme accuracy and an array of stereo imaging options. Used by some of the world's most recognized engineers and artists in the most prestigious recording studios, the original microphone stands out as open, airy, natural, and extremely versatile. A rotating top capsule plus individual polar-pattern selectors deliver ultimate flexibility and creativity when recording stereo drums, rooms, acoustics, pianos, orchestral sections, and much more. With no-compromise components and elite build quality, the WA-CX24 delivers an iconic sound for stereo recordings that no personal or professional mic locker is complete without.

The WA-CX24 recreates a stereo microphone that leveraged dual CK12 capsules, known for delivering possibly the most natural sound profile in tube microphones. WA-CX24 delivers that go-to sound when you need to capture natural, open stereo audio, like drum overheads, rooms, acoustic guitar, piano, and much more. The tones from the WA-CX24 come from precise design methods pairing two CK12-style capsules with two custom large-core T14 TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformers and a premium 12AY7 tube.

Designing our WA-CX24 to sound like the classic '24 was no easy task, especially since some of the vintage components are no longer manufactured or available. As opposed to creating an "approximation" of the vintage capsule tone using inferior "off-the-shelf" parts, we sourced a custom capsule that leverages modern manufacturing practices and premium materials to ensure an accurate recreation of.... Drawing on our experience launching the highly-commended WA-CX12, we are thrilled to release such a gorgeous sounding, reborn classic to the market at a price that finally puts a once unattainable sound within reach.

A LOOK INSIDE THE WA-CX24

SOLID BRASS CK12-STYLE CAPSULES

Our carefully engineered capsules are all-brass and edge-terminated to capture all the smoothness, rich top end, and warm vintage sonics of the original CK12 capsule found in both the lauded vintage mono and stereo mics. The WA-CX24 uses a variant CEK-12 back plate as a basis, which overcomes manufacturing limitations of the original CK12 capsule. The O-ring and housing of the WA-CX24 capsules are all machined from solid brass and the diaphragm is 24k gold sputtered 6 micron, NOS PET film (mylar). The end result is a very consistent, reliable capsule which matches the frequency response and tonality of the classically spec'd 50s-60s capsule.

THE TRANSFORMERS

The WA-CX24 utilizes custom, American-made T14 TAB-Funkenwerk Output Transformers. These transformers help provide the natural balance in the midrange with just a bit of top-end polish that one would hope to get from a 12 or 24-style condenser microphone.

THE CABLE

One component of a tube microphone that is often overlooked is the 7-pin, or in the case of a stereo tube condenser, 9-pin cable that connects the microphone to its power supply. When Warm first started building and auditioning our tube microphones, we learned quite a bit about these multi-pin cables and how the shielding and wire gauge size can drastically change the sonics of a tube microphone. We have partnered with Gotham Audio in Switzerland to use their very carefully built high-end 9-pin "GAC-9 cable". Using this cable increases top end presence and the overall size of the recorded image in the stereo field by reducing phase shift and the parasitic effect often experienced in poorly built cables. Gotham Cabling is a premium addition and manufactured to exacting standards. The additional durability and improved sound quality is no small addition to the overall value of the WA-CX24.

FEATURES

1. Contents

Your WA-CX24 package includes; the WA-CX24 microphone, power supply, IEC power cable, shock mount, 9-pin Gotham cable, wood display box, and premium tweed storage case.

2. Power Switch

The power switch is located on the power supply.

3. IEC Power Inlet

The IEC power inlet is located on the rear side of the power supply and allows for a standard IEC cable to connect the power supply to your wall power outlet.

4. 115V/230v Voltage Selector Switch

A voltage selector switch is located near the IEC inlet on the power supply and allows for the user to set the appropriate voltage for the country they are located. We advise you to be careful with this switch because plugging in the unit at the wrong voltage setting will likely damage the WA-CX24 and its power supply. Plugging in the WA-CX24 power supply at the incorrect voltage could even cause injury or death. Typically the voltage selector switch will be pre-set to the proper voltage for the country where the product was purchased and should not be changed.

5. Polar Pattern Select Switches

The polar-pattern selection switches are located on the power supply and provide 9 pattern options per mic capsule. Patterns are: Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-of eight, and 6 intermediate stages.

6. 9-pin microphone cable connector (female)

A 9-pin female microphone cable connector is located on the power supply. The 9-pin Gotham branded cable included in the WA-CX24 box is connected to this connector on one end and to the WA-CX24 microphone on the other.

7. 9-pin microphone cable connector (male)

A 9-pin male microphone cable connector is located at the base of the WA-CX24 microphone. This connection pairs the WA-CX24 microphone to its power supply.

8. XLR Output

A standard 3 pin XLR male connector is located on the power supply. The microphone's signal will exit this connector. Connect this connector to a preamp via a standard 3 pin XLR microphone cable.

STEREO RECORDING TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS

MIC ROTATION OPTIONS

Rotating the capsules of the WA-CX24 provides exceptional flexibility for achieving precise stereo imaging in audio recordings. By independently adjusting the position of each capsule, you can tweak the stereo pickup pattern for various recording techniques, such as XY, Blumlein, mid-side or a custom angle tailored to the sound source and recording environment. This ability allows you to fine-tune phase coherence and stereo width, capturing a more accurate spatial representation of the performance. Additionally, rotating the capsules enables the mic to adapt seamlessly to different room acoustics and source placements, enhancing overall clarity and depth. This versatility makes the WA-CX24 an invaluable tool for recording everything from orchestras to small ensembles. In addition to rotating the upper capsule, WA-CX24 adds even more flexibility by having independent polar pattern options for each capsule.

MIXING POLAR PATTERNS

Mixing polar patterns on the two capsules on the WA-CX24 unlocks even more versatility and creative control in recording. By combining different patterns, such as cardioid on one capsule and figure-8 on the other, you can craft a unique stereo image and tailor the mic's response to the recording environment. This flexibility allows you to balance direct sound and ambient room tone, emphasizing the qualities most suited to the source material. For example, blending patterns can create a richer, more immersive soundstage for ensembles or isolate a primary sound source while capturing subtle spatial cues. Combine this with rotating the upper capsule and unlock interesting options like setting the "direct" capsule to cardioid for focused tone, and the rotated capsule to omni to capture additional room reflections. This level of customization makes the WA-CX24 a powerful tool for creating unique sonic textures that set your recordings apart.

SPECIFICATIONS

Faithful Recreation Of The Most Legendary Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone Of All Time
- 2X Custom Edge Terminated, Dual-Backplate, All-Brass Vintage CK12-Style Capsules
- 2X Custom T14 TAB-Funkenwerk (AMI) USA Output Transformers
- Premium 12AY7 Vacuum Tube
- Premium Polystyrene and Wima Film Capacitors
- Polar Patterns: 9 Patterns - Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8, +6 Additional Mixed Patterns (Accessible On Two Switches, One Per-Capsule)
Max SPL: 149 dB
Frequency Response: 30Hz - 20kHz
Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 73 dB
EIN/Self-Noise:22dBA
Power Source: External IEC grounded PSU
- Cable: Gotham 5-Meter GAC-9, Premium 9-Pin Tube Microphone Cable
Total Weight: 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg), Mic Only: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
- Mic Dimensions: 14^ × 2^ ( 35.6 cm × 5 cm)
- Stereo Microphone, Wood Box, Power Supply, Shockmount, 9-Pin Gotham Swiss Cable, IEC Cord, Tweed Flight Case

FRANÇAIS

MERCII

MASSIVES CK12-STYLE-KAPSELGEHÄUSE AUS MISSING

SAFETY WARNING FOR PRODUCTS

Please pay attention to the following safety instructions to ensure safe use of your electronic product:

1. Power Supply: Use only the recommended power supply and the correct cables to avoid overheating or short circuits.
2. Water Protection: Keep the product away from water and other liquids. Do not use it in damp environments.
3. Ventilation: Ensure that the device is adequately ventilated. Do not block ventilation openings to prevent overheating.
4. Repairs: Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Contact an authorized service partner to avoid damage or injury.
5. Children: Keep the product out of reach of children. It contains small parts and can be dangerous if misused.
6. Visible Damage: Regularly check the product for visible damage. Do not use it if it is damaged.

Please read the user manual carefully and follow all safety instructions. Your safety is our top priority!

VEILIGHEIDSWAARSCHUWING VOOR PRODUCTEN

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Austin, Texas USA | www.warmaudio.com