In this video for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at the new WA-412 quad mic pre from Warm Audio.  Warm are on fire at the moment with their recreations of classic gear and the WA-412 is no exception but where the WA-412 really stands out is the addition of features like the Tone button which allows users to switch between an input impedance of 150 and 600 Ohms changing the tonality of both the mic and hi-Z inputs and is especially useful when connecting ribbon microphones. 

The other addition to the original 412 USA style design is the addition of an output trip pot. This allows you to drive the input stage harder to give that rich almost saturated tone but then dial back the output so as not to overcook the input to your converters or audio interface. 

Full Features

• 4 Channel Microphone Preamplifier + Instrument DI

• 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

• Inputs - Microphone XLR & Active Instrument 2Meg ohm HI-Z

• Outputs - Transformer balanced XLR & TRS

• TONE button – Input impedance switches from 600 ohms to 150 ohms (affects the tone of both the mic and HI-Z inputs)

• -20db pad - pads both mic and instrument DI inputs

• Self noise: <-90dB (nominal)

• Frequency response: 20hz to 20khz <+/-0.25dB (TONE button out), 20hz to 20khz +/-2dB (TONE button in)

• +48 volt phantom power

• LED metering

• Output trim knob for precise level control and tone sculpting

• Internal power supply (grounded, 3 pin IEC cord)

If you are in the market for a really great sounding4 channel character preamp then the WA-412 is well worth a look and a listen. Then check out the price and wonder why you have not ordered it already. You can find out more about the entire range of Warm Audio products at their website
As ever massive thanks to our friends at Nova Distribution for getting me the WA-412 to review.