Warm Audio WA273-EQ

Warm Audio WA273-EQ: Dual-Channel Class-A Mic Preamp and 3-Band EQ

The Warm Audio WA273-EQ is a powerhouse dual-channel unit, functioning as both a Class-A microphone preamplifier and a comprehensive 3-band equalizer. Designed to provide up to 80 dB of clean gain along with precise tonal sculpting capabilities, it serves as the ideal front end for engineers, producers, musicians, and vocalists across all recording environments, from high-end commercial studios to mobile and project setups. Crucially, the WA273-EQ faithfully delivers the sound and function of classic British ’73-style preamps, utilizing custom Carnhill transformers and adhering to a hand-wired and assembled construction method. This ensures the delivery of the prized thick, rich, and musical saturation characteristic of the vintage units. The addition of the inductor-based equalizer section, featuring selectable frequencies and high-quality Blore Edwards potentiometers, elevates this unit, allowing for detailed, articulate, and intuitive sonic adjustments directly at the source.

Key Features

• Dual-Channel Preamp & Inductor-Based EQ: Combines 80 dB Class-A gain with a high-quality, inductor-based 3-band equalizer for superior tonal control.
• Custom Carnhill Transformers: Features custom-wound Carnhill transformers, vital for achieving the legendary, warm ’73 vintage tone.
• High-Quality EQ Components: Utilizes Blore Edwards dual-concentric potentiometers and an inductor-based circuit for precise and musical EQ adjustments.
• Flexible I/O and Controls: Includes balanced XLR/1/4″ TRS inputs, front-panel 1/4″ TS instrument inputs, switchable impedance, phantom power, and polarity.
• Selectable High-Pass Filter: Features a selectable high-pass filter with settings at 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz, or 300 Hz for essential low-end management.
• External Insert Capability: Equipped with 1/4″ TS insert send and return jacks for integrating outboard compressors or effects.
• Rack-Mountable Form Factor: The unit is rack-mountable, occupying 2 RU (Rack Units) of space.

The WA273-EQ: Classic Tone, Modern Flexibility

The Warm Audio WA273-EQ provides engineers and musicians with the ultimate combination of vintage warmth and modern control. By packaging an authentic Class-A ’73 preamp and a musical 3-band EQ into a single dual-channel unit, it offers an efficient and powerful way to capture and sculpt professional-grade audio. The commitment to using premium components, from the Carnhill transformers to the Blore Edwards potentiometers, ensures that every signal passed through the WA273-EQ retains the sought-after sonic characteristics of its classic predecessors. This unit is an invaluable tool for adding character, presence, and dimension to vocals, drums, guitars, and more. If you require both the legendary tone of a British preamp and the flexibility of an inductor-based EQ in one device, the WA273-EQ is an essential investment for elevating your audio production quality.