“An affordable and flexible Neumann U47 FET-inspired mic”: Warm Audio WA-47jr SE review

What is it?

Warm Audio produces an impressive selection of vintage-inspired mics from full-on valve recreations, such as the WA-67, through to more affordable transformerless designs, such as the multipattern WA-87jr. Its most affordable designs are the Studio Essential models, which are available for both the WA-87jr and WA-47jr, and it’s the latter we have up for review.

Offering a more affordable but streamlined version of the WA-47jr, the WA-47jr SE is a vintage-inspired cardioid condenser. Featuring a large single backplate capsule, with gold-sputtered centre tapped diaphragm, the mic has a voicing based on the classic Neumann K47 capsule and FET-based circuitry inspired by Neumann’s U47 FET design. Available in both nickel and black finishes, the box includes the mic, a hard mount with thread converter and a storage pouch. There’s no flight case, but the padded retail box provides a good storage solution.

The transformerless phantom-powered design features a fully discrete signal path, utilising high-quality Wima film capacitors and Toshiba FETs. On the specification front, it offers excellent self-noise (9dBA) and good sensitivity (14mV/Pa). Importantly, and in line with what you’d expect from a FET U47 design, it also has high SPL handling (147dB maximum).

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Meanwhile, in line with the streamlined remit, there are no on-body options such as a low-cut filter or a level pad. Finally, much like other Warm mics we’ve tested, the WA-47jr SE is manufactured in China, quality tested and checked at Warm’s Texas facility and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Performance

The WA-47jr SE build quality and finish are excellent, with good labelling and stylish yet minimal branding. At 52mm diameter and 212mm length, the mic has a reasonably slender profile and standard cylindrical shape, so it is not really based on a Neumann U47 shape. That said, the post-mounted capsule sits high in the headstock and slightly behind the grille framing, which is like the Neumann classic. At 647g, including the clip, it feels reassuringly solid and is easy to adjust and set up.

Neumann’s U47 FET is highly regarded as a more robust alternative to the valve version and is often preferred for high-SPL applications such as brass, bass guitar amps, and kick drums (typically outside, not inside). The capsule voicing features a presence boost of a few dB in the upper-mid frequencies, a further lift around 10kHz and a reasonably flat low-frequency response that tails off gently below about 250Hz.

The WA-47jr SE offers something similar, and first impressions are of a smooth mid to low-frequency response with some presence lift for the mid frequencies around 3-4kHz. The high-frequency air is not immediately obvious, and a quick look at the frequency response reveals a few dB of boost up to around 13kHz, which is slightly different to a U47. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for some kind of general comparison, the sonics are noticeably less hyped than a U87-style mic, for example.

The WA-47jr SE has a fixed cardioid pattern, which is reasonably focused, with obvious upper-frequency reduction from about 45 degrees off-axis onward. Meanwhile, the fully off-axis rejection, although not specified in detail on the chart, is good and will prove handy for directional use in the studio. Overall, the transition from on-axis to off-axis response is pretty smooth, making the mic easy to use for vocals or acoustic guitar, for example, which it captures really well.

In terms of high SPL uses, the WA-47jr SE performs well. We’d recommend a pop shield for vocal use; even so, the mic handles vocal plosives and other blast situations, such as kick drum sound holes, better than many large capsule condensers we’ve tried. All told, this makes for a very flexible mic.

Verdict

Maybe surprisingly, there are not that many options if you’re after an affordable mic inspired by the Neumann U47 FET. Warm’s WA-47 jr SE is not an exact copy (its own WA-47F fits that bill), but it certainly captures much of the original, including high-SPL handling and a smooth, unhyped frequency response. It’s a shame they couldn’t sneak in the low-cut filter, but overall, the WA-47jr SE still offers excellent value.

Hands-on demos

Warm Audio

WA-47jr Series Demo | Hear It On Vocals, Drums, Violin, Acoustic & Electric Guitar - YouTube

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Alternatives

Warm Audio WA-47F: £579 at warmaudio.com

If you can stretch your budget, Warm Audio also produces a transformer based mic that more closely matches the popular Neumann U47 FET. 

Read more about Warm Audio WA-47F

Sontronics DM-1B: £399 at sontronics.com

Not based on the U47, but this end address large diaphragm condenser is perfect for low-frequency high SPL sources including kicks, bass amps and brass. 

Read the full Sontronics DM-1B review

Specifications