Does the WA-251 need phantom power?

No. It runs from its own tube power supply, not from 48V phantom power. Connect the supply to the mic and the supply's XLR output to your preamp.

What polar patterns does it offer?

Cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8, selected on the power supply. Cardioid suits close vocals, while omni and figure-8 work for room and ambient capture.

What comes in the box?

The microphone, its tube power supply, a shock mount and a carrying case. A stand and cable are not included.

Is it good for home studios?

Yes, if your room is reasonably quiet. Its tube character flatters vocals, but the omni and figure-8 patterns pick up more room sound.

How does it compare with the vintage 251?

It captures the general smooth, open character of the original but not its exact voicing. Reviewers treat it as a close, practical alternative rather than a clone.

Which sources does it suit best?

Vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, strings and brass. It also works as a room or drum overhead mic in omni or figure-8.

Where can I buy the Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone?

4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Best Buy.

Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone

Q: Where is the Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone cheapest?

At Walmart, for $749.00, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$749.00at WalmartChecked Nov 9

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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What reviewers say

Reviewers consistently describe the WA-251 as one of the closest affordable takes on the vintage 251 sound. They praise its smooth top end on vocals and its usefulness on acoustic instruments, while noting the tube noise floor and the need for a power supply.

What people mention

SoundPraisedOwners call the top end smooth and open, with a warm low midrange that flatters voices.
BuildPraisedReviewers describe the body and grille as solid and studio-ready.
NoiseCriticisedSome note a higher noise floor than solid-state condensers on very quiet sources.
SetupMixedThe external power supply and warm-up time add steps compared with a plug-in FET mic.
ValuePraisedBuyers see it as a credible stand-in for a vintage 251 at a fraction of the cost.

About the Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone

Sound Like A Legend The WA-251 was created to offer a classic microphone design to a new generation of recording artists at an affordable price. We spent a great deal of time listening to different '251 microphones to determine what people liked about them and why, how various styles of components impact the tone, and how to give the WA-251 microphone a signature that pays homage to the vintage classic, but also stands out on its own. The WA-251 is an all vacuum tube, large diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern, large condenser microphone, based on the classic '251 that has been used on countless hit records for the last 50+ years. The WA-251 is designed for pro studio, home studio, live, and broadcast applications and sounds great on vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric bass, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and an array of other sources. Design The classic '251 became extremely popular as a vocal microphone in the 1960's and is now considered to be one of the greatest condenser microphones ever created. The classic '251 is still widely used today in professional recording studios but has become extremely rare and cost prohibitive to acquire. Designing our WA-251 to sound like the classic '251 was no easy task, especially since some of the vintage components are no longer manufactured or available. We are pleased to release such a gorgeous sounding classic to the market at a price that's reachable to more people than ever before. A Look Inside