REVIEW WARM AUDIO WA-84 MICROPHONE: Specialized Small Diaphragm, Now in Omni

My experience with vintage Neumann KM84 microphones began when a drummer friend lent me a pair alongside his maple Ludwig kit. For years, I tested them against my AKG C414 BULS, Neumann U87ai, and a Peluso 47LE with a vintage Telefunken tube. The KM84s were bright but lacked the “rich” tone I expected (and wanted). On acoustic guitar, the C414 BULS outperformed them with a fuller, meatier sound—surprising for a mic not typically known for warmth. The KM84s were in good condition, and I enjoyed experimenting with them across various instruments, but I eventually returned them long before Warm Audio released their WA-84, a modern take on the KM84’s small-diaphragm condenser design. So how did Warm Audio do with this recreation?

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Warm Audio WA-84: First Impressions

The WA-84 initially launched as a cardioid-only mic, and I purchased a matched stereo pair eager to explore stereo recording. At the time, I was capturing live solo performances with six Marshall 1-watt heads, four 4x12 cabinets, and two 1x12 cabinets, miked with a pair of WA-47jr mics in ORTF configuration. When I swapped in the WA-84s, I was disappointed. They echoed the thin, bright character of the vintage KM84s, prompting a quick return to the WA-47jr for their fuller sound.

On my Martin D-35 acoustic guitar, the WA-84s underwhelmed until I fitted the guitar with fresh strings. The mics’ brightness then delivered a classic steel-string dreadnought tone—big and clear, though not as full as the C414 BULS could achieve. Where the WA-84s truly shined was as a coincident pair over my studio drum kit. Positioned above, they captured cymbals with stunning clarity and realism, revealing the unique character of each vintage Zildjian cymbal without the excessive brightness I feared.

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Omni Capsule: A Game-Changer

In 2020, Warm Audio introduced omni capsules for the WA-84, and I recently added one to my kit. The omni capsule transforms the mic’s performance. On the Martin D-35, it eliminates proximity effect, balancing the guitar’s bass-heavy tendencies to highlight its acoustic character with clarity and nuance. This capsule makes the WA-84 a more versatile tool, especially for sources where cardioid’s brightness and bass (from proximity effect) feels too bold or cloudy.

WA-84 SPECIFICATIONS

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Dimensions: 5.2" length, 0.87" diameter
• Weight: 4.3 oz (122 g, single mic)
• Polar Patterns: Cardioid (standard), Omni (optional capsule)

LIKES

• Affordable price for a small-diaphragm condenser
• Consistent, repeatable quality
• Cardioid and omni capsules expand versatility
• Sweet, clear sound with a Class-A-like character compared to large-diaphragm condensers (LDCs)
• Cinemag USA output transformer
• Includes shock mount and wind screen
• Gold plated 3-pin XLR output

DISLIKES

• Thin, bright sound compared to LDCs, limiting suitability for some sources
• Not the most budget-friendly small-diaphragm option
• Cardioid pattern can feel overly tight for certain applications
• Somewhat high self noise, 16dBA (claimed)

Applications and Performance

Since adding the omni capsule, I’ve experimented with the WA-84s on more sources. Their extreme clarity makes them ideal for specific scenarios. The cardioid model’s tight pattern excels on hi-hat, transforming it into a nuanced instrument rather than just a rhythmic tick with a skilled drummer. The omni capsule, meanwhile, offers X-ray-like focus, far more revealing than the often muddier omni mode of LDCs.

How Does It Compare to the Neumann KM84 and KM184?

The Neumann KM84 enjoys near-mythical status on forums, but my experience suggests its reputation may be overstated. It’s bright and thin, much like the WA-84 in cardioid mode. I also tested a pair of modern Neumann KM184s and found them similarly underwhelming—overly bright and lacking depth — if I did not know they were over $800 each I would have guessed they were budget Asian knockoff models.

EPILOGUE

Does the WA-84 sound identical to a KM84? I can’t say definitively, and with the KM84 long discontinued, it’s a moot point. The WA-84 captures the small-diaphragm condenser’s signature clarity and natural sound, excelling on sources like cymbals, percussion, and acoustic instruments with the right setup.

The Warm Audio WA-84 is a specialized tool. Its bright, clear sound and tight cardioid pattern make it a go-to for cymbals, hi-hat, and acoustic instruments when paired with fresh strings or the omni capsule. While it doesn’t match the full-bodied richness of LDCs like the C414 BULS, its clarity and focus are unmatched in certain contexts. At its price point, the WA-84 offers impressive quality and versatility, especially with the omni capsule as an option. If you need a small-diaphragm condenser for detailed, natural recordings, the WA-84 is a compelling choice—just know its strengths and limitations.

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music to You!

©May 2025 Mark King, it’s not ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author

Go forth and create something beautiful…….

Nickel colored capsule is Omni pickup pattern