Choosing the right microphone can feel like navigating a sonic labyrinth, especially when faced with legends. The Neumann WA-47 and WA-87 stand as titans in the studio world, each offering a distinct flavor of classic sound. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an aspiring artist, understanding their nuances is key to unlocking your best recordings.
The WA-47, inspired by the legendary U47, promises a rich, warm, and commanding vocal presence. Its larger-than-life character is often sought after for lead vocals and instruments that need to cut through a mix. On the other hand, the WA-87 draws from the equally iconic U87, offering a more versatile and neutral sound profile that excels in a wide array of recording applications.
This comparison dives deep into what makes each of these microphones special. We’ll explore their sonic characteristics, ideal use cases, and what sets them apart, helping you make an informed decision for your next studio investment.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | wa 47 | wa 87 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Condenser | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | Large | Large |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 25 mV/Pa | 22 mV/Pa |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPL | 140 dB SPL |
| Self-Noise | 10 dB(A) | 8 dB(A) |
| Phantom Power | Yes | Yes |
| Transformer | Yes | Yes |
| Pad Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Low-Cut Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Body Construction | Brass | Brass |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Diaphragm Size
- Wa 47: Features a larger, 3-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. This contributes to a more detailed and airy sound, capturing subtle nuances. However, it can also be more sensitive to plosives and room noise.
- Wa 87: Utilizes a 1-inch, 6-micron gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. This slightly smaller diaphragm offers a slightly warmer and more focused tone, with a touch less high-frequency air compared to the WA-47. It’s generally more forgiving of less-than-ideal recording environments.
- Winner: wa 47
Tube Type
- Wa 47: Employs a NOS GE 5751 vacuum tube. This tube is known for its clear, present, and slightly forward sound. It adds a pleasing harmonic richness and a touch of vintage character without being overly colored.
- Wa 87: Uses a vintage-style EF86 vacuum tube. The EF86 is renowned for its smooth, rich, and slightly darker tone, often associated with classic microphones. It imparts a beautiful warmth and a natural compression.
- Winner: wa 87
Circuit Design
- Wa 47: Based on a vintage Neumann U47 circuit, known for its iconic smooth and larger-than-life sound. It features a transformer-coupled output for a robust and harmonically rich signal. This design is highly regarded for its ability to impart a pleasing “larger than life” quality.
- Wa 87: Inspired by the Neumann U87 circuit, a benchmark for versatility and clarity. It utilizes a transformerless design, offering a very clean and uncolored signal path. This makes it exceptionally adaptable to various sources and mixing styles.
- Winner: wa 47
Polar Patterns
- Wa 47: Offers three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This provides flexibility for different recording situations, from close-miking to capturing room ambience. The cardioid pattern is particularly effective for isolating sources.
- Wa 87: Also features three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This comprehensive pattern selection makes it a true workhorse microphone, suitable for a vast array of recording tasks. Its versatility is a key selling point.
- Winner: Tie
Frequency Response
- Wa 47: Exhibits a smooth and extended frequency response with a gentle presence boost in the upper mids. This contributes to its ability to sound detailed and articulate, particularly on vocals and acoustic instruments. It can excel at bringing out clarity and air.
- Wa 87: Boasts a more neutral and balanced frequency response with a slight lift in the high frequencies. This results in a very natural and transparent sound, making it excellent for capturing the true character of a source. It’s less prone to sounding harsh.
- Winner: wa 87
Transient Response
- Wa 47: The larger diaphragm and tube circuitry contribute to a slightly slower but pleasingly rounded transient response. This can help to tame sharp transients on sources like drums or electric guitars, adding a touch of warmth and glue. It offers a less aggressive attack.
- Wa 87: Known for its fast and accurate transient response due to its transformerless design and slightly smaller diaphragm. This allows it to capture the sharpest details and nuances of percussive instruments and fast vocal passages with incredible clarity. It excels at capturing quick attacks.
- Winner: wa 87
Application Versatility
- Wa 47: Shines on vocals, acoustic guitars, and as a room microphone where its rich character can be beneficial. It’s particularly well-suited for genres that benefit from a classic, larger-than-life sound. It can add a touch of vintage magic.
- Wa 87: A true all-rounder, excelling on vocals, acoustic instruments, drums (overheads and room), bass amps, and brass. Its transparent nature makes it adaptable to virtually any source and genre. It’s the go-to for many engineers for its reliability.
- Winner: wa 87
Build Quality & Aesthetics
- Wa 47: Features a robust, all-brass body with a vintage-inspired finish. It feels substantial and looks the part of a high-end studio microphone. The included wooden case adds to the premium feel.
- Wa 87: Also boasts a solid, all-metal construction with a professional and timeless aesthetic. It’s built to withstand the rigors of studio use and has a classic, understated elegance. It feels durable and well-engineered.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Vocal Warmth | wa 47 |
| Vocal Clarity | wa 87 |
| Instrument Versatility | wa 87 |
| Classic Tone | wa 47 |
| Modern Detail | wa 87 |
| Polar Pattern Options | wa 87 |
| Max SPL Handling | wa 87 |
What They Have in Common
- Diaphragm Size: Both microphones feature large-diaphragm designs, which are known for their ability to capture detail and nuance in vocal and instrument recordings. This typically leads to a warmer, richer sound.
- Frequency Response: They both offer a wide and relatively flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, meaning they can accurately reproduce the full spectrum of audible sound without significant coloration.
- Phantom Power Requirement: As high-quality condenser microphones, both the wa 47 and wa 87 require 48V phantom power to operate, which is commonly supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.
- Transformer-Based Design: Both microphones utilize transformer-based output stages, a feature often associated with classic microphones, contributing to their characteristic sound and providing excellent impedance matching.
- Pad and Low-Cut Filters: Each microphone includes essential onboard controls such as a pad switch to handle high sound pressure levels and a low-cut filter to mitigate unwanted low-frequency rumble.
Wa 47 Vs Wa 87 Buying Guide
Consider Your Budget
The Neumann U47 FET (often referred to as WA-47, though the WA-47 is a clone) and the WA-87 are in different price brackets. The WA-87, being a more accessible option, is ideal for home studio enthusiasts and those on a tighter budget. The WA-47, while a clone of a legendary microphone, will generally command a higher price point due to its sought-after sound profile and componentry. Carefully assess what you can realistically invest in a microphone that will meet your needs for years to come. (See Also: Chrysler 300 Vs Dodge Charger )
Vocal Applications
If your primary focus is capturing rich, warm, and present vocals, both microphones can excel, but they offer distinct flavors. The WA-47 is renowned for its larger-than-life, smooth, and detailed vocal sound, often associated with classic vocal recordings. The WA-87, with its brighter and more direct character, can cut through a dense mix beautifully, offering clarity and detail that can be very flattering on many voices. Your preferred vocal sound and the genre of music you record will heavily influence this choice.
Instrumental Versatility
Beyond vocals, consider how each microphone will perform on various instruments. The WA-47’s ability to handle high SPLs and its characteristic warmth make it a great choice for instruments like acoustic guitar, drum overheads, and even bass guitar, where it can impart a pleasing thickness. The WA-87’s versatility shines on acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and guitar amps, offering a detailed and articulate capture that can be easily shaped in post-production. Think about the breadth of your recording projects.
Studio Environment and Gear
Your existing studio setup and acoustic treatment play a role. The WA-47, with its sensitive and detailed nature, can benefit from a well-treated room to avoid capturing unwanted room reflections. Its lush sound can also complement preamps that might be a bit leaner. The WA-87 is a bit more forgiving in less-than-perfect acoustic environments and can pair well with a wide range of preamps, offering a reliable workhorse sound that often requires less post-processing. (See Also: Brooklinen Sateen Vs Percale )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy wa 47 If…
- You are seeking the classic, warm, and larger-than-life sound associated with the Neumann U47.
- Your primary focus is on capturing rich and full-bodied vocal performances.
- You value a microphone with a smooth and forgiving character for a wide range of sources.
Buy wa 87 If…
- You desire the versatile, bright, and detailed sound of the Neumann U87.
- You need a microphone capable of handling a variety of sources with clarity and precision, from vocals to acoustic instruments.
- You appreciate the flexibility of multiple polar patterns for different recording scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in sound between the WA-47 and WA-87?
The WA-47 is designed to emulate the legendary Neumann U47, known for its warm, rich, and “larger-than-life” vocal sound with a prominent mid-range presence and smooth top-end. The WA-87, on the other hand, is inspired by the Neumann U87, offering a brighter, more forward, and articulate sound with a clearer high-frequency response. This makes the WA-47 ideal for a classic, full-bodied sound, while the WA-87 excels at clarity and cutting through a mix.
Which microphone is better for modern pop vocals?
For modern pop vocals, the WA-87 often has an edge due to its brighter and more articulate character. Its clarity and detail can help vocals cut through dense electronic or heavily produced mixes, providing a contemporary sheen. While the WA-47 can be used for pop, it might require more EQ to achieve that modern pop brightness. The WA-87’s directness often translates well to the desired polished sound in current pop music production.
Can both microphones handle loud sound sources like guitar amps?
Yes, both the WA-47 and WA-87 are capable of handling loud sound sources, including guitar amplifiers. The WA-47, with its FET circuitry, is known for its ability to handle high SPLs (Sound Pressure Levels) without distortion, delivering a robust and full sound on amps. Similarly, the WA-87 is also designed for high SPL applications, providing a detailed and controlled capture of loud sources. You can confidently use either for close-miking guitar cabs. (See Also: Pink Moissanite Vs Morganite )
Which microphone is more versatile for instrumental recording?
Both microphones offer good versatility, but the WA-87 might be considered slightly more adaptable across a wider range of instruments in a typical home studio. Its brighter, more neutral character can translate well to acoustic guitars, drum overheads, pianos, and string instruments, providing a detailed and accurate representation. The WA-47’s distinct warmth and mid-forward sound are excellent for certain instruments like bass, kick drum, or warmer acoustic guitar tones, but the WA-87’s clarity offers broader appeal for general instrumental work.
What kind of preamplifier complements each microphone best?
The WA-47, with its inherent warmth and vintage character, pairs exceptionally well with preamplifiers that offer a touch of clean gain or a subtle coloration that complements its sound without being overly aggressive. Preamps that add clarity or a slight “sheen” can also be a good match. The WA-87, being a bit brighter, can benefit from preamplifiers that add warmth, body, or a touch of harmonic richness to round out its sound and provide a balanced, full-bodied tone across various sources.
Final Verdict
Both the WA-47 and WA-87 are exceptional microphones that punch well above their weight, offering professional-grade sound at accessible price points. The WA-47 delivers a classic, warm, and larger-than-life tone, perfect for achieving vintage vocal sounds and imparting richness to instruments. The WA-87 provides a brighter, more articulate, and versatile capture, ideal for modern clarity and cutting through mixes. Your choice depends on your desired sonic signature: timeless warmth or contemporary detail.
Winner: WA-87