The Warm Audio WA273 is a dual-channel, Class-A microphone preamp designed to provide up to 80 dB of gain for engineers, producers, musicians, and vocalists in mobile-recording rigs and home, project, and commercial studios. It features custom Carnhill transformers and is wired and assembled by hand to deliver the sound and functionality of classic British '73-style preamps.

Its inputs include balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS jacks and two front-panel 1/4" TS instrument inputs. Input impedance, polarity, ground lift, and phantom power are switchable. Connect an outboard compressor or equalizer via the 1/4" TS insert send and return jacks. Balanced XLR and 1/4" outputs are fed by output level controls and allow compatibility with most audio interfaces and mixing consoles. The selectable high-pass filter can be set to 50 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz, or 300 Hz for management of unruly bass frequencies.

The WA273 is rack-mountable and occupies 1 RU.

Mic, Line, and Instrument Inputs    Insert Sends and Returns    Up to 80 dB of Gain    Output Level Control    Switchable Input Impedance    Selectable High-Pass Filter    Custom Carnhill Transformers    Phantom Power and Polarity Switches    Ground-Lift Switch    Wired and Assembled by Hand

Occupies 1 RU

Dual-channel, Class-A mic preamp wired and assembled by hand

Created through years of R&D, careful reverse-engineering, and countless hours of auditioning

Designed to function and sound like a classic '73-style preamp

Fully discrete, transformer-balanced signal path

Custom Carnhill transformers saturate sweetly when pushed

Tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is smooth in high-gain settings

Stepped mic pre gain

Inductor-based selectable high-pass filter

Balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs

Front-panel 1/4" TS instrument inputs

1/4" TS insert sends and returns

Output controls with 5-segment LED meters

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. If I do not need phantom power, can I still use it without the battery?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter requires power from a 9V battery in all use cases for proper operation. Using the SR-PAX1 with the phantom power feature disengaged still requires power from the internal 9V battery source.

Q: 2. can this unit only be powered by the internal battery?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter is powered by a 9V battery. It does not have an internal rechargeable battery.

Q: 3. I have 2 3.5mm mics will they be on separate left and right channels or be all in one?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter can be used to connect two microphones with 3.5mm connectors. There are separate left and right inputs on the back to connect both mics and a button on the front labeled "M/S" which is used to select between mono and stereo mode. When using the mono setting, the left and right channels will be combined as one mixed signal on both the left and right channels (same audio on both sides). When using the stereo mode, the two mics will be separated on different sides.

Q: 4. Does the RME QuadMic II 4-Channel Microphone Preamp include an external AC to DC power supply?

A: According to the published specifications in the Owner's manual (page 25), the RME QuadMic II features a power supply that is internally switching, 100-240V AC, 20 Watts.

Q: 5. how connect cable?

A: The Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter has a 3.5mm TRS output to connect the cable which will also connect to the mic input on the camera. You can use a cable like the Kopul CMX-RC30 Right-Angle Coiled Stereo Mini Cable (B&H # KOCMXRC30B) to connect to a camera with a 3.5mm TRS mic input.

Q: 6. Does this mixer work with IPhones?

A: To connect the Saramonic SR-PAX1 Two-Channel Audio Mixer, Preamp, Microphone Adapter, you would require a 3.5mm to Lighting adapter such as BH #APLAADAP.

Q: 7. Does this work with Focusrite Control software?

A: This unit will show up as digital inputs in the Focusrite Control Software, when connected to the ADAT input of an a compatible Focusrite interface.

Q: 8. I know there doesn't seem to be any way to turn off the phantom pass through. Can you use this on dynamic mics like the Shure SM7b without any problem? Thanks.

A: The FetHead Phantom is only designed for condenser mics. The standard FetHead is designed specifically for dynamics such as the SM7B and ribbon mics as well.

Q: 9. What is this? Not sure. It does not even have a USB interface. Why does it show up here under AUDIO INTERFACES then?

A: Hello,This is an 8 channel preamp that you can connect to an interface via ADAT (Optical)

Q: 10. How is this with omni-directional mics? Primarily for field recording in nature. Löm Usï Pro pair into a sound devices 552. Less than 10 ft. Cable.

A: This would work well. It provides 18 dB of gain to condenser mics, and the polar pattern really does not come in to play, but you're mic will seem a lot hotter.