The WA-47F is a faithful recreation of a high-SPL, low-noise classic celebrated as a 'secret weapon' across world-class studios. The original '47-style FET was released in 1969 and gained massive popularity inside recording studios for its ability to handle fast transients with exceptional detail. Compared to popular tube microphones, the WA-47F has a more pristine top end and a tighter, more controllable bass response.
Features:
Gold-sputtered, large diaphragm, single-backplate, K47-style capsule for era accurate design
High-SPL handling (Max 137dB, or 147dB with 10dB engaged) reliably captures kick drum and high-volume sounds without losing fidelity
Frequency response of 40Hz–16kHz means wide application with precise pickup capacity
Custom TAB-Funkenwerk USA output transformer, premium Fairchild transistors, and wima and polystyrene capacitors
Cardioid polar pattern is precise, and pure, ideal for nuanced details
Output impedance of 150 ohms, making this microphone low-noise and extremely versatile
In addition to a dynamic mic on the inside of the kick, aimed right at the beater, many engineers choose to add a 47FET-style microphone to the outside of the kick drum on the front head. The dynamic mic on the beater tends to capture the “snap” of the kick, while the WA-47F on the outside will get the “thump” from the drum. The air pressure “boom” of the resonant kick drum head is a huge sound easily missed by the dynamic mic. Adding a WA-47F to your kick will have a huge spatial effect on the sound, making tracks feel more alive and less robotic.
Vocals
The original mic was chosen to capture some very famous vocals including Bon Scott (AC/DC), David Lee Roth (Van Halen), and REM’s Michael Stipe. Like the original, the WA-47F delivers powerful, detailed vocals ranging from screaming hair metal all the way to soft falsettos over iconic indie rock.
Guitar & Bass Cabinets
The original is also a favorite inside studios for tracking guitar and bass cabinets - especially for percussive, loud guitar parts like you might find on an AC/DC record. The openness of the condenser capsule and the ability for the circuit to handle higher-than-normal SPLs means that you can track guitars LOUD without compromising detail. For those about to rock - you'll notice a difference.