the mic . It ’ s nice they include an extra pair of stretchable shock mount bands .
The hefty WA-251 power supply has a knob to choose one of the three polar patterns . You have Cardioid , Omni , and Figure Eight . I ’ ve spent a reasonable amount of time with this mic over several months and know it well . It ’ s been taken all over town . We love the sound of the classic 251 , especially on female vocals .
The WA-251 sounds very close to the original . It has that unmistakable sound . I ’ m very impressed . The main difference might relate to the age of the components in the antique comparison model since it ’ s ancient . The WA- 251 sounds a hair brighter but is still super smooth with a pleasing airy top-end . With a female vocalist belting it out , I heard the Tube compressing a bit , which you want . This mic can handle quite a lot of SPL and doesn ’ t get harsh or break down . It ’ s a very versatile mic .
I then used it on a live recording video shoot on an all-metal dobro . I put it in a cardioid pattern right in front , about 5 inches from the Dobro off the 12 th fret . I also had a KM 184 near the bottom of the guitar . The engineer mainly leaned on the WA-251 . It was great at bringing out the unique tone of the instrument .
Recording my trusty vintage 1942 Martin 000 Herringbone , I fell in love with the Omni pattern . It picks up the reflections off the floor and some room , making the guitar sound more prominent and beautiful . It ’ s perfect when the acoustic is upfront and featured on a recording . Next , we recorded a beautiful cello piece for a Lakewood Church recording . The engineer said it was the best-sounding cello he had ever recorded .
MY TAKEAWAY
The WA-251 is a winner in several categories in my book . It was great on acoustic , electric , vocals , BGVs , and cello . It ’ s got a quiet , noise floor . That ’ s a big deal for me . The quality is there , and it looks beautiful . If you are recording outside artists , it helps to have a cool-looking vintage mic , and it sounds fantastic . The mic is going to give you a lot of mileage . The only thing better would be to get a pair . You could use them for stereo BGVs , Piano , Overheads , and anything that you want in stereo . Don ’ t sleep on the Omni setting . Try it , especially on acoustic instruments , if the location is quiet .
I recommend this mic to anyone who wants to take their recordings to the next level .
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