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# Warm Audio WA251 Microphone: A Detailed Look and Comparison
- URL: https://www.podcastvideos.com/warm-audio-wa251-microphone-review/
- Published: 2025-09-10T15:00:02.000Z
- Updated: 2025-09-10T15:00:01.000Z
- Description: A detailed review of the Warm Audio WA251, a modern tube mic inspired by the Telefunken ELAM 251, covering its build, features and real-world performance.
- Author: Staff Report
- Tags: Audio Equipment, Recording, Editing

This review dives into the [Warm Audio WA251](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WA251--warm-audio-wa-251-tube-condenser-microphone?mrkgadid=1000000&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gtext&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=studio&recording&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=43700080506855076&lid=43700080506855076&ds%5Fs%5Fkwgid=58700008747783038&device=c&network=g&matchtype=e&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9026086&creative=706247320989&targetid=kwd-608857743979&campaignid=21210469387&awsearchcpc=1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=21210469387&gbraid=0AAAAAD%5FRQYm8a0opiPRRlczRJtp9wNvBv&gclid=Cj0KCQjww4TGBhCKARIsAFLXndSrcEfaUn3UB9FWApDKwNEVob99PhNyEej-9XQ%5Fhd56NbevaEPh27YaAgzrEALw%5FwcB&ref=podcastvideos.com), a microphone aiming to replicate the legendary [Telefunken ELAM 251](https://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com/product/ela-m-251e/?ref=podcastvideos.com). We will explore its features, build quality and how it stacks up against other popular microphones, including its own siblings from Warm Audio and classic Neumann models.

## What's Included and Build Quality

When you unbox the Warm Audio WA251, you'll find a few key items. Inside the package, there's a wooden storage box to keep the microphone safe, the microphone itself, a shock mount with an adapter for different mic stands and a 7-pin XLR cable. You also get the power supply, its power cable, some documentation and a few stickers.

The microphone feels solid, with an all-metal body and a metal mesh grill that has a little bit of give. There are no buttons or switches directly on the mic itself. The bottom features the 7-pin XLR port.

The power supply is also robust and all-metal. It has a handle on top and rubber feet on the bottom to keep it stable. On the front of the power supply, you'll find the polar pattern selector switch, a 3-pin XLR output and the 7-pin XLR input. The back has a power light, a voltage selector, the power supply plug and a satisfying power switch.

## Polar Pattern and Sound Tests

The WA251 offers three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8\. [Each pattern captures sound from different directions.](https://www.podcastvideos.com/articles/cold-facts-on-polar-patterns/)

- **Cardioid:** Picks up sound primarily from the front.
- **Omnidirectional:** Picks up sound equally from all directions.
- **Figure-8:** Picks up sound from the front and the rear, with null points at the sides.

## Key Takeaways

- **Shock Rejection:** The microphone and its shock mount are very effective at rejecting low-end rumble from bumps or taps.
- **Off-Axis Coloration:** The sound coloration when off-axis is mild and not unpleasant.
- **Low Self-Noise:** For a tube microphone, it has a relatively low self-noise of about 12 dBA.
- **Plosive Handling:** The microphone isn't the best at rejecting plosives.
- **No Microphone Clip:** It would be useful to have a microphone clip in addition to the shock mount for easier placement in tight spaces.

## Overall Sound and Recommendation

The Warm Audio WA251 has a sound that can be described as slightly V-shaped, but it remains smooth overall. It offers a bit of weight in the bass and low-mids, which can add presence to recordings. The mids are present but not as forward as some other mics, while the treble and air frequencies have a noticeable lift, which is characteristic of a 251-style mic.

However, it's important to remember that this is a clone. While it sounds good on its own merits, don't expect it to perfectly replicate a vintage $10,000 microphone for its $900 price. Buy it because you like the sound it produces, not just because of the name it carries.