Based around an X731 opamp derived from the Melcor 1731, the pre offers a sound that can be warm or clean, saturated or transparent, depending on how hard you drive it. Drive it softly or hard, it won't change the essential sonorous quality of the unit.

It's also customizable for the DIY crowd: Because the unit was designed around the X731 opamp, the pre can accept any discrete opamp on the market that conforms to the 16V, 2520 pinout standard. In addition to the opamps, the WA12 MkII employs CineMag USA transformers, as well as other components that allow it to compete with units far more costly.

This preamp offers XLR and 1/4" connections for mic level, line level, or Hi-Z instruments. You'll also have your choice of XLR or 1/4" TRS outputs. A pad switch is on hand, as are a polarity switch and a button to supply 48V phantom power to condenser mics. A tone control lets you change the impedance from 600 to 150 ohms, which will have an effect on the sound.

Key Features at a Glance

• Utilizes premium grade input and output USA CineMag transformers
• 71 dB of gain, fully discrete signal path
• Can be replaced with other 6-pin 2520-foot print opamps for varying tone/flavor
• Tone button switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms, changing the tone of both the microphone and Hi-Z inputs
• 2-megohm Hi-Z input on front panel, sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag transformers and the discrete opamp
• Suitable for guitars, bass, keyboards, and other instruments that have a 1/4" output jack
• Output attenuation control (after the CineMag output transformer) allows for driving the preamp and transformers into saturation
• LED meter gain indication
• External power plug

In the Box