WA-19 Nickel Dynamic Studio Microphone

Great

I received one nickel WA-19 in the mail today. It was packaged well with adequate foam padding, but a mechanical component in the microphone had broken loose, I assume during transit, and was bouncing around inside of the microphone. It was fairly easy to fix, though I assume this voids the warranty (which is crap), by removing the screw that holds the XLR connector at the base of the microphone. Internally the microphone had what’s looks like a resonator brass tube of some sort that had broken loose. This was caused by the plastic attached to this brass tube shearing. Presumably the brass tube was too heavy for this cheap bit of plastic to hold the tube in place during shakes/jolts from transit. I put some super glue back onto the tube, and put it back in place and that seems to have fixed the issue. I have tried the microphone to see if it would still pass signal before opening it up, so I will refrain from commenting on the audio quality yet- but I’m a bit disappointed so far overall. The SM-57 is cheaper than this microphone, and it’s built like a tank. This is an interesting alternative to the SM-57, but the build quality needs to be better (more durable) if it’s going to be valid alternative for most people. Only giving 3 stars right now as the microphone does appear to be built well with nice fit and finish, despite the obvious internal engineering/design issue. If the internal issue I came across is corrected in the future, this would be a fine microphone otherwise. Edit: After testing this microphone some more, it does sound pretty great- so I’ll move this up to a 4/5 stars overall. Top end is a bit harsh, but it contrasts nicely with something like an SM57.

I bought the wa-19 for close vocal recording without proximity effect. It does that great. I don't even roll off the bass end and can get super close. Very similar to a sennheiser md-421 in a smaller package. I have tried it on guitar, bass, drums as overhead, toms close miced, and acoustic nylon string. It has outperformed all of my other mics in every application. It is as utilitarian as an sm-57 with way better clarity and balance as a 57 gets muddy and bassy with close vocals. very pleased with the purchase.

Ordered from Amazon who took an age to deliver despite the original estimate. Straight out of the box it’s a nice mic - much smaller than anticipated. Plugged in and no output whatsoever so had to get a refund. Not sure if this was bad luck or poor quality control/manyfacture. Made in China so not sure I’ll reinvest.