In the world of studio recording, ribbon microphones have always held a special place for their warm, natural tones and ability to capture sound with incredible detail. Now, Warm Audio brings that classic magic into the modern age with the Fen-tone™ WA-FT, a premium ribbon microphone inspired by a legendary 1950s design but packed with upgraded components for today’s recording environments.
Classic Design, Modern Performance
The Fen-tone™ WA-FT pays tribute to the classic Bang & Olufsen (B&O) pencil-style ribbon microphones of the 1950s. This compact, ventilated-side design is perfect for tight studio setups, allowing engineers and musicians to place the mic precisely where it’s needed — even in the most crowded recording spaces.
But while the design is a nod to the past, the internals are anything but vintage. Fen-tone is equipped with:
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A custom Japanese corrugated ribbon
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A rare-earth Neodymium magnet
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A CineMag USA transformer
These modern upgrades deliver the unmistakable smoothness and warmth of ribbon mics with the clarity and presence demanded in contemporary recording.
A Critical Upgrade: Built-In Analog Preamp
Unlike vintage ribbon microphones that often require expensive external gain, the Fen-tone™ takes a leap forward by including an all-analog 26 dB JFET in-line preamp. This feature allows the mic to function actively, making it compatible with underpowered audio interfaces and eliminating the need for cloudlifters or inline boosters. The preamp is true bypass, so it doesn’t compromise the natural integrity of the passive ribbon circuit when disengaged — a huge win for engineers seeking flexibility without sacrificing tone.
Tailor-Made for Instruments
The WA-FT is engineered specifically for instruments — from electric guitar cabs and acoustic guitars to pianos, overheads, horns, and strings. Its tone profile delivers:
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Tight lows
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Rich mids
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No harsh highs
By taming harshness above 15 kHz, the Fen-tone captures a warm, forgiving sound without exaggerated sibilance or brittle highs. Whether you're tracking a dense rock mix or a spacious jazz ensemble, the Fen-tone delivers balanced detail that lets every instrument shine.
Trusted by Modern Legends
Fen-tone draws inspiration from the mic tones used by some of the most respected names in music, including:
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Jack White
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John Mayer
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The Edge
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John Petrucci
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Robert Cray
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Wilco
These artists have relied on ribbon microphones for their rich tone and smooth response — and now, the Fen-tone continues that legacy with the reliability and versatility modern studios demand.
Warm Audio Fen-tone™ WA-FT: Vintage character. Modern soul.
Whether you're tracking punchy guitar riffs, smooth horn lines, or delicate piano textures, the Fen-tone™ WA-FT delivers iconic ribbon sound with plug-and-play convenience. This is not just another ribbon mic — it’s a bridge between timeless tone and cutting-edge production.