WA-414 upgrade with CK12 ?

[Avgatzeblouz]

Hi everyone, according to mail excahnges with Warm audio, their WA-14 is a 1:1 replica of the 414EB circuit. I was wondering if the components are close enough that putting a Tim Campbell or OPR capsule in it could really turn it into a 414EB ?
Thanks to anyone that could have an idea about it.

 

[Icantthinkofaname]

If you already have it then it's worth a shot. I wouldn't order one with the intention of putting in a better capsule though. I don't know if I'd believe it's a 1:1 copy though since it's missing a few features like a hyper cardioid polar pattern.

 

[Khron]

I'd reckon that's because 3-position toggle-switches are more readily available (and as such, cheaper) than 4-position (or more) slide switches.

I don't know if I'd believe it's a 1:1 copy though since it's missing a few features like a hyper cardioid polar pattern.

 

[Gus]

414 EB or 414EB P48 circuit?

 

[Icantthinkofaname]

I'd reckon that's because 3-position toggle-switches are more readily available (and as such, cheaper) than 4-position (or more) slide switches.

That makes a lot of sense, I'm just not sure I'd buy it's a 1:1 copy. I'm sure if anyone takes one apart who actually knows they're sh*t they'll give a much more accurate opinion.

FWIW OP a used SE T2 can be found for like $350 if you're patient, I have no idea how close it is circuit wise to a 414, but it'll give you an incredibly similar body and the same polar patterns. I've got one on the way I got for about that price, I'm debating on throwing in the Maiku CK12 I bought, or waiting like a month and buying a CT12 with my tips.

 

[Jim50hertz]

414 EB or 414EB P48 circuit?

This

Abgatzeblouz can you clarify?

 

[Avgatzeblouz]

This

Abgatzeblouz can you clarify?

I think they copied the first version, non P48. It should be easy to check, I think the P48 does not have the DC-DC converter. I'll get back to you guys.

 

[tonzauber]

If you are patient enough you can still score C414EB and EBP48 for around 500 Euro, which is about as much as the Warm Audio interpretation cost, but in the end you have the real deal

Good source at the moment are france and italy.

 

[Jim50hertz]

If you are patient enough you can still score C414EB and EBP48 for around 500 Euro, which is about as much as the Warm Audio interpretation cost, but in the end you have the real deal

Good source at the moment are france and italy.

This is encouraging as eBay prices in the U.K/EU are far more than this

 

[Jim50hertz]

I think they copied the first version, non P48. It should be easy to check, I think the P48 does not have the DC-DC converter. I'll get back to you guys.

Thanks!

 

[tonzauber]

This is encouraging as eBay prices in the U.K/EU are far more than this

I just scored one on ebay in spain for 450

 

[SubSpec]

Five years later I'm curious if anyone here has dived into this circuit to confirm it's relation to the inspiration. I'm interested in something EB-esque and have a Beesneez brass cap sitting around. Seems a better option than dropping near a grand on an EB if it's close.

 

[OneRoomStudio]

Five years later I'm curious if anyone here has dived into this circuit to confirm its relation to the inspiration. I'm interested in something EB-esque and have a Beesneez brass cap sitting around. Seems a better option than dropping near a grand on an EB if it's close.

There’s a third option: https://vamisound.com/kits/v-414-body-and-pcb-kit/

 

[SubSpec]

Yes, had been considering the Vamisound kit. It is doubtlessly a more faithful circuit. Ended up taking a leap on the Warm since Guitar Center had a barely used "Classic" (i.e. silver) one for $279. Since it's GC I can always take it back if it's not a good fit.

It's kind of silly, never used a real EB myself, but have used numerous modeling mics and modeling software and both the UA and Antelope emulations of the EB are always the best for my voice of all options, so I figure it's worth a shot.

Will crack it open when it comes and compare to the EB schematic and update here with pics.

 

[SubSpec]

As promised, some pics. Haven't had time to compare with the EB circuit, but it certainly didn't knock my socks off with the stock capsule. That said, at a glance and being a novice, the circuit looks better than I expected.

I'm thinking about going dumb with it and dropping in my CT-12 to see how that sounds. I realize it's ridiculous to put in a capsule that's worth twice what the mic cost, and I'll probably pull it once I get my PTP 251 built, but why not give it a spin.

Without further ado:




Updated with observations: (my novice observations aided by ChatGPT)

EB Comb (Original Version)​

• Amplification stage transistors:
  • T2: 2SK30A-R (JFET)
  • T3: BC413C (BJT)
• DC converter transistors:
  • T1: BC183B (single transistor driving the small transformer Ü1 for DC-DC conversion)
• Output transformer:
  • 1.33:1 ratio (low step-down, maintaining higher output level and providing a vintage, full-bodied tone)

---

EB P48 (Phantom-Powered Version)​

• Amplification stage transistors:
  • T2: 2SK30A-R (JFET)
  • T3: BC413C (BJT)
• DC converter transistors:
  • T1: BC413C (single transistor driving the small transformer Ü1 for phantom-powered DC-DC conversion)
• Output transformer:
  • 6:1 ratio (high step-down, reducing output and impedance for compatibility with modern preamps)

---

WA-14​

• Amplification stage transistors:
  • Q4: 2SK118 (modern JFET with improved noise performance)
  • Q3: BC550C (modern low-noise, high-gain BJT)
• DC converter transistors:
  • Q1: BC550C (modern low-noise BJT)
  • Q2: Likely 2N6510 (high-voltage NPN transistor, part of a more efficient two-transistor DC-DC converter design)
• Output transformer:
  • 3:1 ratio (mid-range step-down, providing a balance between vintage warmth and modern performance with increased headroom)