Warm Audio WA-412

I use these preamps predominantly on drum close mics and they do some magic when you drive the signals into the transformers using the Tone function. It's a great way to tame peaky snares and their ilk and round off the edges. I've also used this preamp in cleaner ranges without the Tone (eg., on condensers I prefer this switch to be off) and it works fine in these applications as well. Great as a bread and butter set of preamps, I have two units for 8 channels total.
I did have problems with a faulty unit being sent in the initial delivery, but Thomann replaced it a little later with a perfectly functioning one, no quibbles at all! The staff at Thomann was very helpful and friendly throughout the return procedure.

The 412 sits beside its mentor Api3124 device in my rack. For 1/3 of the price I get something real close to Api-ness but with a lot more control and versatility. I can take the 412 further than the Api in most directions. It’s a class doppelgänger.

If I could afford to stay in Neve and Api world across the rack I’d still have Warm on board for its usability and sound. The APi has served me well for years and I’m not suggesting here is it’s replacement but I am loving having them both in the rack. Take the Warm for a dirty off road ride and cruise the boulevard with the Api. Really good.