The Warm Audio WA87: Smart Boy Studios' Secret Weapon for Vocal Excellence
At Smart Boy Studios, we've spent 7 years perfecting our vocal recording approach, and the Warm Audio WA87 has become central to our signature sound. This isn't just about having expensive gear - it's about understanding how to unlock its full potential.
Why the WA87 Works for Modern Vocals
The WA87's vintage-inspired design gives us that classic warmth artists crave, but with the clarity modern genres demand. In our experience working across trap, R&B, and pop, this microphone captures the intimate details that make vocals sit perfectly in today's dense mixes.
Our recording chain pairs the WA87 with the UA LA-610 preamp, creating a combination that adds just enough character without overwhelming the natural tone of the artist's voice.
The Smart Boy Studios WA87 Recording Process
Pre-Session Preparation We always start 30 minutes before the artist arrives, ensuring the WA87 is properly warmed up and positioned. Room acoustics matter tremendously - we've optimized our space specifically for this microphone's pickup pattern.
Positioning and Technique Distance is everything with the WA87. We typically position artists 6-8 inches away, adjusting based on their natural projection and the song's energy. For intimate R&B vocals, we might go closer; for powerful trap hooks, we create more space.
Gain Staging Magic Here's where experience matters. The WA87 through the LA-610 has a sweet spot around 60-70% gain, where you get warmth without saturation. We monitor levels constantly, because digital clipping destroys the organic character this setup provides.
Genre-Specific WA87 Techniques
Trap/Melodic Rap Vocals For trap vocals, we use the WA87's proximity effect strategically. Closer positioning for verses creates intimacy, while stepping back for hooks adds space and power. The microphone's natural compression helps vocals cut through heavy 808s without harsh processing.
R&B and Soul R&B vocals shine with the WA87's midrange warmth. We often use minimal processing, letting the microphone and preamp do the heavy lifting. The natural tube saturation from our chain adds the vintage character R&B artists love.
Pop Production Pop vocals need clarity and presence. We position artists slightly further back, capturing more room tone, then use strategic EQ to enhance the WA87's natural brightness around 10kHz.
The Smart Boy Studios Difference
What sets our WA87 recordings apart isn't just the equipment - it's our understanding of how this microphone responds to different voices and genres. After working with 93+ clients, we've learned that the WA87 isn't just about capturing sound; it's about capturing emotion.
Real Results Our client satisfaction rating of 9.5/10 comes from this attention to detail. When artists hear their voice through our WA87 setup, they immediately understand the difference quality equipment and expertise make.
Beyond the Microphone The WA87 is just one part of our process. We combine it with 7 years of mixing and mastering experience, ensuring your vocals don't just sound great in isolation - they sit perfectly in your final mix.
Getting the Most from Your Vocal Sessions
Preparation Tips
Arrive hydrated and warmed up
Bring reference tracks that inspire your vocal approach
Trust our positioning recommendations - we know this microphone intimately
During Recording We create a comfortable environment where artists can focus on performance while we handle the technical aspects. The WA87's forgiving nature means we can capture multiple takes without fatigue affecting quality.
Conclusion
The Warm Audio WA87 represents our commitment to providing the best possible recording experience at Smart Boy Studios. This isn't just about having premium equipment - it's about 7 years of learning how to use it effectively across different genres and vocal styles.
When you book a session with us, you're not just getting access to a great microphone. You're getting our expertise in positioning, gain staging, and recording techniques that bring out the best in your voice. That's why 62.5% of our revenue comes from regular clients who keep coming back.
Ready to experience the WA87 difference? Contact Smart Boy Studios today to book your session and discover why artists throughout West Ohio and Central Indiana trust us with their most important recordings.