The original KM84 was introduced in 1966 and was the first microphone to employ phantom power. One of its strengths is a classic cardioid pattern with extremely smooth off-axis response. Sounds reaching the capsule from the sides exhibit a very similar frequency response and lack of color when compared to on-axis pickup. The KM84 was discontinued in 1992 and eventually replaced with the KM184, which utilizes the same capsule but is otherwise a different animal.
The WA-84 is available in nickel or black finishes and looks very similar to the KM84. It has the same distinctive side ports and a similar profile, though the WA-84 is slightly fatter and about an inch longer than the KM84.
Like the vast majority of KM84s, the WA-84 has a -10 dB pad switch, though it is different in design from the original. Also like the original, the WA-84’s capsule can be removed, which makes me wonder if Warm Audio has an omni capsule planned for the future. Its frequency response differs from that of the KM84, reaching down to 20 Hz, as opposed to 40 Hz, and the WA-84 has a gentle bump of about 2.5 dB in the region of 15 kHz. The WA-84 runs on 48-volt phantom power.
Warm sent Mix a stereo pair of WA-84s for this review. The set is packaged in a foam-lined, hard plastic case with compartments for the mics, windscreens, hard mounts and shock mounts, all of which are included. The manual provides some useful information regarding cables, pop filters and using a pair of WA-84s in spaced pair and XY stereo configurations.
