512 Audio: Warm Audio spin-off debuts affordable mics and headphones

25 Aug 2021 by Lyubomir Dobrev | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

· Source: 512 Audio

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Warm Audio is among the busiest analog gear replica makers out there. Considering its clearly excellent understanding of the current audio market, it’s not surprising to see the manufacturer seek its place in the content creator niche. That’s a big ol’ bunch of people in need of affordable equipment to get them started recording, with decent results and the leanest possible learning curve. To that, Warm Audio has come up with a new spin-off brand: 512 Audio. Its debut offering comprises the Limelight dynamic microphone (USD 200), the Skylight condenser mic (USD 200), the Academy monitor headphones (USD 100), and branded accessories (the 512-BBA boom arm and 512-POP windshield). Impressive!

Limelight and Skylight microphones

Its looks don’t lie – the Limelight dynamic microphone (USD 200) is designed for podcasting, broadcasting, and streaming. The mic has a hyper-cardioid pattern to reject room reflections and ambient noise as much as possible, as well as a 100Hz low-frequency filter switch to reduce boom and rumble. Also present are the built-in pop shield and swivel mic mount.

: Limelight microphone

: Limelight microphone

Limelight by 512 Audio

The Skylight (USD 200) is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone sporting a 34mm gold-plated capsule and a broader cardioid pattern. Sound-wise, the frequency response is modeled for vocal recording with warm lows, relaxed mids, and a boost around 5kHz for a bit of air and presence. No need to reinvent the wheel here. The Skylight ships with a carry bag, a metal mesh pop filter (the exact opposite of a glorified stretched-out sock), and a low-profile shockmount.

: Skylight microphone

: Skylight microphone

Skylight by 512 Audio

Academy studio monitor headphones

The Academy headphones (USD 100) seem to cover a lot of bases for their modest price. Custom 45mm dynamic drivers, 3m coiled cable, fully adjustable headband, plush closed-back earcups that rotate at 90 degrees, and a decent frequency response. They even ship with a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch adapter to replace the one you lost forever literally moments ago. That, and a hard shell carrying case.