NAD! - Warwick

[punkjazzben]

Hi all,

After messing around trying to sort out how to get the most bang for my buck on a new rig, two great deals landed in my lap. The first was a Warwick WCA 411 Pro cab, selling second-hand for less than a third of its retail value. Next was a Warwick WA300 in a clearance sale for about 30-40% off. Waiting on a Speakon cable to arrive, but I tried out the amp with headphones and was impressed. Nice and warm-sounding! Here 'tis:

[punkjazzben]

Okay, my Speakon lead arrived and I've had a chance to play around with this setup properly. Some thoughts:

The amp as two inputs, passive and active. I don't know what the exact specifications are for this, but the active input seems to pad the signal from my active Warwick a lot more than any other amp I've used. I need to try another active bass out with it to confirm this, but it does require a significant boost on the volume dial to get it back up when switching from a passive bass on the passive input.

The WA300 also has a mini-jack AUX input on the front for your iPod or what have you; this is great, no adapter required. There is also a mini-jack headphone output - again, great, as I don't need a 1/4 inch adapter now. There are all your standard outputs on the back.

With dials at 12 o'clock and the EQ off, the WA300 sounds very transparent. There is no hum or hissing, and I think this has to do with the lower impedance of the amp's circuitry. EQ switched on, and all controls at 0, the amp is still quiet but there is a tiny bit of added warmth to the tone. When I boost highs, there is still no noise.

Without too much added tone-shaping, I'd describe this amp as having a mostly transparent sound, but with a tiny bit of warmth. Not tube warmth, but the amp certainly doesn't sound clinical. When I plug any of my basses in, it sounds different - this amp won't make everything sound like a P-bass with flats and a bit of SansAmp overdrive, and that's a good thing. My Warwick sounds like a Warwick, and my Precision sounds like a Precision.

The EQ gives -/+ 12dB across ten bands ranging from 35Hz to 10kHz, and there is a treble knob that gives -/+ 18db at 10kHz and a bass knob that gives -/+ 18dB at 60Hz. Right now I have a 35-140Hz bump and the rest of the bands are at 0, and this gives a lovely, slightly warm, but very full sound with both my Precision and Warwick. If I add some highs, via the EQ or treble knob, I don't get a typical 'smiley face-EQ' sound; the mids are still strong, and you're really just adding a bit of 'glass' to the sound.

The built-in compressor is better than I thought. I'm not sure what its parameters are but compared to, say, a Hartke built-in compressor, this doesn't have that harsh cut-off sound you sometimes get with built-ins that seem more like a limiter than compressor. The Warwick one is much more subtle and I will be happy to use it live. Along with the 10-band EQ, the built in compressor has saved me yet another beer-soaked pedal on the floor!

The WCA Pro 411 cab seems like a brilliant cab. It has handled everything I've given it from the head, including some fairly hefty bass-boosting. It's 8ohm, so I'm not getting the full 300 watts, but that doesn't seem to matter. Compared with Hartke 4x10 with built-in 350 watt head (kind of like a mega-combo) that I've played around with, the Warwick cab seems much, much louder. It's a much deeper cab and has some other design features that could contribute. And there is just something about that big 'W' on the grill...

The only thing bugging me is that there is a very quiet hissing perceptible when the HF tweeter is dialled anywhere but at 0; even the smallest adjustment brings the hiss back. To be honest, though, no one will hear the difference in my playing situation if the tweeter is off. This could very well be coming from my MIM Precision, which a bit noisy (even my Squier Affinity has less buzz when plugged in). But I digress...

Overall, I think most people know the WCA Pro 411 is an excellent cab. I'm happy with it and I got it for an absolute bargain second hand. It's about six years old and solid as a tank. I'm stoked about it. I was initally worried that it was 8ohms and that I would be left with a massive amp that's no louder than a 80-watt combo with a 12-inch driver. But this is LOUD, and clear.

I haven't read much about the WA300 and even the Warwick website forum is pretty quiet about them. I'm not sure that many people bought them. Perhaps it has something to do with the price-bracket (people could get more for the same money), but if you can buy on sale or second-hand, its worth it. They were manufactured in China, along with the new cabs Warwick are selling, so maybe that has something to do with it. Nevertheless, it seems that the company's decision to move production of many basses and amps offshore to China and Korea has not impacted the quality of their products.

This amp is versatile and well-made. Only time will tell, but I expect this to be a reliable unit in live situations. It sounds exactly like I want my amp to sound and has more than enough tone-shaping capabilities. If I ever upgrade, I will definitely look at Warwick's high-end stuff, because the WA300 is a really great amp. When I have some spare cash, I will look for a small Warwick combo to use for practice and rehearsals with acoustic instruments. I'm sold.

[mjbing]

Ben

Those EQ lights are cool.
Thanks for the review
I have wondered about amps and cabs

[IngerAlb]

Finally, a WA review Tnx

[punkjazzben]

Originally Posted by IngerAlb

Finally, a WA review Tnx

No worries. Been playing with it some more and I'm still really excited with how good this unit is.

I forgot to mention this that it came packaged with a set of rackmount ears, and I am seriously considering putting this in a rack case with a 1RU tuner - I'm getting sick of having things (pedals and excess cable) sitting on the floor. In any case, the amp has rubber feet and is all fine to sit on its own. The website says the amp weighs 10kg, and that feels about right. It's sturdy and I'm not worried about damaging it; my only concern would be scratches on the metal casing, hence the rack case.

Also, I should just correct myself. I think that many Warwick amps have actually been manufactured in China for a fair while now; this is not a new thing. Nevertheless, it still stands that this is an excellent product and there are clearly good quality control procedures in place at the factory.

Again, awesome amp. I understand that Warwick amps are hard to find in the US, and are priced a bit more, but if you can do it I really do recommend the new range.

[Garey]

The new range of amps was the hit of the NAMM show this year... Both the WA range and BC combos. They debuted at Musikmesse 2011, but just became available this past November. They offer amazing flexibility and tone, at an affordable price. They are indeed manufactured in China, following strict quality control guidelines.

Glad you're enjoying it...let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!

[punkjazzben]

Originally Posted by Garey

The new range of amps was the hit of the NAMM show this year... Both the WA range and BC combos. They debuted at Musikmesse 2011, but just became available this past November. They offer amazing flexibility and tone, at an affordable price. They are indeed manufactured in China, following strict quality control guidelines.

Glad you're enjoying it...let me know if you have any questions! Thanks!

Excellent to hear! I thought they had been around for much longer, but I guess not.

I really am enjoying my new amp, as you can probably tell. It would be good to see if any other TBers have amps from the new range, or are looking to buy.

I will be using this rig for a 3+ hour pub gig the weekend after next, and will report back on how it goes. This weekend I will be playing through a fellow bassist's Ampeg rig, so I will do a comparison.

[WarwickOfficial]

Hows the WA300 working out for you after using it out at the gig? We'd love to hear your impressions. Thanks!

[Goteky45]

After owning the ProFet 5.2 for some years, I'm really interested ont his new head. Hearing that it has influences from the hellborg line, the best equipment I've heard, has really pumped my interest. Really looking forward for your gig report.

About the cab's tweeter, I also find it very noisy with all my basses except my acoustics for some reason. And it gets even worse when I get the treble up.

Anyways, great review mate

[WarwickOfficial]

Originally Posted by Goteky45

Hearing that it has influences from the hellborg line, the best equipment I've heard, has really pumped my interest. Really looking forward for your gig report.

Anyways, great review mate

Extensive R&D was done in a joint effort between Celestion and Jonas Hellborg, and many features of the high-end Hellborg Amp line were utilized in its design. Its a very well thought-out design with special attention given to circuit and component layout, which results in a very musical sound with low noise and no hiss/hum. With its symmetrical circuit layout - meant to reduce resistance, create as low impedance as possible, and provide proper grounding, it creates less thermal noise and needs less filtering of high frequency feedback - which equals a more responsive and musical sounding amp.

Two features, which come straight from the Hellborg-series: The preamp runs as a low-noise Class A -circuit, and it also includes Warwick’s DDL-technology. DDL stands for Dynamic Distortion Limiter and keeps the signal virtually free from distortion or clipping, even when turned all the way up.

Thanks again for the great review!

[punkjazzben]

I must apologise for leaving this so long! I have gigged with a few different amps and have finally had a chance to give my new rig a decent go - darn those helpful bassists in other towns offering to lend me their amp! I have used a Hartke 3500H, Behringer BX4500, and an Ampeg B2RE, and will write up a comparative review once I've had a chance to look into the exact specifications of those amps. I expect to report back in a couple of days. I've also got some gig shots

For now I can say that this setup combined with my Warwick Corvette is outstanding, and for the first time people have approached me to compliment me on the bass sound. After much umm-ing and ahh-ing and soul-searching, I'm settling on a full Warwick setup. I thought a Precision with flats in 'my sound', but I think that's just what worked with any old amp.

TL;DR - I've got more reviewing to do, and I'm an unashamed Warwick fanboy.

[WarwickOfficial]

Thanks Ben...glad to hear things are working out so well for you! I'm looking forward to hearing your full report, and also seeing some gig shots! If you're on FaceBook, feel free to post your pictures on the Warwick & Framus page!

[Pollinator95]

Ben, can you get the light overdrive from this video with the amp? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qzq5rt9lZE

It looks like he might be getting the drive form the Hellborg unit above it. Also these amps are designed not to distort, so maybe he's simply got a really low setup.

[punkjazzben]

Originally Posted by Pollinator95

Ben, can you get the light overdrive from this video with the amp? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qzq5rt9lZE

It looks like he might be getting the drive form the Hellborg unit above it. Also these amps are designed not to distort, so maybe he's simply got a really low setup.

Sorry, this is the first time I've seen this post.

I don't think he is running the Hellborg in this one. It's really hard to get grit from this head, but I was able to replicate Andy's tone in the video by playing my Corvette with a pick and digging in. I can do the same with my Precision just digging in with fingers. So I think most of the dirt is coming from the Fortress Andy is playing - helps that it's a Warwick, too, so lots of inherent growl.