Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX PREMIER One Channel 1073 Vintage Style Preamplifier

one-channel vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamplifierThe circuit used in the PRE-73 DLX PREMIER is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

The PRE-73 DLX PREMIER features UK-made Carnhill mic input and line output transformers and highpass inductor. The line input uses a custom transformer and the circuit board is prepared for the Carnhill tone. The output is balanced and fully floating and can drive a 600 ohm load up to about 28 dBu.

At A Glance • Vintage style electronics, no integrated circuits in the main audio signal path
• Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jack with gold over nickel plated bronze contacts is used for the mic input
• Combo XLR/TRS mic and line input jacks and separate output XLR
• Traditional 23-position 1073-style gain switch
• All soldered, connector-free internal design
• Gain range on the line input: -20 to + 10 dB
• Maximum gain on the mic input is 80 dB

Premium componentsThe PRE-73 DLX PREMIER includes an active instrument input for guitar and bass that passes the signal through the mic input transformer, with selectable input impedance, hi-Z or 100 kohm, by an internal jumper. Mic Input Switchable impedance on the mic input, 1200 or 300 ohms. Changing the load impedance will change the tone of many mics. The phantom power can deliver up to 10 mA according to the specification standard. The 6.8 kohm phantom power resistors are matched to within 0.1% to maintain good common-mode rejection in the circuit.

The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage. Selectable 1073-style inductor based highpass filter at 50, 80, 160 or 300 Hz with a slope of 18 dB / octave.

An output pad allows the user to add character by attenuating the output signal after the output transformer by -7, -14, -21 or -28 dB for overdriving the output stage and the output transformer by adding gain and then lower the output signal to a suitable level with the pad. PHASE Switchable phantom power and absolute phase. Selectable two position AIR EQ with a boost of about 3 or 6 dB at around 30 kHz. A simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter.