Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII (Used)
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One-channel, low-cost preamp with fully discrete signal path similar to the venerable Neve 1073.
With circuitry based on the venerable Neve 1073 preamp, considered among the best-sounding preamps of all time, the Golden Age Project PRE-73 MKII version delivers the same vintage sound with lower noise and wider dynamic range. It also features a rear-panel 1/4" insert send/return jack, plus the gain control now operates clockwise for higher gain.
The Golden Age Project PRE-73 Mk2 is the first one-channel low-cost preamp on the market that is using a fully discrete signal path with three separate transformers for the balanced mic input, the line input and the output.
The circuit is very similar to the classical preamp section of the Neve 1073 pre/eq module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. This classical sound has 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 PRE-73 has a maximum gain of 80dB on the mic input and the gain range on the Line input is -20 to + 10dB. There is also a high-impedance instrument input.
The PRE-73 is perfect for almost any signal source, no matter if it’s a microphone with a high or low sensitivity (like a passive ribbon mic), a syntheziser or sound module or an electric guitar or bass.
The input impedance of the microphone input can be switched between 300 and 1200 ohm, which makes it possible to affect the tone of most microphones. There is also phase switch and an simple 4-step LED signal level meter.
The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.
Features
- Vintage Style electronics. No intergrated circuits in the signal path
- Maximum gain on the mic input is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources
- Gain range Line input: -20 to + 10 dB
- Switchable impedance mic input: 1200 or 300 Ohms, will change the tone of most mics
- Switchable phantom power and absolute phase
- High-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass
- Simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter
- 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
- Combo XLR/TRS input jacks and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.
- Insert jack for inserting EQ´s and other units.
- Selectable 600 ohm output termination.
- External high-power power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformers
Okay, it's not a Neve, or even a Neve Campbell, but it does deliver the audio goods. Order today!
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Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
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Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
- Colored Sound
- Input And Output Gain
Cons
- Not Grounded
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
- Vocals Voiceover
Comments about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII:
I have three of these things and they are great in the studio. They are nice for fattening up whatever track you need them for. I'd say they are best suited for voice but really can do a lot. They also shine on bass and the DI is fantastic, especially for bass guitar.
This pre is colored and its supposed to be, but mostly when driven into the third transformer stage. That's where the mojo lives. I find it sounds best for voice at -60 or above on the front end. I pad my mics appropriately to get to that gain stage to avoid clipping and get that great color. If you want clean, turn down the front end a bit and turn up the output. It can get fairly pristine with a good signal.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Versatile
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII:
The simple circuitry and ease in use are a simple, yet elegant solution to boosting recording quality. I use this thing not only to get warm (potentially overdriven) character on my mic and instrument line inputs, but also to run audio from an mp3 (.wav) player. I can use this piece of equipment to add a warm character to synthesized instruments or drums on the computer, boosting their warm character. This was my first preamp purchase, and I was on the edge between this and the Pre Sonus Blue Tube. Although this has only one input, I am very happy I chose the higher quality option. This device is worth every penny and I am extremely happy with its use. The only downside is that you're kind of stuck with this character on inputs, however it is possible to reduce the amount of color added by reducing the gain as much as possible and boost the input (or use a trim control on your interface).
Comments about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII:
I'm soooo gald I got this! Everything I've read online said it was awesome, and it really is. My mixes sound so much more dimensional and musical. The tracks stack and layer really well, they don't start to sound muddy after 10 tracks like the built in pres in my FP10. I'm still using the FP10 converters, which are fine for now. I also have an ART MPA II with swapped out tubes, and between the two of these pres I'm able to get some really great sounds. I'd eventually like to add something cleaner like a Grace m101 and some API clones (Black Lion B12A) to help open up my mix more, and then eventually get better converters so I can hear more of what's happening.
Sounds great, lots of gain, easy to use, affordable.
Built sturdy. The sound is fat and warm. I like it on anything from vocals to guitar to drum over heads (with the low-z button down to thicken up the drums). It's also great for bass DI.
Probably one of the best values out there right now. This is impossible to beat!
Comments about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII:
I already stated my salient points above. Its a good step up from interface/mixer pres. Plays well with different mics, and you have some pretty cool options available as far as colouration. Good single channel pre. Its not a neve, but if u squint a little, it could be !
Great having input/output pots, impedance switch and phase flip switch.
Seriously what are the knobs made of? You may as well order a couple extra chickenhead knobs if you order this pre. Pre sounds great, but WTF is up with theses knobs that seem to fall apart during shipping? Easy enough to fix. GAP should ship each unit with replacement knobs.
I use a daking mp1 in addition to this pre. The daking is beautiful sounding, but has less sonic options. The daking is a better pre reguardless, but the gap gives me some eaxtra colors for the painting, and doesnt sound bad at all next to the daking. Great little pre, variety of sounds too.
Comments about Golden Age Project Pre-73 Preamp MKII:
Really was more than I expected. Great sound, great value and versatility. Try it you'll like it unless you're a sound snob and have 'highenditis"
If you're like me looking for a warm analog type sound then look no further. It has a warm fat sound without making your meters jump through the roof. The output dial lets you dial in lots of different sounds and the impedence selection gives you versatility with any mic you use. Makes even the cheap mics sounds great. I hooked it up to my keyboard and the sound was warm and clear, bass sounded clean and fat, highs were nice and clear, clean in fact. Easy to use, quiet, solid build and great tonality. Can't go wrong, especially with the manufacturers wiring things up like the stuff from the old days. It really does have a vintage sound. I have to admit I was going for the ISA One and sitting on the fence about the UA stuff but without being able to demo something that costs $500-700 I was glad I went with the Golden Age Pre-73.
Great build. love how they keep things simple.
Can't beat it, for the money might be the best out there.
Displaying reviews 1-5
