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Key Features
The Pre-73 Premier is built how audio components used to be before integrated circuits. Transformer balanced input and output sections significantly reduce unwanted noise and hum. A 14dB output pad can also be used to distort the output stage transformer, adding further character to your audio. The 80dB maximum mic gain and high pass filter, located on the front panel, make the Pre-73 Premier suited to a range of sources. The look of the Pre-73 premier further enhances the appeal, with robust buttons and dials similar to those found on vintage studio gear.
Product Ref: 148172
The Pre-73 Premier benefits from a vintage style build. Built the way audio components used to be, the input and output of the Pre-73 are transformer balanced individually. Each one optimised for the purpose. This greatly improves noise rejection and reduces hum on the audio.
A -14dB output switch also allows to overdrive the output stage and really benefit from the transformer. The output level control can also be used to overload gain stages to create more character. The circuit used in the Pre-73 Premier bares similarities to the iconic Neve 1073, replicating the warm, musical sound. Neve 1073 has been a part of iconic studios for decades. The Pre-73 Premier manages to bring the essence of this legendary equipment to the masses.
The Pre-73 Premier differs from the Golden Age Project Pre-73 Plus by soldering every connection apart from the gain switch. This means higher signal quality and long-term reliability thanks to the Premier needing a total of 48 less connections.
The Pre-73 front panel design maintains the look of a vintage preamp. A quality gain dial matches the aesthetic of the 1073, whilst allowing up to 80dB maximum gain in mic mode. This is enough for passive ribbon microphones on quiet sources.
The front of the Pre-73 Premier also features four buttons, devoted to phantom power (+48v), switching to line input, Low-Z and DI input. The DI input is also located on the front of the Pre-73 Premier, ideal if the preamp is placed in a rack. Switches for a selectable 6 dB/octave high pass filter at around 80 Hz or 200 Hz complete the Pre-73 Premier.
"Gentle but effective tonal shaping at source. In essence, these new Premier preamps continue the already excellent GA Project heritage, but add great vintage looksand a more reliable and better-sounding construction" Sound On Sound
Read the full review here.