Age Project Pre-73 DLX Premier Microphone Preamp
Best classic sounding preamp for home and project studio recording.
This single-channel preamplifier delivers a warm, punchy, and musical sound, reminiscent of classic 1073 modules, thanks to its all-discrete component signal path. It features premium UK-made Carnhill transformers for authentic audio character. Versatile tonal shaping is achieved through a selectable high-pass filter, AIR EQ, and switchable input impedance. An active instrument DI input and extensive output control offer creative sound sculpting possibilities, making it ideal for a wide range of sources.
$599.00
More PRE-73 Options
Golden Age Project PRE-73 DLX PREMIER
$649.00
Golden Age Project PRE573 Plus MKII
$399.00
Golden Age Project Pre-73 DLX MK II
$449.00
Golden Age Project Pre573 MKIII
$299.00
Golden Age Premier Pre-73
$499.00
Golden Age Project PRE-73 Premier Microphone Preamp
$499.00
Golden Age Audio Project PRE-73 MKIV
$327.00
Golden Age PRE-73 DLX MKII
$449.99
Golden Age Audio PRE-73 DLX MKII
$449.00
Golden Age Project PRE-73 Jr PREMIER
$449.00
Golden Age Project PRE-73 JR Microphone Preamplifier
$193.59
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 566
#48 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-63%
Below average
Channels
Single-Channel
/ Single-Channel
Who it's for
- Home studio owners and project producers seeking iconic vintage sound without breaking the bank.
- Budget-conscious engineers and musicians desiring professional-grade audio performance.
- Recording artists and engineers needing flexible connectivity for diverse sources.
Who should skip it
- Audio purists and high-end studios demanding absolute sonic authenticity.
- Producers and engineers seeking an all-in-one recording solution.
- Critical listeners and mastering engineers requiring pristine, ultra-low noise performance.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Carnhill transformers deliver that sought-after vintage warmth and harmonic saturation.
Gain Versatility
With 80 dB on tap, it handles even the quietest ribbon microphones.
Build Integrity
A robust chassis design ensures long-term reliability in any studio environment.
Tonal Shaping
The AIR EQ and high-pass filter provide essential, musical frequency control.
Input Flexibility
Switchable impedance settings allow for precise matching with various microphone types.
Signal Purity
Discrete circuitry and external power supply keep the noise floor impressively low.
Key Specs
Channels
Single-Channel
Input Connectors
XLR Combo Jack TRS
Output Connectors
1/4-inch TRS, Analog XLR
Phantom Power
Yes
High Pass Filter
Yes (selectable frequencies)
Instrument Input DI
Yes
Max Gain (Mic Input)
80 dB
Input Impedance (Mic)
1200 or 300 ohms
Know before you buy
This preamp is designed to emulate the classic 1073 sound, offering a warm, punchy, and musical character. By using a discrete component signal path and UK-made Carnhill transformers, it provides a vintage-style saturation that adds weight and harmonic richness to your recordings.
The AIR EQ is a selectable boost that adds a subtle, high-frequency lift to your signal. It is particularly useful for adding clarity and 'sheen' to dull-sounding microphones or sources that need a bit more presence in the mix.
Yes, the unit features a dedicated active instrument DI input for guitars and basses, alongside a combo jack for microphones and line-level signals. You can also switch the input impedance to better match the specific requirements of your microphones or instruments.
The external power supply is used to keep the AC power components away from the sensitive audio circuitry. This design choice helps minimize noise and interference, ensuring a cleaner, more professional audio signal.
The output level control allows you to drive the input stage harder to achieve more transformer saturation while keeping the final output level manageable. The output pad provides an additional way to attenuate the signal, giving you more flexibility to push the preamp for character without clipping your interface.
The high-pass filter offers four selectable frequencies (50, 80, 160, or 300 Hz), allowing you to clean up your signal at the source. It is ideal for removing unwanted low-end rumble or mud before the signal even hits your digital converter.
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