Golden Age Project PRE573 Plus MKII
Best classic sound for discerning audio engineers and home studio owners.
This 500-series microphone preamplifier delivers the sought-after sound of classic 1073-style circuitry. It features upgraded Carnhill transformers for enhanced sonic character and provides a wide gain range, extending up to +80 dB. An active DI input offers flexibility for instruments, while the switchable AIR mode adds a touch of high-frequency presence. A signal and overload indicator LED ensures optimal levels during recording, making it a versatile tool for capturing vocals and instruments with professional quality.
$399.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 566
#48 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Gain Range
1580
/ - to + dB
Who it's for
- Home studio owners, project studio engineers, budget-conscious producers.
- Musicians, engineers needing a flexible front-end for diverse sources.
- Producers, engineers desiring analog warmth and subtle sonic enhancement.
Who should skip it
- Audio purists, high-end studio engineers, vintage gear collectors.
- Engineers recording full bands, studios needing multiple premium channels.
- Engineers seeking an all-in-one channel strip solution.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Carnhill transformers deliver that classic, thick vintage warmth with modern clarity.
Gain Versatility
Massive 80 dB range handles everything from ribbon mics to quiet sources.
DI Flexibility
Switchable active and passive modes offer distinct tonal textures for instruments.
High-End Presence
The AIR mode adds a smooth, musical sheen to dull vocal tracks.
Impedance Matching
Dual mic impedance settings allow for precise tonal shaping with different microphones.
Build Quality
Robust 500-series construction feels reliable and ready for heavy studio use.
Key Specs
Gain Range
-15 to +80 dB
Input Connector Type
XLR, TRS
Output Connector Type
XLR
Output Impedance
600 ohm (switchable termination)
Phantom Power
Selectable
Phase Reverse
Selectable
Instrument Input (DI)
Yes
Number of Channels
1
Know before you buy
This unit is designed to emulate the classic 1073-style circuitry, known for its thick, musical, and harmonically rich sound. The inclusion of upgraded Carnhill transformers adds a distinct vintage warmth and depth to your recordings.
Yes, the PRE573 Plus MKII offers a substantial gain range of up to 80 dB. This is more than enough to cleanly amplify quiet ribbon or dynamic microphones without introducing excessive noise.
The AIR mode introduces a subtle high-frequency boost starting above 10 kHz. It is designed to add a sense of openness and presence to vocals or acoustic instruments, helping them sit better in a dense mix.
Yes, the unit features a flexible DI input that can be switched between active and passive modes. The active mode provides a high 1.5 M ohm impedance for instruments with active electronics, while the passive mode offers 100 kohm for traditional electric guitars and basses.
Switching between 1200 and 300 ohms allows you to change how the preamp 'loads' your microphone. This alters the frequency response and transient behavior, giving you two different tonal options for the same microphone.
Yes, the PRE573 Plus MKII is built to the standard 500-series module format. It will function in any standard 500-series rack that provides the necessary power and connectivity.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$399