Golden Age PRE-73 DLX MKII
Best vintage inspired sound for budget conscious producers.
This single-channel preamplifier delivers a vintage-style audio experience, perfect for microphone, line, and instrument signals. It utilizes a discrete component signal path, eschewing integrated circuits for a warm, punchy, and musical tone reminiscent of classic 1073 modules. This versatile sound character excels across various musical genres and sources. The unit features transformer-balanced inputs and outputs, switchable impedance for tonal shaping, and an active instrument DI input. Essential controls like switchable phantom power and phase reverse offer comprehensive flexibility for any recording setup.
$449.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
431
/ 566
#431 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Channels
1
Who it's for
- Home studio producers seeking classic analog warmth
- Budget-conscious engineers desiring premium analog sound
- Musicians needing a flexible front-end for diverse instruments
Who should skip it
- Audio purists expecting identical vintage Neve performance
- High-end studios prioritizing ultimate component longevity
- Engineers preferring ultra-clean, uncolored signal amplification
Performance breakdown
Vintage Character
Discrete circuitry delivers that classic, sought-after 1073 warmth and punch.
Gain Versatility
With 80dB of gain, it handles even the quietest ribbon microphones effortlessly.
Tonal Shaping
Switchable impedance provides essential flexibility for matching various microphone output profiles.
Build Integrity
Transformer-balanced I/O ensures a robust, professional signal path for critical tracking.
DI Performance
The active instrument input offers a clean, direct path for bassists.
Studio Footprint
Half-rack design maximizes desk space without sacrificing high-end sonic performance.
Key Specs
Channels
1
Circuit Type
Discrete components, no integrated circuits in signal path
Input/Output
Transformer balanced mic/line input and line output
Transformers
Custom made mic/line input and line output transformers
Gain
Up to 80 dB on mic input
Line Input Gain Range
-20 to +10 dB
Phantom Power
Switchable, 48V
Phase Reverse
Switchable
Know before you buy
The unit uses a fully discrete signal path without any integrated circuits, mirroring the design philosophy of classic 1073 modules. It also features custom-made input and output transformers that add the characteristic warmth, punch, and harmonic saturation associated with vintage recording gear.
Yes, it includes an active instrument DI input specifically designed for guitars and basses. You can toggle between different impedance settings to ensure your instrument's pickups interact correctly with the preamp for the best possible tone.
Switchable impedance allows you to change how the microphone interacts with the preamp's input transformer. By toggling between 1200 and 300 ohms, you can subtly alter the frequency response and transient behavior of your microphone, giving you more tonal options for different sources.
With up to 80 dB of gain available, the PRE-73 DLX MKII has plenty of headroom to drive low-output ribbon microphones cleanly. Just ensure you engage the 48V phantom power only if your specific ribbon microphone requires it, as some vintage ribbons can be damaged by phantom power.
The PRE-73 DLX MKII features a half-rack form factor. This makes it a great choice for smaller studio setups where space is limited, though you will need a rack tray or mounting kit if you intend to install it in a standard 19-inch rack.
Yes, the unit features a switchable input pad. This is useful when recording very loud sources, such as drums or high-output guitar cabinets, to prevent the input stage from clipping before you have a chance to adjust your gain settings.
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