Golden Age Project Pre-73 DLX MK II
Best classic tone preamp for project studio enthusiasts.
Experience the classic warmth and punch of vintage 73-style preamps with this single-channel unit. This solid-state device delivers a rich sound, perfect for adding character to vocals, drums, and guitars. It boasts up to 80dB of gain, a selectable high-pass filter, and an "Air EQ" for subtle high-frequency lift. Flexible inputs accommodate microphones, line sources, and instruments via a 1/4" DI. Three optimized transformers ensure balanced signal integrity for its microphone, line, and output connections, complemented by an updated power supply.
$449.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 566
#48 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Gain
80
/ Up to dB
Who it's for
- Recording artists seeking a classic, analog warmth for their tracks
- Home studio owners and project engineers on a budget
- Producers needing a flexible preamp for various recording applications
Who should skip it
- Audio purists expecting an identical sonic match to vintage units
- Engineers requiring extensive onboard equalization for detailed sound sculpting
- Studio users preferring integrated power solutions for cleaner setups
Performance breakdown
Vintage Character
Delivers that sought-after 73-style harmonic saturation and thick, punchy analog warmth.
Gain Headroom
Provides 80dB of clean gain to drive even the quietest ribbon microphones.
Tone Shaping
The Air EQ and selectable high-pass filters offer precise, musical frequency control.
Build Integrity
Robust chassis and triple-transformer design ensure reliable, professional-grade signal path performance.
Input Versatility
Seamlessly handles everything from high-impedance instruments to line-level studio gear.
Signal Transparency
Maintains excellent signal integrity while adding a distinct, colorful sonic signature.
Key Specs
Gain
Up to 80dB
Phantom Power
48V
High-Pass Filter
Selectable (50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz)
AIR EQ
30kHz (3dB or 6dB boost)
Inputs
Microphone (XLR), Line (TRS), Instrument (1/4" DI)
Outputs
Balanced Line (XLR, TRS)
Circuitry
Vintage-style discrete Solid State
Transformers
3 (optimized for mic, line, and output)
Know before you buy
This preamp is designed to emulate the classic, vintage 73-style sound. It offers a warm, punchy, and colored signal path that adds harmonic richness to your recordings, making it ideal for vocals, guitars, and drums.
Yes, it is well-suited for low-output microphones. With up to 80dB of gain available, it provides plenty of clean headroom to drive ribbon and dynamic microphones without needing an external inline preamp.
The Air EQ provides a subtle high-frequency boost at 30kHz. It is designed to add a sense of openness and clarity to your signal, helping vocals or acoustic instruments sit better in a dense mix.
Absolutely. You can route line-level signals from your interface into the unit's line input to add the warmth and character of the vintage-style circuitry to your digital recordings.
The instrument DI is designed to route your signal through the preamp's circuitry to ensure you get the same harmonic character as your microphone sources. It is perfect for tracking electric guitars, basses, and synthesizers.
The selectable high-pass filter offers four frequency points: 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, and 300Hz. This allows you to effectively clean up low-end rumble or mud from your source signal before it hits your converter.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$449