Golden Age Project PRE-73 Jr PREMIER
Best vintage inspired sound for home studio enthusiasts.
Experience classic analog warmth with this single-channel microphone preamplifier, meticulously crafted for exceptional tone. It features premium Carnhill transformers, delivering a rich, harmonically complex sound signature. With up to 70 dB of gain, a versatile 1/4" instrument DI, and essential tools like a high-pass filter and AIR boost EQ, this preamp is ideal for capturing detailed and characterful audio in any studio setting. Its robust build ensures reliable performance for years to come, making it a valuable addition to any recording setup.
$449.00
More PRE-73 Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
251
/ 566
#251 in Microphone Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Channels
1
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers seeking vintage analog warmth for their recordings
- Project studio owners and budget-conscious producers desiring premium sound
- Home recordists and multi-instrumentalists needing a flexible front-end
Who should skip it
- Engineers requiring integrated EQ for immediate sound sculpting
- Audio purists and mastering engineers prioritizing absolute transparency
- Studio users preferring integrated power supplies for cleaner cable management
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Carnhill transformers deliver that sought-after vintage analog warmth and harmonic richness.
Gain Versatility
Seventy decibels of clean headroom handles ribbon mics and quiet sources easily.
Tone Shaping
The AIR boost and high-pass filter provide essential control for modern tracking.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures this unit withstands the rigors of daily studio use.
DI Performance
Dedicated instrument input captures guitar and bass signals with impressive analog depth.
Workflow Efficiency
Intuitive layout makes dialing in professional-grade tones a quick, seamless process.
Key Specs
Channels
1
Maximum Gain
70 dB
Phantom Power
48V
Input Transformer
Carnhill
Output Transformer
Carnhill
Instrument Input
1/4" High-Impedance
EQ
Two-position high-frequency AIR Boost
Features
Polarity Invert, High-Pass Filter, 1/4" Insert Jack, Output Level Control
Know before you buy
The Carnhill transformers provide a classic, vintage-style analog warmth. They add harmonic complexity and a subtle thickness to your signal, which helps digital recordings sound more musical and less clinical.
Yes, 70 dB is plenty of gain for most demanding microphones, including popular low-output ribbon and dynamic models. It provides enough clean headroom to capture quiet sources without introducing excessive noise.
The AIR boost is a two-position high-frequency shelf that adds clarity and presence to your signal. It is particularly useful for brightening up dark-sounding microphones or helping vocals sit more prominently in a dense mix.
Absolutely. The high-impedance 1/4" DI input is designed specifically for instruments, allowing you to capture the full frequency range of your guitar or bass pickups before they hit your interface.
Yes, it uses an external power supply to keep noise away from the sensitive audio circuitry. Always use the included power adapter to ensure the unit performs as intended and remains free of interference.
The insert jack allows you to place external processors, such as a compressor or EQ, directly into the signal path after the preamp stage but before the output. This is a great way to shape your sound before it reaches your digital converter.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$449