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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Capturing the essence of legendary 1970s rock 'n' roll sound, the BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp is a must-have for any recording aficionado. This classic piece of studio gear is a meticulous recreation of the iconic Neve 1073 console input module, known for its handwired, transformer-coupled Class A design. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, the BAE 1073 offers a sonic palette that can transform your recordings into timeless masterpieces.
The BAE 1073 is engineered using original-spec components like Carnhill St. Ives transformers, Elma switches, and Canford wire, ensuring that you get the authentic, vintage-style coloration that made the original a legend. With up to 80dB of gain, it's perfect for capturing the subtle nuances of low-output ribbon mics. The preamp's highpass filter allows you to clean up your recordings by rolling off undesirable low-frequency content, while its versatile 3-band EQ section offers precision control to enhance any audio source.
Designed to be as versatile as it is powerful, this unit handles both mic and line-level inputs and includes a high-impedance DI for guitar, bass, synth, and other instruments. The BAE 1073 is more than just a piece of gear; it's a bridge to the classic sounds that defined an era.
Key Features:
- All Class A, handwired transformer-coupled design
- 80dB of gain, perfect for low-output ribbon mics
- Highpass filter with selectable frequencies: 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz
- 3-band EQ with fixed and selectable frequencies
- Handles mic and line-level inputs for versatility
- High-impedance DI for various instruments
- Original-spec components for authentic vintage sound
- Frequency response: 10Hz–55kHz (-3dB)
- Polarity reverse switch and mic input impedance selector
- Maximum output level: +27.4 dBu at 600 ohms
Product specs
| Brand | BAE |
| Model | 1073 |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Equalizers, Microphone Preamps |
FAQs
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What makes the BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp a popular choice for recording studios?
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The BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp is renowned for its classic analog warmth and musical harmonics, making it a staple in professional studios. It faithfully replicates the iconic Neve 1073 sound, offering up to 80dB of gain with minimal noise and distortion.
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Is the BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp suitable for vocal recordings?
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Yes, the BAE Audio 1073 is highly regarded for vocal recordings due to its rich, full-bodied sound and ability to enhance vocal presence. It adds a desirable warmth and character that complements a wide range of vocal styles.
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Can the BAE Audio 1073 be used with both microphones and line-level sources?
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Absolutely, the BAE Audio 1073 features inputs for both microphone and line-level sources, making it versatile for various recording applications. Its dual-stage design ensures optimal gain and clarity for different signal types.
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Does the BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp require any special power supply?
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Yes, the BAE Audio 1073 requires an external power supply, specifically the BAE PSU, to operate. This ensures stable performance and optimal audio quality.
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How does the BAE Audio 1073 compare to other mic preamps in its class?
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The BAE Audio 1073 stands out for its authentic replication of the classic Neve 1073 sound, offering superior warmth and harmonics. It is often favored over other preamps for its build quality and faithful reproduction of vintage analog tones.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp.
Features and functionality
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The BAE 1073 offers significantly more gain, beneficial for low-output mics like ribbons and some dynamics.
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The Empirical Labs El-9 Mike-E includes an in-line VCA compressor, ideal for vocals, and offers tape-style saturation when the compsat is engaged.
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The Mike-E's compressor is noted for its effectiveness on percussion and electric guitars, though its attack isn't fast enough to rival an 1176 compressor.
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The BAE 1073 DMP allows users to leave the mic cable plugged in, automatically switching to DI when a jack is inserted into the DI input.
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Comparisons
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Neve-style preamps, like the BAE, add 2nd and 3rd order harmonics, offering a warm, colored sound, contrasting with the cleaner output of the Mike-E.
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The BAE 1073 DMP lacks the ba284 card, resulting in a different saturation character compared to traditional Neve preamps, with less defined saturation.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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Used in conjunction with his Telefunken CU-29 mic, to record Marcus Bently's vocal on his album Fire & Ice.
In a photo shared by The Real Mike Dean on his Instagram account on February 14, 2022, a BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp is visibly used as part of his rack setup. The caption accompanying the image mentions "Little new sauce for D2 mixing," indicating its role in his production process.
This MixOnline article states that Lynne owns a Brent Averill 2073 Mic Preamp.
Used for the vocals on Music from Another Dimension!, as stated by engineer Warren Huart in this August 1, 2012 Mix article archived on the Endless Analog website.
Most of Steven Tyler’s keeper vocals were cut at Swing House with a Neumann U 48 that Huart had used previously on The Fray, James Blunt, Adele and others. Other pieces of the chain included a Brent Averill Enterprises 1073, 'and then I mult to two sets of compression and I parallel compress. I have two [dbx] 160 VU’s, which I set pretty lightly, like 2-to-1 or 3-to-1. I split those out of a mult and then each of those goes to an 1176 set to limit on 20:1 and they just catch the peaks. I’ve got one for verses and softer vocals, attacking it lightly, and then when he goes into that louder, crazier Steven thing I have another set of compression set at half that. They’re multed back together and that’s the vocal sound. What it does is give you huge, fat vocals all the time. I ride the 1073—I’ll click the gain settings up and down depending on where he is on the vocal. It’s pretty old school. As an engineer, you’re blessed to work with a singer of that quality, because he makes your life very easy.'"
In the YouTube video "Analog Mixing & Jonathan Wilson's Home Studio" by Warren Huart on Produce Like A Pro, Jonathan Wilson discusses the equipment in his studio, including the Brent Averill 1073 Mic Preamp.
Album Usage
The BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use BAE Audio 1073 Mic Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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