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Description

The Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX Premier Microphone Preamp is a classic choice for those seeking to capture the warmth and richness of vintage sound. This preamp, part of Golden Age's renowned Premier series, takes inspiration from the revered 1073, offering a faithful recreation of its legendary tone. Designed for both professional studios and home recording enthusiasts, the PRE-73 DLX delivers exceptional sound quality with a fully discrete signal path and transformer-balanced inputs and outputs.

This preamp is versatile, accommodating a wide range of microphones, instruments, and recording environments. From capturing the nuanced dynamics of a vocal performance to the raw energy of an electric guitar, the PRE-73 DLX ensures clarity and depth. Its intuitive interface provides easy access to essential controls, making it user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned engineers.

Equipped with a high-pass filter, switchable impedance, and a smooth gain knob, this preamp offers precision control over your sound. The robust build quality ensures durability, while the premium components guarantee reliability and performance consistency. Whether you’re recording a live band or layering tracks in your studio, the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX is a powerful tool that enhances every session.

Key Features:

  • Fully discrete signal path for authentic vintage tone
  • Transformer-balanced inputs and outputs
  • Switchable impedance for mic and line inputs
  • High-pass filter for reducing low-frequency noise
  • Smooth gain control for precise sound sculpting
  • Sturdy construction with high-quality components for long-lasting use

Product specs

Brand Golden Age Premier
Model PRE-73 DLX Premier Microphone Preamp
Year 2010s
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of sound character can I expect from the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX?

The PRE-73 DLX offers a warm, vintage sound reminiscent of classic 1073-style preamps, providing rich harmonics and smooth saturation ideal for vocals and instruments.

Does the PRE-73 DLX have variable impedance settings?

Yes, the PRE-73 DLX features adjustable input impedance settings, allowing you to optimize the preamp's response to different microphones and achieve the desired tonal characteristics.

Can the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX handle high-gain applications?

The PRE-73 DLX is designed to handle high-gain applications with ease, offering up to 80 dB of gain, making it suitable for dynamic and ribbon microphones.

Is the PRE-73 DLX compatible with both dynamic and condenser microphones?

Yes, the PRE-73 DLX is compatible with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, providing the necessary phantom power for condenser mics.

What are the connectivity options for the Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX?

The PRE-73 DLX features XLR and TRS input and output connections, allowing for flexible integration into various studio setups.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Make your synths sound BIG! Golden Age Premiere Pre-73 DLX demo/tutorial

Video thumbnail for Make your synths sound BIG! Golden Age Premiere Pre-73 DLX demo/tutorial by Espen Kraft

Make your synths sound BIG! Golden Age Premiere Pre-73 DLX demo/tutorial

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for GAP 73DLX vs Neve 1272 |Test & Review by Christian Svedin

GAP 73DLX vs Neve 1272 |Test & Review

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Premier PRE-73 DLX Premier Microphone Preamp.

Features and functionality

  • The Premier series uses Carnhill output transformers and higher quality capacitors, resulting in a smoother sound compared to standard models.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 Jr is unique for its ability to achieve overt saturation due to its cheaper components, which is unusual for traditional preamp designs.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that the Premier series knobs feel substantially higher quality compared to the standard line, enhancing the tactile experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Pre-73 Jr, a Neve 1272 line amp clone, offers a distinct sound compared to actual 1073 clones, providing a unique tonal character.

    Source
  • Some users find the Vintech 573 preamps comparable to the GAP Pre73 in blind tests, with the Vintech slightly closer to the tonal quality of a real 1073.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 is described as a colored preamp that resembles the Neve sound, making it distinct from more transparent preamps found in cheaper interfaces.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Early Golden Age products had power supply issues, now resolved, but some users experienced knob failures, indicating potential durability concerns.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Pre-73 Jr excels in achieving transformer saturation, making it highly versatile for various tonal applications.

    Source
  • The GAP Pre73 is favored for pairing with dynamic microphones like the SM7b, providing ample gain and a versatile tonal palette.

    Source
  • It's noted that the GAP Pre73 performs well for various instruments, handling stereo overheads, vocals, and guitars effectively, though real 1073s offer a richer high-mid smoothness.

    Source
  • Preamps like the Golden Age Pre-73 are noted for adding a 'smeary' or 'grainy' character, often used for vocals to achieve a vintage feel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Cutting a trace may be necessary to eliminate hum on certain GAP Pre73 models, although this may not apply to the 500 rack version.

    Source
  • There's a suggestion to consider a DIY approach with a 500 series API lunchbox for long-term versatility and cost efficiency.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite some opinions that the GAP Pre73 is slightly overpriced, it remains a strong contender for budget-friendly preamps with substantial sonic quality.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 is positioned as an affordable entry into Neve 73-style preamps, ideal for those seeking that specific tonal character.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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