Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $641
Standard/Professional
$599
$2000+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 Premier Microphone Preamp / 3-Band Equalizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 Premier Microphone Preamp / 3-Band Equalizer channels the spirit of the legendary 1073, enveloping your recordings in the warm, punchy, and musical tones that defined '70s rock. Designed for discerning musicians and engineers, this vintage-style preamp and EQ offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern adaptability. With its all-discrete Class A circuitry and UK-made Carnhill transformers, the PREQ-73 ensures a pristine signal path free from integrated circuits, delivering an unadulterated sound quality that is both rich and detailed.
Whether you're working with microphones, line-level sources, or instruments, the PREQ-73 has you covered with its versatile connectivity options. The inductor-based midrange EQ provides precise control over your sound, while the high- and low-frequency shelving bands allow for subtle tonal adjustments. Achieve the perfect sonic character by leveraging the switchable input impedance and the output level control, enabling intentional saturation for that classic analog warmth. With a sturdy build and intuitive interface, this preamp is as reliable as it is inspiring, making it an essential addition to any studio setup.
Key Features:
- Vintage-style Class A electronics with no integrated circuits
- 80dB of gain suitable for passive ribbon mics
- Inductor-based midrange EQ and 2-band LF/HF shelving EQ
- Switchable mic input impedance (1200 or 300 ohms) for tonal variation
- High-impedance instrument input for guitars or basses
- Switchable 48V phantom power and absolute phase control
- UK-made Carnhill input and output transformers
- External power supply to avoid audio circuit interference
- Rack-mountable with optional kit for studio integration
Product specs
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Pads | -14dB |
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
| EQ | Highpass, Air EQ |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (line), 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | 24V AC Power Supply (included) |
FAQs
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What type of preamp is the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73?
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The Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 is a solid-state preamp, known for providing clean, transparent sound with minimal coloration, making it ideal for capturing natural audio in studio recordings.
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Does the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 support phantom power for condenser microphones?
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Yes, the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 provides phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones that require external power.
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What are the input options available on the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73?
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The preamp offers multiple input options, including a 1/4" Hi-Z input, and XLR-1/4" combo inputs for both line and mic signals, providing flexibility for various audio sources.
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What EQ features does the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 offer?
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The Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 includes a highpass filter and an Air EQ, allowing you to shape the tonal characteristics of your audio signal with precision.
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Can the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 be used with electric guitars?
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Yes, the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 features a 1/4" Hi-Z input, making it suitable for directly connecting and preamping electric guitars and other high-impedance instruments.
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Is the Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 equipped with a polarity switch?
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Yes, the preamp includes a polarity switch, which is useful for correcting phase issues when recording multiple microphones on the same source.
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers a vintage Neve 1073 sound without the high price tag
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Rock solid build quality with a compact design
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Quiet recording with natural voice rendering and vibrant harmonics
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Versatile EQ provides extensive control over input signal
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Enhances vocals and instruments with rich, present tones
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Easy to achieve professional sound with minimal tweaks
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Adds character and presence to vocal recordings
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Great for both modern and vintage sounds
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Offers a wide range of tonal possibilities with gain and EQ
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Works well with various instruments, enhancing their natural sound
CONS
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May not pair well with certain microphones, like Neumann TLM 102
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Requires a good compressor to avoid peaking at higher gain settings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Premier PREQ-73 Premier Microphone Preamp / 3-Band Equalizer.
Features and functionality
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The PreQ73 can be driven beyond typical limits, offering more color than other Neve clones, but it may clip harshly if pushed too hard.
Source -
Engaging the bass roll-off switch on the SM7B may require higher preamp gain, potentially increasing noise levels.
Source -
The Heritage Audio model with a 1073 pre and 1081 EQ is praised for its outstanding performance and versatility.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Users mention considering modifications for the GAP Pre73, like adding Carnhill transformers, to enhance tone, but debate the cost-effectiveness.
Source -
The JHS Colorbox is noted for using Lundahl transformers, offering a distinct tonal option compared to Carnhill transformers.
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Consideration for swapping the power supply in the 1073SPX to a higher-quality one, possibly Heritage, due to noise issues at high gain.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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A loud hissing noise can occur when using the Shure SM7B with the GAP Pre 73, especially with gain set at 65 and output at 3 o'clock.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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