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Description

Unlock the sonic possibilities of your studio with the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII. This meticulously crafted preamp pays homage to the legendary Neve 1073, offering that rich, vintage character beloved by musicians and producers worldwide. Perfectly balancing modern affordability with classic warmth, the Pre-73 MKII delivers a professional-grade audio experience without breaking the bank.

The Pre-73 MKII stands out with its vintage-style electronics that exclude integrated circuits, ensuring a pure signal path that adds a distinct texture to your recordings. With up to 80dB of gain, it’s a powerhouse for passive ribbon mics, capturing even the most subtle nuances of your sound sources. Whether you’re aiming to add punch to your vocals or depth to your instruments, this preamp’s flexible I/O options and switchable impedance make it a versatile addition to any recording setup.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Pre-73 MKII features a robust half-rack chassis that’s built to withstand the rigors of both studio and stage use. The 4-step LED output level meter provides clear feedback, while the high-impedance instrument input allows seamless integration with guitars and sound modules.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-style electronics with no integrated circuits in the signal path
  • 80dB of gain, perfect for passive ribbon mics
  • Line input with a broad -20 to +10dB gain range
  • Mic input with switchable 1200/300 ohm impedance
  • Switchable phantom power and absolute phase
  • High-impedance instrument input for guitars and sound modules
  • Simple 4-step LED output level meter
  • Fine gain adjustments via the output level control
  • Overload main gain stage for added character
  • Combo XLR/TRS input jacks and separate output XLR and TRS jacks
  • Includes an external high-power power supply

Product specs

Brand Golden Age Project
Model Pre-73 MKII
Finish Red
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Microphone Preamps

FAQs

What type of sound character can I expect from the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII?

The Pre-73 MKII offers a vintage-style sound with rich, warm tones reminiscent of classic 1970s preamps. It's known for adding depth and character to vocals and instruments, making it a popular choice for those seeking an analog vibe in their recordings.

Is the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII suitable for home studio use?

Yes, the Pre-73 MKII is ideal for home studios due to its compact size and ability to deliver professional-quality sound. It features easy-to-use controls and robust build quality, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced producers.

What are the connectivity options for the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII?

The Pre-73 MKII features an XLR/TRS combo input for microphones and line-level sources, as well as a balanced XLR output. It also includes an unbalanced output for additional connectivity flexibility in various recording setups.

Does the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII require an external power supply?

Yes, the Pre-73 MKII requires an external 24V AC power supply, which is typically included with the unit. This dedicated power supply ensures the preamp operates with optimal performance and stability.

How does the Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII handle different microphone types?

The Pre-73 MKII is versatile and can handle a variety of microphones, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mics. It provides ample gain and a high-pass filter option, making it suitable for a wide range of recording applications.

ZenProAudio

ZenProAudio

Golden Age Project PRE73 MK 2 vs Original: What's Changed?

Video thumbnail for Golden Age Project PRE73 MK 2 vs Original: What's Changed? by ZenProAudio

Golden Age Project PRE73 MK 2 vs Original: What's Changed?

ZenProAudio

ZenProAudio

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers exceptional quality sound enhancement

  • Comparative preference over Neve 5032, indicating superior sound or features

  • Neve style step gain provides precise control

  • Front facing 1/4 input adds convenience for direct instrument connections

  • Versatile, becoming a go-to for various audio applications

CONS

  • Initial setup can be intimidating due to its complexity

  • Potential for hum issues if not using high-quality cables

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII.

Features and functionality

  • The Pre-73 MKII is known for its 'colored' sound, resembling a vintage Neve 73, which may be ideal for vocals but not all tracks.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 provides ample gain for dynamic and ribbon microphones, which is advantageous for users needing volume headroom.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 MKII offers a noticeable change in color, especially when the input is set around -55, providing a close and detailed sound for speech.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Pre-73 isn't a transparent preamp; it's suited for those seeking a vintage Neve-like tone rather than clarity.

    Source
  • Vintech 573 preamps are considered similar in sound to the Pre-73, with slight differences in the high mids and top end clarity.

    Source
  • The Great River ME-1NV is viewed as a superior Neve clone, but the Pre-73 is appreciated for its affordability and decent tonal characteristics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users suggest investing in a 500 series API lunchbox with DIY preamp kits for long-term versatility and quality.

    Source
  • Some models may require cutting a trace to eliminate hum, though this issue might not be present in 500 rack versions.

    Source
  • Owners recommend the Carnhill input/output transformer mod to enhance the Pre-73's sound, aligning it closer to authentic AMS Neve reproductions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Pre-73 is considered worthwhile for home studios seeking a classic, vintage sound character, particularly for vocals.

    Source
  • The Pre-73 pairs exceptionally well with the SM7b microphone for vocals, offering robust gain and tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The Pre-73's DI feature is praised for delivering excellent results with bass guitars, making it a versatile choice for recording various instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While considered slightly overpriced, the Pre-73 is noted for its toughness and 'gutsy' sound, making it a strong option for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Pre-73's ability to handle various applications gracefully, although acknowledging it lacks the depth and fullness of authentic Neve 1073s.

    Source
  • Users appreciate that the Pre-73 can be adjusted between high input/low output and vice versa to achieve desired sound characteristics without overdriving the preamp.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Golden Age Project’s Pre-73 MKII Review - Digital Recording Arts

digitalrecordingarts.com

The Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII impresses with its vintage Neve 1073-inspired sound and affordable price tag, making it a standout choice for home studios. Its clever design allows for easy modification, inviting DIY enthusiasts to enhance its already notable features. The preamp's versatility shines through with multiple input options, phantom power, and a single insert for additional processing. Its ability to deliver warm, saturated vocals reminiscent of classic recordings is a major plus. However, some may miss the authenticity of high-end components, though the cost-effective design offers room for upgrades. Overall, the Pre-73 MKII's impressive sonic character and budget-friendly nature make it a must-have for any aspiring producer.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonwayne uses Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII

Jonwayne

Rapper, Music Producer

Quakers

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured in this interview with jonwayne:

https://www.xlr8r.com/gear/2013/11/in-the-studio-jonwayne/

See how Martin Molin uses Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII

Martin Molin

Guitarist, Drummer

Wintergatan

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 8:43, Martin mentions that he has two Pre-73s alongside two Neve 1073DPDs.

See how Temu uses Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII

Temu

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this January 9, 2021 studio tour video at 2:49.

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 Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jeroengeerinck

jeroengeerinck

Gear IQ 106

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