Description

TheGolden Age Project Pre-73 Premieris a single-channel microphone preamplifier designed to deliver the character of a vintage 1073-style preamp for vocalists, musicians, and recording engineers in home, project, and commercial studios. Loaded with Carnhill transformers, polystyrene and tantalum capacitors, and soldered connections, it offers musical tone and up to 80 dB of gain. Tonal customization is easy thanks to an array of front-panel switches.

Route a mic-, line-, or instrument-level signal via the XLR-1/4″ TRS combo jack or 1/4″ TS Hi-Z input. Tailor the sonic traits to your preference using the selectable high-pass filter, 30 kHz “Air EQ” boost, and input impedance switches. You can achieve saturation by utilizing the output level control and -14 dB pad while increasing the input gain and checking the 4-segment LED output level meter, which indicates levels at -10 dBu, +4 dBu, +14 dBu, and clipping. XLR 3-pin and 1/4″ TRS output jacks are available on the rear panel.

Phantom power and polarity are switchable via dedicated controls. Anunbalanced 1/4″ TRS jack allows insertion of analog outboard gear such as an equalizer or compressor. The Pre-73 Premier is powered by the included 24V power adapter.

Vintage 1073-style electronics with no integrated circuits in the signal pathMaximum gain in mic mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sourcesStepped input gain switch allows 20 to 80 dB of gain in mic mode or -10 to +50 dB in line modeSelectable “Air EQ” setting offers 3 dB or 6 dB of boost at 30 kHzSelectable 6 dB/octave high-pass filter at 80 Hz or 200 HzOutput level control and -14 dB output pad allow tonal saturation by overdriving the output stage and transformer without producing damaging output levelsSwitchable mic input impedance allows impedance matching or tone alteration for most micsRear-panel XLR-1/4″ TRS combo input for a mic- or line-level sourceFront-panel 1/4″ TS Hi-Z input for direct connection of a sound module, electric guitar or bass, or keyboard1/4″ TRS insert jack for inserting an EQ or compressorClassic-style knobs and buttonsAll connections except gain-switch connections are soldered for signal purity and long-term stabilityUnited Kingdommade Carnhill input and line output transformersPolystyrene capacitors in the amplifier circuitsTantalum capacitors in the signal pathSturdy toggle switches with gold-plated contactsExternal power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits and transformersRack-mountable via optional Unite Premier rack kit