Golden Age Project PRE73PREMIER – Single-Channel Microphone Preamplifier

The PRE-73 PREMIER is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, line- and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The in- and output is transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose. This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available.

The circuit used in the PRE-73 PREMIER is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone. -Bo Medin, October 2018

• <> No integrated circuits in the signal path.
• <> 14 dB output pad allowing the user to overdrive the output stage and transformer
• <> A simple but effective 4-step LED output level meter.The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character
• <> Maximum gain in mic mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources.
• <> Switchable impedance in mic mode, 1200 or 300 Ohm, will change the tone of most mics. The input impedance in line mode is 10 kOhm
• <> Combo XLR/TRS input jack and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections
• <> Gain switch range is 20 - 80 dB. Line mode switch, gain is reduced by 30 dB in line mode
• <> Switchable phantom power and absolute phase
• <> A high-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass
• <> Selectable 6 dB/octave high pass filter at around 80 Hz (HP1) or 200 Hz (HP2)