Send In The Clones (1073 Style)
“How close does the ZenPro mod bring your clones to a 1073?”
After being asked this perfectly legitimate question daily for so long, it was time to let you hear what the ZenPro mods are all about. The best way to do that is to scour the earth for a 100% original Neve 1073 and that classic sound that is so sought after, and put them up side by side with both units we mod that are clones:
The Mods
Full modification of these units includes replacing the stock Chinese transformers with Carnhill on the mic input and line output, using original Neve value tantalum capacitors in the signal path, as well as installing and re-biasing a NOS Motorola 2N 3055 output transistor which was used in the original 1073.
Transformers + Tantalums + Transistor = our Full ZenPro Mod
Partial modification is fairly labor intensive but lacks the most expensive part, which is transformer replacement. The Carnhills are very expensive, not to mention hefty shipping and import fees to bring them from the
UK. It's a meaningful mod and a step in the right direction for sure.
Tantalums + Transistors = our ZenPro TT Mod
*X-Mod = Chameleon transformer only mod
The Test
This test includes drums, bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and male vocal.
This “shootout” started like any other: live takes played individually starting with drums. During playback I realized like every other preamp shootout that performances will absolutely ruin the end result. The snare drum was moving in pitch so by the time you hit the next take, even the gentle overtones are changing pitch and it’s impossible to avoid. Moving forward with a test like that would not only be a waste of time, but also prevents you from hearing what you need to hear; differences in preamps. I put a plan in motion to achieve more meaningful results.
The original source files were recorded using True Systems preamps in my live room at ZenPro Audio. Conversion is Solid State Logic Alpha Link to Nuendo. All cabling is Mogami. No processing is used on the files whatsoever, before they are re-amplified and recorded with each 1073 or clone so that you can hear the preamps themselves in context. Each recorded clip is played back to a “Doug Sax Yamaha P2200” amplifier pushing a single Manley ML10A dual concentric studio monitor. The dual concentric design gives single point and natural sound, as well as extremely quick transient response and depth of field. We then placed an Avenson STO-2 omni microphone dead center and back 12”, which provides a full bandwidth sound without proximity effect and with all the detail.
Don't think listening on your laptop or crap PC speakers will tell you anything, listen in a proper environment and use your ears.
Preamp Clips (320k mp3)
1073 Original
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7602 MKII Stock
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7602 MKII X-Mod
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7602 MKII TT Mod
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7602 MKII Full Mod
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PRE-73 Stock
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PRE-73 TT Mod
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PRE-73 Full Mod
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As an added bonus, I have also mixed the song using the 1073 on individual tracks, then mixed using the 7602 full mod unit using the same frequency points, and trying to achieve as close to the Neve mix as possible.
EQ Clips (320k mp3)
Neve 1073 Original
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Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Full Mod
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*24 bit 44.1k files at bottom of this page!!! Please "save as" and examine in a critical listening environment...!
The Perfect Test?
No! There is no perfect way to properly compare gear, the best way is to use something and make sure it fits what you’re trying to do. However, there are at least better ways of comparing gear and the best way is to remove differences in performance as well as changes in distance from the microphone, volume and gain staging. We started with a crisp and natural chain that was reproduced with startling realism (by one of the most well respected playback chains in recent history) and allow you to only hear differences in the preamp.
As a result it’s the most perfect test we can put forth and say that yes, having used all this stuff we hear these same differences in tone, character and frequency response.
While simply clicking and saving is an instant action for you, I have days worth of work involved here. Please consider the time spent to deliver this info, thanks!
The Session
“Big Dave” and I first recorded the “Big Dave EP” back in 1993 in my home studio, a whopping 8 tracks on ¼” tape spinning at 15ips and monitored on my Sony home stereo. We’ve been jamming together ever since. For this test I had Dave play acoustic and electric guitars, as well as bass and vocal. It’s a section of a song of his called “Fade“. I played drums to the track. When lined up at the same starting point in your DAW, each of these clips will create a :41 complete piece of music. Fender P bass, strat electric, Yamaha acoustic and DW drums.
*Files are for download by ZenPro Audio customers ONLY, for demonstration purposes to buy gear. DO NOT redistribute files in any manner - ZPA*
24 Bit / 44.1k Files
1073 Original
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7602 MKII Stock
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7602 MKII X-Mod
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7602 MKII TT Mod
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7602 MKII Full Mod
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PRE-73 Stock
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PRE-73 TT Mod
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PRE-73 Full Mod
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24 Bit / 44.1k Files
Neve 1073 Original
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Chameleon Labs 7602 MKII Full Mod
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