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Golden Age PRE-73
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Subject to Availability ?
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Golden Age Project
Pre-73 Description
PRE73 UNITS ARE BACKORDERED, TAKING PRE-ORDERS NOW.
Want to hear the PRE73?
Listen To The ZenPro "1073 vs The Clones" Shooutout
Option: RACK KIT allows 2 PRE-73 units to mount side by side in a single space.
Get closer to the real thing with these quality upgrades. Choose from stock or 2 levels of modification!
"TT" Mod: Tantalum
/ Transistor upgrade, all capacitors replaced with original Neve value
tantalum style, output transistor is replaced with new old stock
Motorola 2N 3055 and re-biased.
Full ZenPro Mod: Complete upgrade includes both TT mod and adds Carnhill mic input and line output transformers, closest to original values and sound.
Our FULL mod is just that, a full modification with both the mic input and line output (Carnhill, formerly St. Ives) transformers (two total), Neve value tantalum capacitors and the Motorola 2N 3055 output transistor used in the 1073...it all adds up, we've tested and confirmed!
The PRE-73 is the first one-channel low-cost preamp on the market that is using
a fully discrete signal path with three separate transformers for the balanced
mic input, the line input and the output.
The circuit is very similar to the classical preamp section of the Neve 1073
pre/eq module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet
and musical.
This classical sound has 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 PRE-73 has a maximum gain of 80 dB on the mic input and the gain range on
the Line input is -20 to + 10 dB. There is also a high-impedance instrument
input.
The PRE-73 is perfect for almost any signal source, no matter if it’s a
microphone with a high or low sensitivity (like a passive ribbon mic), a
syntheziser or sound module or an electric guitar or bass.
The input impedance of the microphone input can be switched between 300 and
1200 ohms, which makes it possible to affect the tone of most microphones.
There is also phase switch and an simple 4-step LED signal level meter.
The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and
also to overload the main gain stage for more character and then lower the
signal to a suitable level before the output stage.
Option: RACK KIT allows 2 PRE-73 units to mount side by side in a single space.
Download
the PRE-73 manual.
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Golden Age Project PRE73 Review / See All ZenPro Audio Reviews Here: Review Page
Coming in at an excellent price
point for those who might only want a single channel (you can also neatly rack
a stereo pair side by side with the Golden Age rack) Golden Age Project has
done a good job at delivering high gain and character in a very decent 1073
clone. The bright red box looks good too, along with the black / silver knobs
in the rack.
The PRE73 features transformers on
the mic and line inputs (yes, it accepts line level separately) and an output
transformer. There is a direct instrument input on the face. It is a discrete
design, no IC’s in the signal path. The power supply is the “wall wart” type
(yeah, I know). Mic input impedence ratings are selectable between 300ohm and
1200ohm (ala original Neve) and phantom power and phase reverse is available on
the front panel as well.
In comparing the PRE73 to an all
original Neve 1073 there are certainly some differences. However, comparing
this price range with a street price easily 10x higher for a re-issue (or up to
20x higher for an original) we’ve got to be somewhat forgiving here. The fact
is that the PRE73 right out of the box is easily within that 1073 family
of sound and character. It has its share of that rock n roll attitude and a bit
of drive when pushed. The PRE73 is somewhat brighter by comparison, but not
worlds apart. The low end of the original 1073 is certainly deeper and more
harmonically rich by comparison in the low and low mids. If you did not have an
original 1073 to compare it to though, well it’s not like you’d consider it
lacking either.
Our ZenPro mods offer two levels of
enhancement: the “TT” mod which upgrades all capacitors in the signal path to
tantalum style using original Neve values, and our “Full ZenPro” mod which is
the TT mod + replacing the mic input and line output transformers with Carnhill
brand (formerly St Ives). The TT mod brings a cool but slight edge to the
sound, and more harmonic content is heard as well as clarity. The full mod
brings this but also a richness to the midrange and a depth and character to
the lows and low mids that is so close to the original 1073 it’s scary. Still I
have to say, for the cost of the TT mod it brings a lot to the table and don’t
consider it being TOO cheated by not having the original transformers. You can
hear our test page clips linked off the product page as well.
Conclusion: Nobody offers anything
as cool in a preamp in this price range. The Golden Age guys have been dealing
with high end gear for years in
Sweden and have taken an
excellent swing at bringing a Chinese 1073 clone to market that is nice to have
around in home and pro environments. Hard to say you can go wrong stock,
partial or fully modified.
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Fake Price: $29.00
Real Price: $25.00
Chameleon Labs Power Adapter for 7602 MKII and 7720
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Rack Mount Two Golden Age PRE-73 Units In A Single Rack Space
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Reviews From Reviewing Reviewers Say:
| (3 Ratings, 3 Reviews) |
Average Rating:
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Awesome!
John Niffenegger
(Raleigh, NC)
1/25/2010 11:21 AM
First off, thanks to War for the excellent service and delivery (it showed up at my door w/in 24 hours). After recording with the PRE-73 (w/ TT mod), I'm amazed at its musical sound and versatility - especially for its price. I'd read plenty of rave reviews for the PRE-73, and now I can say it's just ridiculous how good it sounds. I've had the chance to record w/ pres costing considerably more, and this one definitely holds its own. Anyone looking for a pre to pair w/ an SM7B - this is for you. Anyone looking to add a different flavor to their pre collection, at its price, this is a no brainer. The coffee is quite tasty, too.
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Best Preamp For The $ and,,, EXCELLENT customer service
Josh Zimmerman
(Camden, DE)
1/4/2010 4:13 PM
First off - The preamp: Its amazing that you're not hearing more about this unit because it simply sounds excellent. Dial in just the right amount of punch and things just sit far better in my mixes than before this little beauty. A wonderful colored preamp with a character worth meeting. Why 4/5 stars? - Let's be honest - There are better sounding units out there but for the money... WOW. This pre-73 just kills.
Secondly - If you're looking for true customer service look no further than Zen Pro Audio. Warren took the time to answer every question that I had and made recommendations based on what I was looking for and not just what he was trying to sell - that goes a long way with this shopper.
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Weekend warrior
Josef Riccio
(Munster, IN)
10/8/2009 6:33 AM
This pre-amp is great! It makes any microphone sound 10 times better. Plus, at this price, it is a steal!!! Great deal and an excellent addition to my studio!
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