Behringer’s Terrific Take on the Legendary Preamp and EQ
Few sounds in the history of music can claim the foundational impact and immeasurable influence of the mighty British preamp/EQ. It’s a sound heard across countless ’70s rock classics and ’80s pop anthems; it’s a sound required in every pro-level studio to this very day; and it’s a sound that the Behringer 1273 distills right down to its very essence. This 2-channel microphone preamplifier and equalizer captures both the vibe and voice of its vintage inspiration, starting with an all-discrete Class A circuitry, transformer-balanced XLR/combo jacks, and custom-made Midas transformers. The 1273 pushes out 80dB of gain to record any source with lush musicality. You even get a “Tone” switch that adjusts transformer impedance to your current mic to optimize sound for ribbon mics, vintage mics, and any other mic in your locker. Next, the Behringer 1273 delivers an incredibly authentic British-style equalization experience with an inductor-based switchable equalizer section consisting of three shelving filters and a passive third-order highpass filter. A top-quality unit is a must-have tool for any serious studio — the Behringer 1273 puts the sound, power, and prestige of that legendary unit in your hands.
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Legendary British-style equalization
True to its vintage inspiration, the Behringer 1273 features a powerful 3-band EQ, along with a 5-position inductor-based highpass filter to trim off overwhelming lows. The 3-band EQ sections consist of a low-frequency boost/cut (35, 60, 100, or 220Hz), a mid-frequency boost/cut (360, 700, 1600, 3200, 4800, or 7200Hz), and a high-frequency boost/cut (10, 12, or 16kHz). This robust assortment of equalization options not only sculpts and shapes your sound with the same British-style musicality of the 1273’s vintage inspiration, it also offers an upgraded range of equalization adjustment than the original.
Stunning sound on any source
Sweetwater’s studio pros revere British-style preamplifiers like the Behringer 1273 for their sweeping sonic versatility. When prudently paired with the right mics and proper placement, they elevate the sound of almost any source. Bass guitars and drums strike with newfound authority; meanwhile, acoustic guitars, pianos, and other acoustic instrumentation sing with shimmering detail. From vocals to orchestral instruments to keyboards and beyond, the Behringer 1273 imbues any sound you can throw at it with lush, vintage-inspired aural excellence.
Custom-made Midas transformers
No conversation concerning British-style preamplifiers is complete without taking its components into account, the most crucial piece of the puzzle being the type of transformers utilized. In fact, the transformers are so vital to the formula that fans of the British originals often seek out specific iterations based solely on the transformers used! To deliver an exceptionally authentic sonic experience, the Behringer 1273 comes equipped with custom-made Midas input and out transformers. Purpose built for the 1273, these transformers supply exceptional signal integrity and definition, in addition to granting you the subtle sonic coloration of the vintage British originals.
Behringer 1273 2-channel Mic/Instrument Preamp and EQ Features:
- Behringer’s spot-on tribute to the legendary British preamplifier and equalizer
- All-discrete Class A circuitry and custom-built Midas input/output transformers supply optimal signal integrity and definition
- Resistor-stepped rotary gain switches deliver 80dB of gain per channel, with a Tone button that optimizes transformer impedance to your current microphone
- Each channel sports dedicated Phase, Insert, Line, Instrument, Tone, and 48V switches
- Inductor-based equalization section, sporting 3 boost-cut controls for low, mid, and high frequencies
- 5-position highpass filter to trim off unwanted low end
- Transformer, balanced inputs and outputs; convenient XLR combo jacks to accommodate signals of all sorts
- High-visibility 7-step LED signal meters on each channel
- Top-quality 2U enclosure, knobs, and switches that recall the vintage-style British aesthetics of the original unit
