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Behringer 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer

2-channel Mic/Line/Instrument Preamp with 3-band EQ, Highpass Filter, Tone Switch, and Custom Midas Transformers
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Item ID: 1273
Behringer 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
Behringer 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer

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2-channel 1273 Microphone Preamplifier/Equalizer and 369 Compressor Dual Channel Strip Bundle
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Product Image - This Item - Behringer 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
Behringer 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer
$779.00
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Link to Behringer 369 2-channel Rackmounted Stereo Compressor
$499.00
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Link to JUMPERZ JBM Blue Line Microphone Cable - 1 foot
$29.95
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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.

Related Videos: 1273 2-channel Microphone Preamplifier and Equalizer

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

Resources

Signal Processing Buying Guide
Studio Preamp Buying Guide

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • EQ: 3-band EQ, 5-position Highpass Filter
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR (mic), 2 x 1/4" (line), 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" (Hi-Z), 2 x 1/4" (return)
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 2 x 1/4" (return)
  • Additional Features: Midas Transformers
  • Rack Spaces: 2U
  • Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 0838-AAW86-US1

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Reviews

4.1

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Great budget preamp
Just got mine in. I do not have the real deal to compare it to, and I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be fair to.

I do have an ART MPA II so I can compare that.

I love the way it's laid out. The 1273 is intuitive. If you aren't used to the eq having concentric pots for eq, these will be a breeze to learn. The pots don't seem like they will break, but the knobs aren't machines very cell and allow the post to wobble. So if just be careful not to turn them with pressure applied.

The front plate is thick and sturdy like vintage gear. Not like Klark front plates that are thin. The fit and finish are great. The multiple options for I/o make mixing into it a breeze. And the xlr and instrument cable on front make access easy.

Sounds.. I don't like to describe sounds in reviews but I'll say it does the neve crunchy thing well. It is a nice unit to drive for some hair in your mix. On my unit the left channel is .3db lower than the right. Easily corrected. However a channel link would be nice.

The inserts are great. They sit between the gain and the eq. I don't use them that ways but if you do, it's easy with a trs cable through a patch bay. The phantom power was refreshingly clean. I normally test this out by letting the preamp power an active direct box. In my studio, that usually gets quite noisy. In this unit I found no problem with interference.

Last thing in case you use ribbon mics and sm7b. You won't need a cloud lifter. I tested between just the preamp and using a cloud lifter into interface, the 1273 was just as low noise with ample gain.
by Archer from Wi on
Music background: Mastering and tracking
Great sounding 1073 clone, it's awesome!!
This unit looks and sounds amazing. It's awesome that you get a stereo unit for such a small price. I've had the 1273 for 8 months now and it has performed most excellent. It has a nice clean tone to it like you'd expect a Neve to have, and the EQ adds a nice tone to it also, very musical. I compared it to the UAD Neve 1073 and it isn't even close, the 1273 outshines it completely. The one thing that I don't like about the UAD 1073 is, although it has a decent tone, it don't add that analog harmonics that seem to make the vocals sit on top of the track. The 1273 does exactly that. It has plenty of gain and it's easy to balance the left/right channels. It has a very nice tone when you drive the input to add some harmonic distortion, and even when you drive it hard it still sounds good. I've owned the Heritage Audio HA73EQ ELITE Microphone Preamp & EQ and I wasn't satisfied with its sound at all, I returned it, with that being said the 1273 is head and shoulders above it. I don't have a Neve 1073 to compare but I have a friend that does and we both ran the same audio tracks through our respective 1073s (mine's was the 1273) and to be quite honest the real Neve sounded better but the difference was so slight if you didn't listen back to back but instead added a few seconds gap between each example then you wouldn't be able to tell which one is the real Neve. We compared it both the Neve 1073 and the Behringer 1273 just preamp alone, then with EQ engaged, and then through his 1073 & CL1B, and my 1273 WA-1B, the difference was slight. Behringer has really made great preamps and compressors very affordable, you can't go wrong.
by PJ from Ohio on
Quite good
I've had this unit for a few weeks now so I cannot comment on its long-term durability. Putting that aside, I think this thing sounds great. I have never used an actual hardware Neve 1073, so I can not compare it to that. However, I prefer the sound of this 1273 over comparable plug-ins that I own which emulate the 1073. The knobs do feel a bit cheap, but that's really the only downside in my opinion. Is it the real thing? Nope. Will it get you 95% of the way there for a small fraction of the cost? Absolutely.
by Steve from Central Florida on
Pretty good for the price
Overal,l the construction is nice, and for the price, it sounds quite good too. I also own a WA273 (allegedly, Behringer went after that product more than trying to copy an actual 1073... at least that's what I heard) and the Warm Audio is superior in everything, especially the sound; I'd say the Behringer 1273 has a bit less character and color, as well as less gain, however, it does have a bit of that Neve-like flavor you might be looking for.
by Mr. G from Texas on
Music background: Pro musician
OK for the price, but these are not truly 1073s. Buyer beware.
Try them out before you buy. In my opinion, these are not worth it at all. You already have a better preamp in your interface- and if you don't, then buy a better interface! Behringer is often hit or miss, and I think this is a total miss. The price might be appealing, but I for one was seriously under-impressed by the performance of the unit... and I can rule out the units that i tested being faulty or defective because I tested about a dozen of them:

Without the EQ engaged, the preamp section was useable, but it didn't sound as good as basic interface preamp (Focusrite, Apollo, Avid interfaces, etc) Unfortunately, these preamps do not sound good at high gain settings and they do not flatter harsh sources... which is one of the major strengths of vintage Neve 1073 and modern BAE 1073.
The true sound of a 1073 is big and heavy, and when driven into the point of obliteration- they hardly ever sound harsh because you always have that EQ to carve-out the sound on the way in... which is a great way to segway to the EQ portion of the review...
The EQ- the LEAST impressive part of this unit. I was seriously disappointed by the boost EQ on these. The 1073 EQ is supposed to be quite gentle, and yet they should allow you to make somewhat large moves and actually improve the sound. With the Behringer, you just get mud, then when carve-out the mud, all you're left with is fizz & sizzle, and quite a bit of harshness when boosting anywhere in the upper mids / highs


In summation, they look pretty, but they sound ugly... it might be somewhat useful to have the HPF and the ability to do some reductive EQ on the way in, BUT the additive EQ is where the "true sound" is at on a 1073, and these just don't sound musical at all when you push the gain to higher settings or when you boost with the EQ. Save some money and stay away from this crapola. I think a Focusrite Clarett+ preamp WITHOUT eq sounds miles ahead of the Behringer 1073 WITH eq.
by Brad from LA on
Music background: Grammy-Winning Recording Engineer
See also: Stu Preamp, Behringer, Behringer Preamps, Behringer Parametric EQ