BAE 1073D 500 Series Microphone Preamp & EQ
BAE 1073D 500 Series Microphone Preamp & EQ Reviews
Neve 80 series consoles defined the sound of 1970s rock 'n' roll; their legendary 1073 preamp and EQ modules wrote the book on characterful mic preamplification and punchy equalization. Introduced later in the decade, the 1084 featured several enhancements, including selectable HF frequency centers. Today, you can have all of that sonic goodness in a triple-wide 500 Series module. Done up in classic RAF blue-gray livery, the BAE 1073D nails the authentic sound of the vintage modules, using the same hand-wired, transformer-coupled Class A design and original-spec components like Carnhill St. Ives transformers, gold-plated Elma switches, and Canford wire. With 70dB of gain on tap, the 1073D lets you capture subdued sources with your favorite ribbon mic; cranking the gain enhances your tracks with tasty vintage-style coloration. A highpass filter lets you roll off mud, rumble, and other low-frequency content that can mar an otherwise perfect take. And the 1073D's renowned 3-band EQ section can enhance anything. The BAE 1073D. Take it from Sweetwater: this is the stuff of legend.
WHOA!
Everything that folks say about this preamp is spot on. I'm looking forward to years learning the limits of it. Makes me glad I jumped into the 500 series.
I've read that there were issues with the Cranborne ADAT 500 rack, however, there were no issues with mine. Hopefully any issues there are in the rear view because I'm loving this setup.
Great for Vocals
This thing is amazing if you are looking for a little smoothness and color sauce in your vocals. I've had mine for about two years, and it's really a as much of a key part of my personal vocal sound as my preferred mic at this point. I always use the EQ... add a little air, cut a little mids, and combine the high pass with a little low end boost. I was on travel recently... Took my mic and audio interface on the road. Tried the UA 1073 plugin.... nope. not even close for how I use it.
The DI is okay enough, but if you are buying a premium piece like this you probably have better DIs.
Simply Amazing
I went from a DBX 676 to the BAE 1073D and all can say is WOW! This thing great. Easy to setup, versatile, and sounds GREAT! Completely worth the money. I recommend it to any one.
Another thing to note, the first unit I ordered was faulty (which we all know happens), but thanks to Aaron Andersen and Ian at Sweetwater I received a replacement unit relatively fast. Those guys are great.
King of all Preamps
For years, I have been obsessed with finding the absolute best tones for every song I create. I have 8 preamps which span companies like API, DW Fearn, Summit Audio, & Vintech amongst others, but the BAE 1073d is the undisputed all star of my arsenal. All of my albums from 2014 til now ("Terra Bella", "Don't Look Down", "The Life & Death of Scenery", & The Perceptionists - "Resolution" LP) heavily feature tones from this pre paired with various compressors. It's not that my ther preamps are sitting there neglected. They get their chances to compete, but the 1073d consistently outperforms all the rest. I say without any hesitation that this piece of gear is one of the single most important investments you can make for your studio if you're serious about having a professional sound.
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