One of the most popular microphone preamplifiers in the budget range has again been very successfully revised - and at the price of the predecessor!
First, the ease of use has been significantly improved by a new switch principle for both Mic/Line/DI and Input Gain. In this way, the Preamp can be adapted to different, modern or classic signal sources according to taste, or their sound character can be changed. The circuit board is now innately prepared for the optional Carnhill transformer upgrade. The high-pass filter is now two-stage. In addition, there is a new Air EQ with +3/+6dB for that extra sparkle in the treble range.
Golden Age Project Pre-73 MkIII Overview:
80dB max gain via gain control and active pad.
Phantom power, phase inversion, +3/+6dB Air EQ @ approx. 30kHz
Hi-Z DI input on the front, switchable between active and passive
Good preamp, nice and warm character. It is an all rounder. If you use it carefully, you get descent (transparent or driven) results be from mic/line or DI inputs. Also "air" options sound smooth on vocals. I am not going to say anything about "comparisons" with hi end stuff but hey it is a descent pre for what you pay
Needed a pre amp to boost mic signal into my Focusrite Clarett, and after researching products in this price range settled on the Pre 73. Instantly added volume and sparkle to vocals and acoustic guitar. Built like a tank. Very happy.
The unit is solid and well finished. The sound is amazing for the price. I did some takes with this unit with a rock guitar, and doubled the signal to record another track with a Neve 1073DPx (yes, this one: https://www.musicstore.com/en_ES/EUR/AMS-Neve-1073DPx-Dual-Preamp-EQ/art-REC0011976-000). The result was so shocking that I asked a few friends to listen to both takes without telling them which one was the Neve. They all guessed the same track was the Neve. But it was the Golden Age instead. Yes, it is that good. Of course, with the Neve you have additional flexibility (and I did not use any eq on the Neve), but this one is excellent for normal situations.
Price/Performance
Craftsmanship
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Operation
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