The Golden Age Audio PREQ-73 PREMIER is a one-channel vintage style microphone, line, and instrument preamplifier combined with a classic three-band equaliser, designed to recreate the iconic sound of the 1073.
Using only discrete components and transformer balanced input and output stages, including UK-made Carnhill transformers, it delivers the warmth, punch, sweetness, and musicality that have defined countless recordings. With no integrated circuits in the signal path, polystyrene and tantalum capacitors, and connector-free internal wiring, the Golden Age Audio PREQ-73 PREMIER is engineered for purity of tone and long-term reliability.
Its equaliser section features two-band LF and HF shelving with selectable frequencies, plus an inductor-based midrange with selectable points for precise tonal shaping. The preamp provides up to 80 dB of gain, making it suitable even for passive ribbon microphones, with a 23-position gain switch for easy recall and fine control. Additional features include switchable input impedance, phantom power, absolute phase, and a high-impedance instrument input.
A simple but effective 4-step LED output meter, output level control for gain staging, and selectable 600 Ohm termination further enhance usability. With classic styling, sturdy toggle switches, external power supply for noise isolation, and compatibility with UNITE rack kits, the Golden Age Audio PREQ-73 PREMIER offers professional build quality and the authentic character of a vintage 1073 at an accessible price.
Features
- Vintage style electronics with no integrated circuits in the signal path
- Maximum 80 dB of gain, suitable for passive ribbon microphones
- 23-position Gain/Line switch with 20–80 dB mic gain and -10 to +20 dB line gain
- Two-band LF (+/-15 dB) and HF (+/-20 dB) shelving EQ with selectable frequencies
- Inductor-based midrange EQ (+/-15 dB) with three selectable frequencies
- Switchable mic input impedance of 1200 or 300 Ohm; 10 kOhm line input impedance
- Switchable phantom power and absolute phase
- High-impedance instrument input for guitar, bass, or sound modules
- 4-step LED output level meter
- Output level control for fine adjustments and driving gain stages for added character
- Separate combo XLR/TRS inputs and dedicated XLR/TRS outputs
- Selectable 600 Ohm output termination
- Classic style knobs and sturdy toggle switches with gold-plated contacts
- UK-made Carnhill microphone input and line output transformers
- PCB prepared for Carnhill 9046M line input transformer
- Polystyrene capacitors in amplifier circuits and tantalum capacitors in the signal path
- Beefed up power supply and external PSU for reduced interference
- Connector-free internal wiring with soldered connections for stability
- Prepared for UNITE PREMIER rack kit mounting (one or two units)
- Durable build quality designed for many years of reliable use