1073 Preamp Clone4/22/2021
But I was wrong, because brand new, and reviewed exclusively here in Sound On Sound, is the Neve 1073 DPX, an enhanced, dualchannel, 2U rackmounting version of this enduringly popular design.Internally, its mostly constructed using surfacemount device (SMD) technology, based closely on the companys reworked 1073N module ( ).The EQ section provides a high shelf at 12kHz, a switchable midsection (centre frequencies of 0.36, 0.7, 1.6, 3.2, 4.8 and 7.2 kHz), and an adjustable low shelf (corner frequencies of 35, 60, 110 and 220 Hz).
![]() In addition, a separate 18dBoctave highpass filter can be switched between off, 50, 80, 160 or 300 Hz. Two push-buttons switch the EQ in or out of circuit, and invert the output polarity. The tiny power inlet connects to an included external 48V DC power supply. Enhancing this core vintage functionality, the DPX can be fitted with an optional digital IO card (expected around the middle of the year) which provides both highquality internal AD conversion of the outputs as well as DA conversion to feed the line inputs. This allows the 1073 DPX to be integrated easily for creative outboard processing within a digital workflow. To that end, the first of a pair of buttons on the left of the front panel selects the (optional) digital input in place of the normal analogue mic or line inputs, while the second button selects the front or rearpanel analogue inputs. On the front panel combi XLRs accept mic and line inputs, while separate TS sockets provide dedicated instrument inputs. A removable blanking plate covers the space allocated for the optional digital card. Separate output level controls are provided for each channel, along with a sevenLED meter scaled from 30 to 24 dBu. Pressing the knob inwards toggles the meter between input, EQstage and output levels. Another knob determines the volume of the integral headphone amplifier with a fullsize headphone socket on the front panel. ![]() The circuitry is laid out differently from the 1073N module, but the individual threetransistor gain blocks, built with conventional transistors, are quite recognisable, as are the three bespoke inductors in the EQ section, and the 2N3055 output transistor. A miniature plugin module harks back to the original Neve BA gain stages, and appears to be related to the insert send. The big traditional output transformers are mounted near the back of the chassis on one side, carefully orientated to minimise magnetic interaction, and a vacant space on the other side awaits the digital IO board which connects via an IDC connector. Sadly, this is not the case, and power is delivered from an external 48V DC universal linelump connected via a small coaxial plug. Internal regulators provide the required singlesided 24V DC audio rail and various relaylamp supply rails. Consequently, the frontpanel power button only switches the internal DC supply. The circuit revisions necessary for relayswitched gain (instead of the original complex and very expensive multilevel switch), and SMD construction, have been well proven in the 1073N module, and serve to improve reliability and consistency of this classic preampEQ design without detriment to the definitive sound character. A closer match in terms of functionality is the 1073LBLBEQ 500series modules, but even a set of four in a suitable rack would cost more. All in all, this is a very wellconceived package and Ive had to lock my wallet away to reduce temptation.
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