Sr Studio’s 1073-style Preamp Achieves A Classic Analogue Sound At An Extremely Attractive Price

$599, monoprice.com

Neve’s 1073 preamp is a studio icon. However, these days, only one module can set you again hundreds of greenbacks. Fortunately, there are many manufacturers, similar to Monoprice, who’re providing a extra reasonably priced choice.

Monoprice’s Level Proper vary is a dual-channel microphone and line preamp based totally upon the vintage Neve 1073 module. The unique preamps first gave the impression in 1970, with 28 of them constructed into Neve’s A88 console, which turned into respected for its full-bodied, expansive ‘British’ sound.

The design has been copied again and again and we’ve reviewed a number of of them over time – such because the diminutive Golden Age Venture PRE-73 Jr and Heat Audio’s WA273-EQ, which emulates the design entire with the unique console’s EQ segment. Neve nonetheless gives a variety of 1073 merchandise, which function its unique Marinair transformers, no longer present in any clones.

Even though no longer an actual reproduction of Neve’s vintage devices, the SR Studio Level Proper’s entrance panel is well specified by a standard means, with out mimicking the quirky nature of the real 1073 design. The unique (and lately to be had) Neve devices make use of an enter achieve keep watch over that permits get right of entry to to both mic or line ranges alongside quite a lot of issues of the dial. SR Studio’s unit, alternatively, makes use of a well indented, blue colour-coded pot to regulate achieve in conjunction with a toggle transfer to make a choice mic or line operation. It’s a much more intuitive manner and one we welcome as a nod to modernity, reasonably than slavishly copying the ancient design. This pot additionally controls the enter point for the DI (direct enter), unbalanced quarter-inch jack socket.

Mic achieve vary is 20 to 80 dB; greater than sufficient for even probably the most insensitive, power-hungry microphones, whilst achieve is lowered by means of 30 dB for line mode. The adjoining, purple output keep watch over adjusts the extent of the output in your recording interface or the following unit for your sign chain to forestall overloading. It’s profitable experimenting with the enter and output controls, as dialling-in extra achieve whilst easing again the output will upload extra preamp color in your sign. Riding the achieve tougher into the enter transformer allows the introduction of a few warmly saturated tones for additonal grit and edge. Taking a look within the unit unearths a neat structure, alternatively the transformers are unbranded. A snappy question as to their provenance supplies us with the tips that they’re based totally upon a Carnhill design.

But even so the transfer for mic/line operation, there are push-button switches for segment (polarity invert), 48v phantom continual, DI and Low-Z. Low-Z units the impedance point of the mic/line and DI, with 300 or 1200 Ohms selectable in mic mode. This can be utilized to make a choice the most productive impedance fit for any given microphone or to easily regulate the tonal persona for impact; in spite of everything, you gained’t harm your mics by means of deciding on the ‘flawed’ impedance.

Every channel has a four-step LED output meter, with 3 inexperienced LEDs and a fourth purple one labelled ‘clip’. Don’t be alarmed by means of the clip LED, as in customary operation it must light up infrequently at the best peaks. Handiest scale back point to forestall clipping if the purple LED illuminates too steadily.

At the rear panel each and every channel has a mic/line enter by means of a mix ¼-inch TRS/XLR socket, which accepts balanced indicators from microphones and line-level assets. Balanced output is to be had from both an XLR connector or the ¼-inch TRS jack; then again, the jack outputs an unbalanced sign when the use of a ¼-inch TS cable. An insert socket is incorporated to facilitate an exterior outboard tool comparable to an equaliser or compressor. Additionally at the rear panel is a barrel connector for the provided 24v AC continual provide.

Proper from the get-go, it’s transparent that Monoprice/SR Studio has effectively completed its function of constructing a preamp with the vintage traits of the unique 1073. Recording acoustic guitar with an AKG C414 B-ULS presentations off this persona, which is, as the corporate says, heat, punchy, candy and musical. It’s a valid that flatters maximum audio assets, running specifically effectively with rock and pa recordings of every kind. It’s no longer probably the most impartial or clear of preamps despite the fact that — the unique 1073 by no means used to be – but it imparts an enormous, larger-than-life sound that provides continual to drum kits, for instance.

Bass tools are effectively served by means of the preamp’s company and muscular low-end reaction, with not one of the weak-kneed flub we take note from the price range, semi-pro consoles prevalent within the pre-digital age.

Bear in mind despite the fact that, that not like nearly all of preamps to be had these days, this design does no longer incorporate a high-pass filter out. However then neither does Neve’s personal, lately to be had 1073 devoted mic pre. This loss of filtering needn’t be an excessive amount of of an issue despite the fact that, particularly when you have a mic with an on-board excessive go and, finally, unwanted subsonic rumble may also be due to this fact filtered out inside your DAW.

Additionally in line with the well-loved sonic signature of the 1073 is the highest finish reaction, which is easy and candy, coating the treble area with a shiny sheen. It’s no longer the ultimate in super-top extension despite the fact that, as extra fashionable, clear preamp designs would possibly be offering an additional level of air and sparkle.

The place maximum ultra-clean mic-preamps can’t compete with this one alternatively, is within the midrange, which is richly detailed with a velvet-like texture; there’s no brittle grain or hardness right here. This lends a definite sense of realism and vibrancy to vocals for instance, with not one of the vague and tonally gray sound of lesser preamps.

Because the mid band is so expressive and impactful, it lends itself to a marginally of excessive finish spice up on sure assets; recall to mind the 16kHz height spice up from a vintage Pultec-like equaliser so as to add a way of air to pristine vocals, for instance.

To make pristine, clear sounds extra thrilling, it’s price experimenting with the connection between the enter and output controls. Expanding the enter achieve to paintings the transformer onerous supplies color, with added harmonics, whilst actually using the output produces wealthy saturation for that original analogue antique vibe. Do that out with a bass guitar plugged into the DI socket to listen to this impact. And when you have an outboard compressor handy, use the insert serve as to create an excellent ready-to-record bass guitar tone.

Monoprice is onto a winner with the well-built and budget-friendly SR Studio mic preamp. It has tons of antique analogue persona and an actual rock ‘n’ roll middle.

Key options

• 20 – 80dB achieve
• Switchable 300/1200 Ohm impedance
• Switchable phantom continual and absolute segment
• DI enter for tools
• 4-step LED output meter
• Insert jack for outboard apparatus
• 20Hz – 20kHz frequency reaction (+/- 5dB)