Coveted by top engineers and producers since its introduction in 1970, the Neve 1073 channel amplifier represents the Holy Grail of characterful microphone preamplification. The 1073 mic/line input module defined the punchy, authoritative sound of the legendary Neve 80-series consoles that dominated professional recording studios in the Golden Age of Analog. Today, you can obtain this iconic sound for your studio with the AMS Neve 1073LB 500 Series Mic/Line Preamp. Employing the same preamp circuit architecture and matching components as the original 1073, and updated to meet the demands of modern workflows, the 1073LB gives you a rich tonal palette for making audacious statements with your music.
Note: the 1073LB is not a standalone unit; a compatible 500 Series chassis with power supply and line-level I/O connectors is required, not supplied.
Since the 1970s, the Neve 1073 has reigned as the most sought-after mic preamp and equalizer on the planet — one reason being its inimitable sound; another its impressive versatility. With a generous 80dB of gain on tap, the 1073 handles even your lowest-output passive ribbon mics on quiet sources. While today’s 1073LB retains all its vintage bona fides, AMS Neve remains an R&D-driven company that continually improves their classic designs to meet and exceed the performance requirements of today’s hybrid analog-digital workflows. The name Rupert Neve is synonymous with custom transformer-balanced Class A circuitry, and AMS Neve continues to innovate in that realm with their state-of-the-art Neve Marinair specification transformers, found on the input and output stages of the 1073LB. With their “big iron” transformers, Neve consoles deliver wide, linear bandwidth while maintaining audiophile quality throughout the spectrum for rich, full-bodied sound with formidable lows, assertive midrange presence, and sweet, airy highs.
Decked out in classic RAF blue-gray livery, the 1073LB 500 Series Preamp module offers you a user experience like no other. The robust build quality of the 1073LB — including its rotary switches, stout metalwork, and internal circuitry — is manifestly superior even to most of today’s high-end pro audio gear. And it’s a joy to use. In operation, everything feels just right, from the spoon-in-honey throw of the Trim pot to the satisfying precision click of the switches. As was all pro audio gear of the era, vintage Neve equipment was built with mil-spec parts and materials — which, together with their extraordinary sonics, explains why we still see half-century-old Neve consoles in major studios worldwide. This is how they used to build professional audio equipment — and AMS Neve still does.
At Music Experience, the name Neve commands reverence. Rupert Neve started designing audio equipment in the tube console era but made his mark with solid-state designs. Setting up shop in Little Shelford in the ’60s, Mr. Neve faced many obstacles establishing his brand amid a new technological landscape. Transistors were new, expensive, and difficult to obtain in quantity in the UK. Reliable faders didn’t exist yet — a far cry from today’s world, where parts are affordable and readily available from multiple suppliers, all competing to win bids. Nevertheless, Rupert persisted. And by the early 1970s, the Neve company was humming along, taking orders and building custom transformer-balanced consoles for recording and broadcast studios the world over.
Neve 80-series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve desks as fast as they could. By 1978, with the introduction of the majestic 8078 — the pinnacle of handwired analog “production” consoles — and NECAM automation system, Neve boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. In the decades since, AMS Neve has innovated with groundbreaking products such as the VR, VX, and 88R series consoles. And today, the company continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge pro audio gear that sounds incredible and intelligently addresses the challenges of the digital age.
Everyone’s favourite preamp, with 500 series convenience.
Designed and manufactured in England, the 1073LB uses the same architecture as the original 1073® preamplifier, conveniently packed into a single 500 series module. This compact design uses matched components and original hand-wound transformers to produce the world-famous 1073 sound.
Exclusive Marinair® transformers are used on the microphone input, line input, and line output stages to produce that classic 1073® sound.
Packing the classic 1073® into a 500 series module was no small feat! The 1073 class-A circuit design is faithfully maintained in the 1073LB. The classic 5dB stepped Elma switch delivers accurate gain staging throughout 1073’s high output gain range. This unique layout means there is no need for a mic/line switch; the pot itself selects the correct preamp and input.
Three different gain stages, provided by two independent transistor-based preamplifiers, provide gain for any line input or microphone signal. The 1073LB combines multiple gain stages, meaning the 1073LB preamp can deliver up to 80dB of microphone gain; this brings out the musical drive and harmonic saturation that the 1073® is famous for.
The 180-degree phase invert feature is handy in multi-microphone setups with multiple preamps, ideal for top and bottom snare micing.
The 1073LB can be integrated into your studio via the rear inputs, patched, and ready to go with the front input ready to plug into to record quickly. With settings of 1.2kΩ and 300Ω, the 1073LB impedance can be optimized for use with a wide range of modern or vintage microphones.
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB) |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Pads | -20dB (trim) |
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x XLR/1/4" TRS combo (mic/line) |
| Module Slot Size | Single |
| Power Usage | +16V/120mA, -16V/110mA |
| Depth | 5.75" |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 1073LB |
