The Neve 1073 preamp and equalizer was launched in 1970 and still remains a popular choice today amongst recording artists. It’s well known for its “louder than life” and “big, punchy” sound that continues to make the Neve 1073 an icon.

Finding an original handcrafted and handwired Neve 1073 ’s is no easy task, though most reviews have suggested that the current models are manufactured to the exact same specifications of the original Neve 1073 modules. Obviously with advances in technology they are not be identical, but the high quality they produce still makes them popular today. Recording artists can use just one single unit, or purchase multiple units to further expand the capabilities of the Neve 1073.

If you’re a statistics person, here are some of the features of the current (modern) classic version of the Neve 1073:

• Classic transformer microphone preamp amp (Class A design)
• 3 EQ bands
• Hand-built and hand-wired to original 1970s design
• HP filter
• Neve designed hand-wound transformers
• Both inputs are transformer balanced and earth free
• Microphone Input: Gain +80db to +20dB in 5dB steps.
• Line Input: Input impedance 10k ohms, gain +20dB to -10dB in 5dB steps.
• Output: Maximum output is >+26dBu into 600 ohms.
• Output is transformer balanced and earth free
• Distortion: Not more than 0.07% from 50Hz to 10kHz at +20dBu output
• (80kHz bandwidth) into 600 ohms.
• Freq Response: +/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz, -3dB at 40kHz. EQ Out.

Finding Neve Equipment in the U.S. is especially difficult, with there only being 3 authorized AMS-Neve dealers. Fortunately, sites like ebay make it easy to shop all around the world. See some of their current listings for the Neve 1073 and accessories below.

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