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Recording Gear | Outboard | Microphone preamp
New | Condition: Brand New
GOLDEN AGE PROJECT  |  Product Code: 597401

GOLDEN AGE PROJECT PREQ-73 PREMIER

Regular price $667.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Product Condition
Brand New Unused, as sold.
Mint Like new, no flaws.
Excellent Barely used, very minor wear.
Very Good Light wear, fully functional.
Good Visible wear, plays fine.
Fair Heavy wear, still playable.

Description

A premium 1-channel HA + EQ model that reproduces the classic NEVE 1073 in every detail.

"GOLDEN AGE PREMIER" is a high-end line from Golden Age Project (GAP) that offers high-quality vintage-style products at affordable prices.

The PREQ-73 PREMIER is a highly accurate replica model of the legendary NEVE 1073, combining a single-channel microphone/line/instrument preamp with a three-band EQ section.

The timeless sound character of vintage NEVE amplifiers has been used on countless recordings, and it has the ability to beautifully color music. The PREQ-73 PREMIER is a top-of-the-line model that faithfully reproduces the essence of that sound. It features the highest-quality components, including transformers made by British company Carnhill, and is a result of the meticulous design and meticulous sound tuning that have already earned acclaim.

The combination of authentic preamps and smooth EQ provides the most complete "analog sound."



Highly accurate replica model of the 1073 preamp

This perfectly reproduces NEVE's original Class A discrete 3-stage gain preamp. It uses BC184 transistors, tantalum electrolytic capacitors for coupling, polystyrene film capacitors for filtering and stabilization, and high-precision metal film resistors, ensuring precise electrical characteristics and long-term stability while retaining the original preamp tone.


-Carnhill microphone input transformer/line output transformer included as standard

The microphone input uses a CARNHILL VTB9045M with a shielded cover. The impedance select switch allows you to switch between 1.2kΩ and LOW-Z = 300Ω. This changes the amplification and sound quality, allowing you to select the character you want.

The line output uses the Carnhill VTB2514, driven by a Class A discrete output circuit using 2N3055 power transistors. By default, a termination resistor is connected, aiming for a vintage tone, and the output is adjusted to add rich harmonics. By removing the internal jumper, the termination can be disabled, allowing you to adjust the output to a wide-range, speedy texture with reduced harmonics.


- Vintage-design 3-band EQ

This 3-band (LF/MF/HF) amplifier features a vintage inductor design for the MF band. The LF/HF bands feature two selectable frequencies, while the MF band features three selectable frequencies, making for a compact design. LF (55Hz/220Hz), MF (350Hz (can also be set to 700Hz with an internal jumper)/1.6kHz/3.2kHz), and HF (10kHz/16kHz).


- Passive type DI input

This is a standard DI input with an input impedance of 100kΩ, and is injected via a microphone transformer. The GAIN switch can be set to the MIC position.


・Optimal power circuit design using AC adapter

While it uses a linear power supply system that is advantageous for sound quality, by placing the power transformer, which is a source of noise, outside the housing in the form of an AC adapter, it is an ideal design for a microphone preamplifier that handles minute microphone signals.


FEATURES

- Circuit design and components thoroughly focused on vintage style

Maximum gain in microphone mode is 80dB, sufficient for processing quiet sources and passive ribbon microphones

- Classic 23-position gain/line switch (5dB steps)

Gain range: 20 to 80 dB (mic), -10 to +20 dB (line)

LF (+/- 15dB) and HF (+/- 20dB) shelving equalizers with two selectable frequencies per band

Inductor-based +/- 15 dB midrange equalizer section with three selectable frequencies (internal jumper settings allow for frequency adjustment)

Switchable impedance setting of 1200/300 ohms in mic mode. Input impedance of 10kΩ in line mode.

- 48V phantom power and phase inversion switch

High-impedance instrument (DI) input for sound modules and electric guitars and basses

- Simple and highly visible 4-step LED output level meter

The OUTPUT volume allows for fine gain adjustment. You can also overload the main gain stage to create a sound rich in harmonics.

- Combo type XLR/RS jacks are used for MIC and LINE input terminals, and separate XLR and TRS jacks are provided for output terminals

Selectable 600 ohm output termination

Classic Neve style knobs and buttons

Up to two units can be rack mounted in the UNITE PREMIER rack kit

Internal wiring prioritizes pure signal and long-term stability

British-made Carnhill mic input and line output transformers

The PCB is designed to allow the line input transformer to be changed to Carnhill 9046M.

-Polystyrene capacitors are used in the amplification circuit

- Tantalum capacitors are used in the signal path

- Enhanced premium power circuit

- Robust toggle switch with gold-plated contacts

External power supply to avoid interactions with audio circuits and transformers

- Robust build quality for long-term professional use

Payment & Security

Payment methods

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  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

For orders exceeding Paypal’s transaction limit of 1 million yen, we will provide more details. For secure transactions, items will only be shipped to the address registered in your Paypal account.

Regarding detailed information and contact information to us, please check FAQ.

Please Note

The following information applies to international orders.

■ Condition

Items with “USED” in the product name are pre-owned and will be delivered as shown in the photos. Signs of wear may be present. All items are function-tested by our staff and rechecked before dispatch.

■ Stock

Many products are stocked across Ikebe stores in Japan. As a result, shipment may take several days. In-store sales may also cause items to sell out. If an item is unavailable, we will contact you promptly; in that case, the order will be canceled and any payment will be refunded.

■ Shipping

We ship via FedEx. Shipments are fully insured against damage or loss during transit.

  • Asia: 10–20 days (estimated)
  • North America & Oceania: 20–30 days (estimated)

Shipping costs are calculated based on the delivery address and confirmed at the time of dispatch.

■ Taxes & Duties

Import duties, taxes, and fees are the buyer’s responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These fees are typically collected by the carrier upon delivery or at pickup. Please check with your country’s customs office for details before purchasing.

■ Other

We cannot declare a reduced item value or mark purchases as gifts.

* Warranty

Our product warranty is valid only within Japan.

* Voltage

All electrical products are intended for the Japanese market and are designed for 100 V operation.

About us

Founded in 1975, Ikebe Music is one of Japan's largest general music stores.Thanks to its long history and proven track record, it has earned the trust of musicians and music fans not only in Japan but around the world.

Ikebe Music ships not only within Japan, but also overseas.As a well-known retailer of used musical instruments in Japan, we have a wide selection of used and vintage instruments.

We have a wide variety of unusual and rare instruments, so please take a look.Please note that we do not list new products, as our contracts with our suppliers prohibit international shipping.

About our stores

In Japan, we have about 30 stores in Tokyo (Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Akihabara) and Osaka.

We have just opened our flagship store, IKESHIBU (IKEBE SHIBUYA), in Shibuya, Tokyo, which brings together numerous musical instrument specialty stores and serves as a hub for entertainment culture.

Please be sure to stop by if you are visiting Japan.

Tokyo area
Osaka area
About Shipping

We carefully pack every item with protective materials to ensure it arrives safely.
The photos above show an example of how we securely pack a bass guitar for shipping.

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