Golden Age Pre-73 MkIV
The latest version of the Golden Age Project PRE-73 bestseller!
The Golden Age PRE-73 MkIV is a single-channel vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components such as resistors, capacitors and transistors. The input and output are transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each optimized for its purpose. This is how audio components were built before integrated circuits became available.
The circuit used in the PRE-73 MkIV is similar to the preamp section in the classic 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic features have been heard on countless recordings over the years and it’s a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and genres.
The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low price, making it available to almost everyone.
FEATURES Golden Age Pre-73 MkIV
- Vintage Style Electronics. No integrated circuits in the signal path.
- Maximum gain in MIC mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon microphones with quiet sound sources.
- GAIN switch range 20 – 80 dB. GAIN / LINE mode switch, gain is reduced by 30 dB in LINE mode.
- Selectable high-frequency AIR boost eq on two positions, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.
- Selectable 6 dB/octave high-pass filter with two frequencies around 40 (HP1) and 170 Hz (HP2).
- Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.
- Switchable impedance in MIC mode, 1200 or 300 Ohms, changes the tone of most microphones. The input impedance in the LINE
- mode is 10 kOhm.
- Switchable phantom power and absolute phase.
- A high impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar or bass.
- A simple yet effective 4 step LED output level meter.
- The output level control allows you to make fine gain adjustments and also to adjust the main gain stage(s).
- overload for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.
- Combo XLR / TRS input jack and separate output XLR and TRS jacks for flexible connections.
- Insert jack for inserting EQs and other units.
- Selectable 600 ohm output termination.
- The PCB is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.
- External power supply to prevent interaction with the audio circuitry and transformers.
- A solid build quality that will last for many years with normal use.
NEW FUNCTIONS IN COMPARISON WITH PRE 73 MkIV
- Tantalum capacitors in the signal path.
- Selectable high-frequency AIR boost eq on two positions, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz.
- Selectable dual-frequency high-pass filter, 6 dB/octave at 40 or 170 Hz.
- The PCB is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer.
- Revised and less complicated GAIN switch with a separate switch for MIC / LINE selection.
- All GAIN settings can also be used in LINE mode
Brand
Golden Age Audio
Golden Age Audio: The Legendary Vintage Sound, Finally Reachable
Dreaming of the warm, saturated sounds of iconic 1970s studio hardware, but your budget won't allow for a vintage Neve or Teletronix? Meet Golden Age Audio. This brand has sparked a true revolution by making classic analog designs - from legendary preamps to tube microphones - available to the modern producer, without the astronomical price tags.Why Choose Golden Age Audio?
Golden Age Audio (often referred to as GAP or Golden Age Project) was founded with one clear mission: to provide high-quality audio equipment with soul. Where modern interfaces often sound clinical and "sterile," Golden Age adds that desired harmonic distortion and musicality heard on countless classic records.The Iconic Pre-73 Series
The brand's flagship product is undoubtedly the Pre-73. This preamplifier is based on the legendary 1073 circuit. Whether you opt for the affordable MKIII or the high-end Premier version with Carnhill transformers, you get that characteristic "punch" and "weight" that bring your vocals and instruments right to the front of the mix.Compression and EQ with Character
In addition to preamplifiers, Golden Age offers a wide range of dynamic processors:
COMP-54: A vintage-style compressor based on the 2254 design, ideal for that silky smooth glue on your bus tracks.
COMP-2A & COMP-3A: Optical compressors that bring the legendary sound of the LA-2A and LA-3A to life in your rack.
EQ-73 & EQ-81: The perfect analog complement to shape your audio with those classic British EQ curves.Golden Age Premier: No Compromise
For the audiophile who will settle for only the very best, there is the Golden Age Premier line. These products are built with the highest quality components, including genuine Carnhill transformers, better capacitors and even tighter quality control. It is the ultimate way to bring the "high-end boutique" sound into your home at a fraction of the price of original vintage units.Microphones for Every Studio
From the popular R1 Ribbon microphones that give that typical "smoothness" to guitar amps, to the impressive GA-800G (a tribute to the famous Sony C-800G tube microphone): Golden Age Audio proves that you don't have to spend tens of thousands of dollars for a world-class recording chain.Key Benefits of Golden Age Audio:
Discrete Analog Circuits: No ICs in the signal path where they shouldn't be, but real transistors and transformers.
Boutique Look & Feel: Rugged enclosures and vintage knobs that not only sound great, but also look great in your studio.
Excellent Value for Money: The shortest route to a professional analog workflow for home and project studios.Upgrade Your Signal Pad Today
Whether you're taking your first steps into the world of analog hardware or looking to expand your existing rack with new timbres, Golden Age Audio offers the perfect balance of history and innovation. Stop relying solely on plugins and experience what real transformers can do for your sound.
