Neve 1073LB 500 Series Mic Preamp

Product Description

The Neve 1073LB is a single-channel 500 Series preamp that puts the classic 1073 circuit into your 500 Series rack. Built around a fully discrete Class A signal path with exclusive Marinair transformers, this classic preamp module delivers up to 80 dB of gain with switchable input impedance, 48 V phantom power, and a front-panel combi-XLR connector for fast source changes. Engineers, producers, and musicians reach for the 1073LB to add weight to vocals, drums, guitars, and bass in any studio or mobile recording rig. Its transformer-balanced input and output stages give tracks the punch and "big iron" weight that made Neve consoles legendary. See the features below to learn more about how the Neve 1073LB brings iconic British tone to your 500 Series rack.

THE WORLD-FAMOUS 1073 PREAMP, BUILT FOR YOUR 500 SERIES RACK

Introduced in 1970 as the mic/line input module for Neve 80 Series consoles, the 1073 quickly became one of the most sought-after mic preamps in professional recording. The Neve 1073LB recreates that circuit as a 500 Series mic preamp module, so you can fill a rack with Neve preamps while keeping your studio streamlined. The audio path is 100% discrete and follows the same design as the 1073 Classic module, from the input transformer to the output stage. A convenient hardware insert lets you patch in modules such as the 1073LBEQ or 2264ALB, turning your rack into a modular channel strip.

EXCLUSIVE MARINAIR TRANSFORMERS

The Neve 1073LB uses genuine Marinair transformers wound to the same specifications as the original 1073 on its input and output stages. These transformers create the "big iron" character that defines the Neve sound: extended low-end weight, solid midrange punch, and smooth highs that never turn harsh. Both the mic input and the line input on the 1073LB are transformer-balanced so the module rejects hum and ground noise even in a crowded rack. The output is transformer-balanced as well, letting the 1073LB drive long cable runs and feed converters with plenty of headroom. Push these output transformers harder, and you get the rich, saturated tone that Neve consoles are famous for.

AUTHENTIC CLASS A DESIGN

Class A circuitry keeps its transistors conducting at all times, which eliminates crossover distortion and produces the even harmonics that make analog gear sound rich instead of clinical. The Neve 1073LB follows that principle with two discrete transistor preamp gain stages and a discrete output gain stage, using components matched to the original Neve parts rather than integrated circuits. The mic input provides +20 dB to +80 dB of gain in 5 dB steps, so the 1073LB handles quiet ribbon microphones and loud room mics with equal authority. The line input runs 4 kOhms bridging with a gain range of -20 dB to +10 dB in 5 dB steps, ideal for reamping or driving mixes through the transformers. Distortion stays below 0.07% from 50 Hz to 10 kHz at +20 dBu output, and frequency response holds within ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

THOUGHTFUL FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

The Neve 1073LB front panel gives you fast access to every parameter that matters. A 22-position Elma rotary gain switch sets level in 5 dB increments, and a Signal Presence LED confirms audio is passing through, turning red when the module clips. A +5/-10 dB trim pot fine-tunes output, while its integrated switch turns 48 V phantom power on and off. Separate switches handle phase, microphone impedance, and front input selection, and the front combi-XLR connector accepts XLR and TRS sources with intelligent phantom power switching that protects your ribbon mics.

LEGENDARY NEVE SOUND

Rupert Neve's transformer-coupled Class A designs defined the sound of 1970s records, and Neve still builds this hardware in England to the original specifications. Half-century-old Neve consoles remain in daily use at major studios because their switches, metalwork, and internal circuitry were built to military-grade standards, and the Neve 1073LB is manufactured the same way. Run vocals, drums, or a bass DI through this mic preamp and the midrange pushes forward, the low end tightens, and the top end opens without added brightness. Whether you own one Neve 1073LB or fill a 500 Series rack with them, you are recording through the same preamp lineage heard on countless classic albums.

Click here to learn more about the history of the Neve 1073 Preamplifier.