The AMS Neve 1073LB is a legendary mono microphone preamplifier in the 500-series format, allowing you to bring classic Neve sound into lunchbox enclosures. As a premium piece of studio and recording equipment, this module retains the exact same Class-A architecture as the original 1970 model. Manufactured in England, the circuit utilizes hand-wound, exclusive Neve transformers on both the input and output stages. These components are responsible for the famous musical saturation, harmonic warmth, and massive output signal that have defined the sound of countless hit records across decades.
The preamp delivers a massive amount of headroom with up to 80 dB of microphone gain, adjustable in convenient 5 dB steps using the iconic red "Gain" knob. A unique addition to the 1073LB version is the fine "Trim" control, allowing for precise output level adjustments ranging from -20 dB to +5 dB, which also incorporates a push-button to activate the +48V Phantom power. Users can take advantage of the switchable input impedance (1200 Ω or 300 Ω), enabling perfect matching with any type of microphone, from modern condensers to low-output vintage ribbons.
For enhanced workflow, the front panel features a convenient Combi-XLR/TRS input connector, eliminating the need to reach behind the rack enclosure. A dedicated button allows for quick toggling between the front and rear inputs. Both microphone and line inputs are transformer-balanced, offering incredibly low distortion (0.07% from 50Hz to 10kHz at +20dBu). Furthermore, the innovative "Audio Processing Insert" design allows for internal, cable-free routing to compatible Neve equalizer or compressor modules within the same rack, creating a fully-fledged classic recording channel.
KEY FEATURES
- Classic Class-A microphone/line preamplifier in a 500-series module format
- Exclusive Neve hand-wound transformers providing the authentic, legendary tone
- Up to 80 dB of stepped microphone gain (in 5 dB increments) for maximum headroom
- Fine "Trim" control (-20 dB to +5 dB) for precise level driving and gain staging
- Switchable microphone impedance (1200 Ω or 300 Ω) tailored for any microphone type
- Convenient front-mounted Combi-XLR input with intelligent Phantom power switching
- Phase Invert switch, essential for multi-microphone recording setups
- Integrated Front/Rear input selector switch paired with a signal presence LED
- Unique Audio Processing Insert design for linking with other Neve modules (like the 1073LBEQ)
- Engineered and hand-crafted in England by AMS Neve professionals
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Module Type: Microphone/Line Preamplifier (500-Series Format)
- Mic Input: Transformer balanced, Gain -80 dB to -20 dB (in 5 dB steps)
- Mic Input Impedance: Switchable, 300 Ω or 1200 Ω
- Line Input: Transformer balanced, Gain -20 dB to +10 dB (in 5 dB steps)
- Line Input Impedance: 4 kΩ bridging
- Output: Transformer balanced, Max Output +28 dBu, Impedance 75 Ω
- Frequency Response: ±0.5 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, -3 dB at 40 kHz
- Distortion (THD+N): < 0.07% (from 50 Hz to 10 kHz, +20 dBu output, 80kHz bandwidth)
- Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): Better than -125 dBu at 60 dB gain
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 38 × 132 × 145 mm (Standard single 500-series slot)
- Weight: Approx. 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs)
- Power & Mounting: Requires an API compliant Lunchbox enclosure
