Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr. Microphone Preamplifier
Warm up microphones or DI sources with this "Junior" edition of the Pre-73, and get Golden Age's take on the Neve 1073 preamp for a more affordable price.
Overall User Ratings (based on 6 ratings)
Submitted September 13, 2017 by Aaron C in Calumet City, IL
"GAP Pre-73 Jr. Mic Preamp"
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This is my first mic preamp. So far, I am very happy with this product. I'd like 3 more to install into a rack unit. It would also be great if zZounds carried the GAP EQ units.
Sound
This is my first mic preamp so characterizing the sound is a bit difficult. I'm kinda new to recording but have dabbled in the past. I feel that, with the Pre-73 Jr, I am finally able to deliver a killer distorted guitar signal to my DAW. I use this with a Sennheiser e906 mic to record distorted tones from within an iso-cab. This unit is definitely compatible with hard rock. I haven't used the Pre-73 junior in any other settings yet, but works great with my e906.
Features
The Pre-73 Jr is a stripped down version of the Pre-73. It has DI, 48V and PI, that's pretty much it. I think it's important to mention that the Pre-73 Jr has the "insert" feature. This allows you to use the GAP EQ, or other studio EQs that only have a 1/4" out. A feature that I really dig is that the Pre-73 Jr. can be modified. The circuit board includes soldering pads to install a Carnhill VTB-9045M mic input transformer available from GAP.
Ease of Use
Too me, the sound from this thing is great. There's two knobs; gain and output. I'm recording distorted rhythm guitars right now and I feel that less gain and more output gives me a good sound. Although more experimenting may get me closer to that tone I'm looking for. My mic placement impacts my sound more than the unit does.
Quality
The Pre-73 is enclosed in a heavy metal housing. The output pot had a bit of a tight spot, but that's gone after turning it a few dozen times. The knobs are kinda cheesy but high quality aftermarket knobs are available. Pretty paint, solid unit, got some weight to it. Nice.
Value
This is a bare bones non-IC preamp with no bells or whistles and $150 less than it's big brother. Yes, this thing is a deal. Big deal, small package.
Manufacturer Support
I sent an email to GAP inquiring about transformer upgrades and was responded to by Bo Medin, the founder of GAP. That's pretty cool, right?
The Wow Factor
I would give the Pre-73 Jr a high degree of "wow factor". What would make me want this product even if I could make good music without it is the fact that I've never experienced an audio interface, within my budget, with built in pres that sounded decent. The Pre-73 Jr sounds great and I look forward to recording with it and buying more GAP stuff.
Musical Background:
I have been playing guitar and writing for over 20 years.
Musical Style:
I mostly enjoy rock 'n roll and classical music.
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Submitted October 6, 2015 by Patrick Hunter in Smyrna, TN
"Great Pre-amp..."
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Very quite. Tons of gain. I tried it with several different mic's and was blown away by how transparent it sounded. Loved the detail it brought out. Love it and recommend it.
Musical Background:
Playing and recording for 30 years
Musical Style:
Rock and Blues
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Submitted October 20, 2016 by Gregg Livengood in Jeannette, PA
"Steal for the price"
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Warm and silky.. Clean to colored.. Very nice mic pre for the money. Built like a tank. Wish it had a hp filter
Musical Background:
Drums, engineer, studio owner and live sound
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Submitted September 10, 2015 by Nick D in Providence, RI
"Great sound, Low Price"
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I've been using this device in conjunction with a Warm Audio WA76 and an SM7 and it sounds fantastic. Very nice color, not too crazy but just that little something extra. And of course there is lots of gain. Solid feel and weight, though the push buttons seem a bit cheap. However, this device is pretty cheap, and more than delivers. Knobs and jacks are very solid.
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Submitted October 24, 2019 by shamene l in Fort Lauderdale, FL
"clean gain and warmer tone!"
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if you're looking for clean gain and a warmer color then get it. Experiment to find the sweet spot. This pre amp is subtle with color but you will notice a difference.
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Submitted July 27, 2017 by Robert H in Boise, ID
"Quiet Voice-Over Mic Amp"
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I bought the Golden Age Project Pre-73 Jr. to use as a mic preamp for my voice-over studio. It is exceptionally transparent! I am very pleased with the quality and power of this unit. Originally, I bought this Pre-73 out of desperation because of the sad pre-amps in my Universal Audio Apollo Twin. Had I known what a great unit it is, I would not have purchased the Universal Audio unit. I plan to purchase another GA Pre-73 to drive an EV RE20 studio mic. You will be very pleased with the Pre-73 Amps power. I run it at about 17% of what is available and more than enough audio output.
Musical Background:
40-year veteran voice-over studio; voice over trainer/coach
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