Neve 1073DPX Microphone Preamplifier

With two Neve 1073® pre-amps packed into a modern, 2u 19″ rack format, the Neve 1073DPX features everything you need to record a variety of performance setups. For example, stereo micing setups such as piano or drums work perfectly through the dual-channel DPX. Alternatively, singer-songwriters can use each channel strip independently for an acoustic guitar and a vocal simultaneously.

Exclusive Marinair® transformers are used on the input and output stage to produce that classic Neve 1073® sound; the line and mic inputs are transformer balanced.

The Neve 1073DPX retains the discrete, class-A topology made famous by the classic Neve 1073®. Taking this technology forward, the 1073DPX uses a combination of modern production techniques, including our unique, in-house SMT. Still, crucially, the discrete audio path is constructed using through-hole methods, including mounting the Marinair® transformers and class-A transistor-based amplifiers.

The classic 5dB stepped Elma switch delivers accurate gain levels throughout the gain range. This unique layout means there is no need for a mic/line switch; the pot itself selects the preamp and input. Three distinct gain stages provided by two independent transistor-based preamplifiers provide gain for any DI, line input or microphone signal.

The Neve 1073® preamp produces up to 80dB of microphone gain. By combining multiple gain stages, the Neve 1073DPX delivers the musical drive and harmonic saturation for which the 1073 is famous.

The Neve 1073DPX features two instrument DI’s, one for each channel. This layout is ideal for capturing a duet instrumental performance in the studio without any peripheral equipment.

With independent switching of front and rear inputs, the Neve 1073DPX can be integrated into your studio, ready to use as an insert or through a patch bay, with switchable front combi-connectors for recording directly into the front of the unit.

The three-band inductor-based EQ is designed for musicality. Each frequency point was carefully selected by Rupert and his team of engineers to enhance sound quality across the frequency spectrum. The custom hand-wound inductors are made in the UK and are exclusive to Neve®, often exceeding our tight 1073® specification.

Expand the Neve 1073DPX channel strips with the balanced, +4dBu insert send/return loop feature. This circuit is designed for ultimate flexibility with a switchable pre/post EQ insertion point. Create custom on-the-fly signal flows with any of your favourite outboard processors or stomp pedals.

The rotary level pots function independently, just like the two-channel faders on a Neve® console. Running from -inf to +5, this control gives plenty of headroom for fine-tuning your recording signal back into the DAW.

For further precision, the Neve 1073DPX features two independent 7-stage LED meters using PPM ballistics. Each meter displays signals between -33dB to +24dB at variable points throughout each signal chain, I/P shows how much gain is added after the preamp stage, EQ displays overall gain reduction/addition at the inductor EQ stage and O/P displays the final output gain – perfect control over signal flow for each preamp.

The Neve 1073DPX included headphone monitoring mounted to the front of the unit. This feature provides latency-free mono or stereo monitoring for tracking and an independent preamp output for signal splitting. Additionally, it also allows you to jam through one or both channels of the Neve 1073DPX without any recording equipment powered on.

Features

• 2 independent, genuine 1073^® transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier/EQ circuits, in a single 2U 19″ rack-mount enclosure
• Exclusive Neve^® Marinair^® transformers are used on each input and output stage.
• Convenient connections for Mic, Line & DI inputs on the front of the unit, with switchable mic/line input connections on the rear of the unit
• Switchable +48v Phantom Power, Hi/Lo impedance, -20dB pad and DI ground lift on the input stage
• Switchable Phase, and EQ in/out
• Insert send and return loop feature allows external equipment to be connected easily to the 1073DPX audio chain, such as mono/stereo limiter/compressors
  • Pre-EQ insert send/return – a line level send is available from the mic-preamp output stage and a return just before the EQ stage
  • Post-EQ insert send/return – a line level send is available from the post-EQ stage and a return just before the main output stage
• Independent channel output level controls
• 7-stage LED signal level meters for each channel – can show mic/line/DI input-stage level, EQ-stage level or output-stage level up to +24dB
• Headphone output with adjustable volume control can listen to channel 1, channel 2 or both channels combined
• External multi-voltage PSU
• Power – 48Vdc, 480mA ±20mA excluding digital module. Negative Earth