Golden Age Premier PRE-573 500 Series Preamp

The Golden Age Project PRE-573 Premier is a single channel, vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamplifier designed to bring the classic sound of the revered 1073 module into an accessible modern unit. Built using only discrete components such as resistors, capacitors and transistors, it delivers a warm, punchy and musical tone that has shaped countless recordings. With Carnhill input and output transformers crafted in the UK, this preamp ensures a rich analogue character that stands out in today’s digital recording environments. Capable of handling everything from delicate ribbon microphones to direct instrument inputs, the PRE-573 Premier provides flexibility for engineers, producers and musicians alike. Its versatile gain structure, switchable impedance and carefully designed highpass filter allow precise tonal shaping, while the selectable AIR EQ adds presence and clarity. With thoughtful features such as an instrument input offering active and passive modes, soft start circuitry and an intuitive overload indicator, the PRE-573 Premier combines vintage sound quality with modern reliability. Built to last with robust construction and premium components, this preamp offers professional grade performance at a surprisingly accessible price point.

Key Features:

• Vintage Style Circuitry:
  Discrete components and UK-made Carnhill transformers deliver a classic analogue sound character associated with the legendary 1073 preamp design.
• Flexible Gain and Impedance Control:
  Offering up to 80 dB of gain, switchable input impedance and refined output control, it adapts to microphones, instruments and line level signals.
• Creative Tone Shaping:
  A highpass filter, selectable AIR EQ and instrument input options provide versatile tonal control suitable for a wide range of recording applications.

Classic Analogue Sound Character:

At the heart of the PRE-573 Premier lies its vintage inspired circuitry, designed to emulate the tonal richness of the classic 1073 preamp. By employing only discrete components, this unit avoids integrated circuits in the signal path, ensuring an authentic analogue response. The result is a warm, musical and harmonically pleasing sound that enhances vocals, acoustic instruments, drums and more. Whether used on individual sources or across a full mix, the PRE-573 Premier imparts a recognisable depth and presence, making it a versatile choice across genres. The UK-made Carnhill transformers add further character, providing subtle saturation and a polished finish that blends seamlessly with both modern and traditional production techniques.

Versatility in Studio and Stage Applications:

The PRE-573 Premier is engineered to suit a wide range of recording and performance needs. With its wide gain range and flexible impedance switching, it can accommodate delicate ribbon microphones, robust dynamics or sensitive condensers. The line input function allows the preamp to be used with synthesisers, drum machines and other external sources, while the front panel instrument input offers both high impedance active and mid-Z passive options for electric guitars and basses. This adaptability makes the PRE-573 Premier equally effective in studio sessions or live sound environments, delivering consistent performance and tonal integrity regardless of source.

Thoughtful Features and Build Quality:

Designed with practicality in mind, the PRE-573 Premier includes several features that enhance workflow and reliability. The output level control allows creative drive of the gain stage for added character, while maintaining appropriate output levels. A selectable highpass filter ensures cleaner recordings by reducing unwanted low frequencies, and the AIR EQ provides additional clarity and openness. With a phase switch, phantom power, insert capability and overload indicator, it covers the essential requirements of modern recording. The solid construction, star grounding scheme and high quality capacitors contribute to long term durability, making this preamp a dependable investment for both professional and home studios.

Specifications:

• Single channel vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamp
• Discrete component design with no integrated circuits
• UK-made Carnhill input and output transformers
• Microphone gain range: 20 to 70 dB with selectable +5 or +10 dB
• Maximum gain in MIC mode: 80 dB
• Total gain range: -10 to +80 dB
• Switchable microphone input impedance: 1200 or 300 ohms
• Line input with -30 dB pad and ~10 kohm impedance
• Two-position highpass filter: 45 Hz or 180 Hz
• Front panel instrument input with active and passive modes
• Output level control for fine adjustment and gain staging
• Insert jack for 500 series EQ or effects integration
• Soft start power circuit (~10 seconds)
• Phase switch and switchable phantom power with LED indicator
• Selectable AIR EQ providing +6 dB boost at 30 kHz
• LED signal and overload indicator from +4 dBu upwards
• Tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in key positions
• Matched 6.8 kohm phantom resistors for improved rejection
• Selectable 600 ohm output termination
• Star grounding PCB design
• Solid construction designed for durability