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Warm Audio WA73-EQ 1073-Style 1-Channel Solid State Mic Preamp w/EQ
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Product Videos :
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Your Price: $1,149.00 CDN
or from $121 CDN/mo
2 models to choose from:
If there's one preamp that professional engineers would unanimously agree has defined the tone of pop/rock records for the last 50+ years, it would most definitely be the venerable 1073. The 1073 has been massively used in recording and live applications for decades and is still considered to be the "Holy Grail" of preamps today. The Warm Audio "WA73 Family" provides single and dual channel re-creations of this classic British preamp (with & without EQ), that each pay careful and humble homage to the original circuit.
The WA73-EQ is a "Desert Island" boutique preamp, but it can also be classified as a studio and live work-horse. The classic 1073 was known for being a versatile tool that worked with all kinds of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon. The WA73-EQ equally shines on all types of microphones and sources including; vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, percussion, orchestras, keyboards, and even as a tone shaping tool to run partial or complete mixes through. With 80dB of gain, a fully discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path, and versatile 3 band inductor EQ, there's no recording, mixing or engineering task the WA73-EQ cant handle.
UK Custom Carnhill Transformers
1073 enthusiasts unequivocally get excited about the component history in these classic circuits. The signal transformers are a common topic of conversation. The classic vintage units used various versions of transformers throughout the years, and the most coveted were the very first versions made by Marinair Radar. Marinair Radar Transformers are regarded as the most desirable 1073 choice due to their fluid and forgiving nature. They saturate sweetly when pushed, and have been known to make engineers cry when they hear how beautiful their mixes sound through them! Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design faithful replicas of these most coveted, early version transformers.
Hand Wired & Hand Assembled
The classic 1073 was hand-wired and so is the WA73-EQ! The WA73-EQ is authentically hand-wired and hand assembled, including the pcb components that are all populated by hand.
Capacitors & Signal Path
An important part of the classic British circuits not often discussed are the different styles of capacitors and output transistor used. Warm Audio maintained integrity to the original design by using tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is much smoother in the high gain settings than what is typically found in modern 1073-style replicas.
UK Blore Edwards Switch-Pots
A great sounding 1073-style circuit should be just as reliable as it is great sounding. The complex dual concentric switch potentiometers in the EQ section of the WA73-EQ are made in the UK by Blore Edwards who manufacture military spec switches and potentiometers. The use of Blore-Edwards components is no small inclusion for a 1073-style preamp-eq in this price range.
Specifications:
• Single Channel, Class A, 1073-style British Microphone Preamp with EQ
• UK made Carnhill Transformers
• UK made - Blore Edwards EQ dual-concentric switch potentiometers
• Hand Wired, hand assembled
• 80dB of gain - resistor stepped gain switch
• Fully discrete
• TONE button - Changes input transformer impedance for varying tone
• Polarity switch
• 48v phantom power
• Inductor based 3 band EQ
• Low Band Boost/Cut - 35, 60, 110, 220 Hz
• Mid Band Boost/Cut - 360, 700, 1600, 3200, 4800, 7200 Hz
• High Band Boost/Cut - 10, 12, 16 kHz
• Additional high band frequency EQ points added (compared to vintage 1073)
• 4 position inductor based hipass filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz
• XLR mic inputs (front & back)
• Line level TRS input
• TS Send/Receive insert jacks
• XLR & TRS line level outputs
• Direct In, instrument input
• Output control
• Led level indication
• Freq response 20Hz - 20kHz +/-.5 dB
• 19" rackable
• Internal IEC 115v/230v power inlet
The WA73-EQ is a "Desert Island" boutique preamp, but it can also be classified as a studio and live work-horse. The classic 1073 was known for being a versatile tool that worked with all kinds of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon. The WA73-EQ equally shines on all types of microphones and sources including; vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, percussion, orchestras, keyboards, and even as a tone shaping tool to run partial or complete mixes through. With 80dB of gain, a fully discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path, and versatile 3 band inductor EQ, there's no recording, mixing or engineering task the WA73-EQ cant handle.
UK Custom Carnhill Transformers
1073 enthusiasts unequivocally get excited about the component history in these classic circuits. The signal transformers are a common topic of conversation. The classic vintage units used various versions of transformers throughout the years, and the most coveted were the very first versions made by Marinair Radar. Marinair Radar Transformers are regarded as the most desirable 1073 choice due to their fluid and forgiving nature. They saturate sweetly when pushed, and have been known to make engineers cry when they hear how beautiful their mixes sound through them! Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design faithful replicas of these most coveted, early version transformers.
Hand Wired & Hand Assembled
The classic 1073 was hand-wired and so is the WA73-EQ! The WA73-EQ is authentically hand-wired and hand assembled, including the pcb components that are all populated by hand.
Capacitors & Signal Path
An important part of the classic British circuits not often discussed are the different styles of capacitors and output transistor used. Warm Audio maintained integrity to the original design by using tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is much smoother in the high gain settings than what is typically found in modern 1073-style replicas.
UK Blore Edwards Switch-Pots
A great sounding 1073-style circuit should be just as reliable as it is great sounding. The complex dual concentric switch potentiometers in the EQ section of the WA73-EQ are made in the UK by Blore Edwards who manufacture military spec switches and potentiometers. The use of Blore-Edwards components is no small inclusion for a 1073-style preamp-eq in this price range.
Specifications:
• Single Channel, Class A, 1073-style British Microphone Preamp with EQ
• UK made Carnhill Transformers
• UK made - Blore Edwards EQ dual-concentric switch potentiometers
• Hand Wired, hand assembled
• 80dB of gain - resistor stepped gain switch
• Fully discrete
• TONE button - Changes input transformer impedance for varying tone
• Polarity switch
• 48v phantom power
• Inductor based 3 band EQ
• Low Band Boost/Cut - 35, 60, 110, 220 Hz
• Mid Band Boost/Cut - 360, 700, 1600, 3200, 4800, 7200 Hz
• High Band Boost/Cut - 10, 12, 16 kHz
• Additional high band frequency EQ points added (compared to vintage 1073)
• 4 position inductor based hipass filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz
• XLR mic inputs (front & back)
• Line level TRS input
• TS Send/Receive insert jacks
• XLR & TRS line level outputs
• Direct In, instrument input
• Output control
• Led level indication
• Freq response 20Hz - 20kHz +/-.5 dB
• 19" rackable
• Internal IEC 115v/230v power inlet
Media
Youtube video product demo
Youtube video product demo
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
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My first outboard purchase 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Hamilton, Ontario
I was hesitant to give this unit a try thinking it might not add anything over my Apollo UAD Unison Neve 1073 plug-in. After doing my own A/B comparison, I'm definitely keeping this baby. On preamp alone it made my vocal sound bigger and added some nuance that I'm going to get along with nicely. The EQ section sounds slightly different than the plugin to my ears, but also very good. There's usually some degree of variance between any two examples of real life units of the same make and model, and the difference is like that.
Definitely satisfied with this unit.
Definitely satisfied with this unit.
Posted by Eric on Apr 23, 2022
I'm convinced 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Calgary Royal Vista, Alberta
So after reading and watching (what feels like hundreds) reviews, I decided to get one. I thought, what did I have to lose? With L&M's great return policy, I was covered either way. As I stated, I was down to the Warm Audio WA73, WA73-EQ or the Focusrite ISA One. I was using the preamp for only voiceover work and was concerned that the WA would be too much colour or warmth. Boy, was I wrong! It was the perfect amount of "warmth," really nice thickening of the lower frequencies, but not muddy. Sounds really fantastic with my TLM 103. I gave it a four on features as if this had just one more option for low mid or high mid eq; it would be fantastic—nice smooth low end, clean and clear high end and really quiet noise floor. I am delighted I purchased the WA73-EQ. It is not a Neve, but very Neve-esq. If you're on the fence about whether to get one, do it, you'll be happy you did!
Posted by James on Feb 12, 2021
Warm Audio WA73-EQ1073 2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Kingston, Ontario
Great Product
Posted by JC on May 25, 2019
It's a sub $1000 1073 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store North York (Steeles), Ontario
Although I've never used a Neve 1073, I have used both BAE and Vintech. The Warm clone is exactly the same as the one Rupert Neve designed. Same components, same Canhill capacitors, same look, same sound. Now under $1000 no as, and just over with eq.
Posted by James on Sep 30, 2018
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| WA73-EQ 1073-Style 1-Channel Solid State Mic Preamp w/EQ | 517278 |
