Golden Age Audio PRE-73 JR Premier Mic/Instrument Preamp

Golden Age Project Pre73 Jr Premier Overview
The Golden Age Project Pre73 Jr Premier is a one-channel microphone and instrument preamp that brings vintage analog warmth and character to your recordings. Whether you're using it for mics or instruments, this preamp is designed to deliver a highly musical and punchy sound, thanks to its Class A discrete electronics and transformer-balanced inputs and outputs. Built with vintage-inspired components and modern functionality, the Pre73 Jr Premier offers the iconic “73” preamp sound known for its ability to bring life to any sound source, from passive ribbon mics to electric guitars and basses.

Classic Vintage-Style Sound with Modern Features
Built with no integrated circuits or surface-mount components, the Pre73 Jr Premier relies on a vintage-style Class A signal path, ensuring a warm, rich sound that is true to the analog classic designs of the past. This preamp features high-quality UK-made Carnhill transformers for both the input and output, adding to the unit’s character and sonic appeal. The Pre73 Jr Premier's distinctive sound is ideal for capturing everything from mellow vocals to dynamic instruments, making it a versatile choice for various musical genres and sound sources. With its broad 20–70dB gain range, it offers plenty of flexibility to capture both quiet and loud sources with ease.

Gain Control and Versatile Tone Shaping
The Pre73 Jr Premier provides fine control over your sound with its gain rotary switch, which ranges from 20 to 70dB, giving you the flexibility to handle a wide variety of microphones and instruments. This preamp also includes two essential tone-shaping features: a selectable 2-position high-frequency AIR boost with either a 3dB or 6dB boost at 30kHz and a 6dB/octave highpass filter with selectable frequencies (≈40Hz and 170Hz). These features allow you to add shimmer to your vocals and remove unwanted low-end rumble, ensuring that your recordings remain clear and precise.

Instrument DI and Output Level Control
For instrument recordings, the Pre73 Jr Premier includes a high-impedance direct injection (DI) input for electric guitars, basses, and keyboards. The front-panel DI input ensures that your instruments sound natural and full, much like they would when plugged into a high-quality amplifier. The unit’s output level control is not only useful for adjusting gain but also for adding character. By pushing the output stage harder, you can achieve vintage-style transformer saturation, giving your recordings a punchy, warm, and musical tone.

Flexible Connectivity and External Power Supply
The Pre73 Jr Premier offers excellent connectivity options with a combo XLR/TRS input jack and separate output XLR and TRS jacks, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. Additionally, the unit is equipped with an insert jack that allows you to easily patch in outboard processors like EQs and compressors, enhancing the versatility of your signal chain. To maintain optimal signal integrity, the preamp includes an external power supply that isolates the audio circuits from power-related noise, ensuring the cleanest possible signal path.

Durable and Compact Design
Despite its compact size, the Pre73 Jr Premier offers robust build quality that will last for years of reliable service. The unit’s high-end construction ensures it can withstand daily use in both home studios and professional environments. Furthermore, the small form factor allows up to four units to be mounted in the optional Unite Premier 19-inch rackmount kit, which is perfect for users who need multiple channels of preamplification in a limited space. The durable and practical design, combined with its boutique-quality sound, makes the Pre73 Jr Premier an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to add vintage-style warmth and punch to their recordings.