Heritage Audio 8173 80 Series Microphone Preamp & EQ

Heritage Audio 8173 80 Series Microphone Preamp & EQ Overview
The Heritage Audio 8173 80 Series Microphone Preamp & EQ module blends the legendary warmth of a 73-style preamp with the sonic flexibility of the 81-style equalizer, offering a powerful tool for any audio professional. Whether you're tracking vocals, instruments, or mixing tracks, this 2-in-1 preamp and EQ module delivers the iconic, punchy sound that has shaped countless hit records. The 8173 provides a full, vibrant sound with up to 80dB of gain and a versatile 4-band EQ section that includes both high/low shelving and sweepable mid-bands, giving you the tools to precisely shape your sound. Built with the same top-tier components and construction techniques as its legendary predecessors, the 8173 offers premium performance at a fraction of the cost of vintage equipment.

Classic 73-Style Preamp for Punchy, Rich Sound
At the heart of the Heritage Audio 8173 is the classic 73-style Class A microphone preamp, known for its rich, vibrant tone and versatility. This preamp can handle any microphone type, from ribbon mics to low-output dynamic mics, with ease, providing up to 80dB of gain for clear, full-bodied sound. Whether you're recording soft vocals or loud instruments, the 8173 brings a natural warmth and punch to your recordings that only a Class A design can deliver. The 73-style preamp’s high-headroom design ensures that your tracks stay dynamic and lively, even when pushed to higher gain levels.

Versatile 4-Band EQ for Detailed Tone Shaping
The 8173’s four-band EQ section combines the best of both the 73- and 81-style modules, giving you extensive tonal control without sacrificing sound quality. The high and low shelving bands follow the classic Baxandall curves, allowing for smooth, natural boosts or cuts across the frequency spectrum. This type of EQ is renowned for its musicality and is perfect for shaping your sound with subtlety or impact. The two mid-bands are fully sweepable, covering nearly the entire audible frequency range. This makes the 8173 ideal for a wide range of applications, from tightening up a muddy mix to adding crispness to snare drums or taming harsh frequencies in vocals.

High-Pass Filter for Clean, Focused Sound
One of the key features of the 8173 is its frequency-selectable high-pass filter, which allows you to clean up your signals by cutting out low-end rumble and unwanted frequencies. The filter can be switched between 50Hz, 80Hz, and 300Hz, giving you flexibility for different material types and ensuring that your mix remains clear and focused. This feature is especially valuable when working with low-frequency instruments like bass and kick drums, as it allows you to remove unnecessary low-end noise without affecting the musicality of the sound.

Built to Last with Legendary Components
The Heritage Audio 8173 is built with the same exacting standards and components as the original British-produced 80 Series modules, ensuring reliability and high-quality sound. The module features Carnhill transformers, dual-concentric switches, and push buttons, all designed to match the original specifications for the most authentic sound possible. It’s housed in a rugged 80 Series chassis, ensuring durability for long-term use in demanding studio environments. The 8173 is also designed for easy integration into any approved 80 Series chassis, making it simple to incorporate into your existing setup.