How To Set Up a 1073 Neve Style Pre Amp

You are probably setting up your 1073 style pre-amp wrong. The "magic" is typically in the OUTPUT section of a Neve style pre-amp, but because the big knob is red we think we are supposed to crank the INPUT. Wups!!

[chandlerveasey]

I just tried it this is mind blowing information. Sounds so much better with the trim cranked instead of the red knob. This information has changed my life wow so glad I found this video

[MiniGinni]

tried and already recorded a song like this, what a difference, ive always had problems getting levels correct with my pre amp and trying to use an 1176 with it (uad console plugins) and even with plugins, this method actually really helped to control the pre level as well as give me a way better starting point for my leveling compression with the 1176. great video!

[anualphonse]

I've got a BAE 1073MPF arriving in two days and this video JUST SAVED ME a lot of hassle! Thank you!

[mrsayang]

OMG 😱I have an AMS Neve 1073LB and did that wrong tamed the grey trim knob a lot to be able to crank up the red Gain knob. I am considering to buy a BAE 1073MPL, so thanks for this video and the advise.

[Itsyunlo]

Few weeks away from getting a 1073lb and thanks to you ill have a way easier/productive journey with it! Thank you.

[CeasarElloie]

lemme tell ya. U KILLED it with this video for me. I was using a Neumann 105 Mic and am trying out the I Shure SM7B. I was not getting what I expected from the Shure until I tried it you way. THANKS. I HAD NO IDEA THAT I NEEDED TO BE CRANKED UP TO THAT LEVEL.

[BLUESTI]

Ive been searching for this information for 3 days straight thanks a lot!

[anthonyrock]

I do it both ways. Its all fun to experiment and you will have varying results based on your input signal. I love the ability to shape the sound and dont think there is a "wrong" way especially if you are running in and out of a mixer so you wont clip and can controll the signal on both ends. I use both methods in order to get a clean or thicker or darker signal so it all depends on what you want.

[ianshane]

Basically full open trimpot is unity gain, you adjust additional gain with the red knob. You can do this trick too with your speaker monitors. Interface volume fully open usually is unity gain. Adjust the level of your monitors while the interface is at unity gain (for best results for mixing hit 80db-85db spl). End result is calibrated speakers monitors at unity gain and low selfnoise (speakers don’t have to amplify as much). Plenty of articles on this online. Happy music making!

[WadeHarris]

I'm going to have to check on the warm audio one then....I hadn't even thought about this. Good video!!

[christopherdunn]

Even( Golden age project) in the manual says to get the smallest color keep it cranked on the output ! finally tried this and wow there's that lovely distortion if cranked you would need to use a compressor to tame it but realistically you would never push it this high anyways !

[officialdiomer]

i’ve had the Heritage Audio HA-73 and also use the Unison 1073. 40 on the red knob is the sweet spot for me. sometimes 45 and sometimes 35. i just learned by dialing the knobs while i was talking/rapping into my mic until i found a combo that sounded nice. but i was nervous to push the trim so much until i saw another pro had it set similarly lol

[anthonybfernandez]

This really explains the JHS Colourbox as well.

[MrPanpanam]

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

[CIRCLEOFTONE]

3:17 he does not like the Neve distortion? It's gold on bass, vocals etc. Thickens and adds excitement that seems to always sit in the mix. It's inimitable. Horses for courses but don't just use a 1073 for clean headroom. I think the fact that you asked successful producers and they used it "wrong" speaks volumes.

[namson__]

saved my life ! i had a feeling i was doing something wrong... appreciate it have a good one 💫

[chrisjereza]

fantastic video thank you, i got a wa73 for my sm7b and uab twin and this is helpful

[stephenmcculloch]

Thanks heaps for this video! I am awaiting the arrival of my first 1073 preamp (Stam) and this gives me confidence in getting the best results, much appreciated mate.

Do you know if the output of the HA-73 heritage should be used to the maximum as well? behaves the same as the Neve?

[VinylMitchie]

Some pearls of wisdom here for sure. I didn’t realize most of the desirable colouration came from the output transformer. The AMS 1073’s have 3 separate transformers — 1 before the red knob, 1 after, and another before the insert point but before the A/D (DPD model). Disengaging the -10db pad on a U87Ai, saturates the first stage, turning up the red knob saturates the second stage, turning up the “Trim”, saturates the third (output transformers). The last one requires a compressor in the insert or a 20db pad. When you find the sweet spot, you’ll KNOW it!