The classic 1073 EQ controls.Enhancing this core vintage functionality, the DPX can be fitted with an optional digital I/O card (expected around the middle of the year) which provides both high–quality internal A–D conversion of the outputs as well as D–A conversion to feed the line inputs. The tiny power inlet connects to an included external 48V DC power supply. Not many of the various 1073 clones offer headphone monitoring facilities. Two push-buttons switch the EQ in or out of circuit, and invert the output polarity. In addition, a separate 18dB/octave high–pass filter can be switched between off, 50, 80, 160 or 300 Hz. The EQ section provides a high shelf at 12kHz, a switchable mid–section (centre frequencies of 0.36, 0.7, 1.6, 3.2, 4.8 and 7.2 kHz), and an adjustable low shelf (corner frequencies of 35, 60, 110 and 220 Hz).

In brief, the distinctive gain switch accommodates mic signals between –80 and –20 dBu in 5dB steps, and line signals from +10 to –20 dBu, with all gain switching performed by sealed relays. Internally, it’s mostly constructed using surface–mount device (SMD) technology, based closely on the company’s reworked 1073N module ( ).

Naturally, the heart of the 1073 DPX is the familiar 1073 preamp/EQ, with the same circuitry, input and output transformers manufactured to the same spec as the Marinair originals, the same dual–concentric Grayhill switch/pot functions, and the same control legends, knobs and push-buttons. Perhaps AMS–Neve felt it important to address that sector of the market directly, with a properly engineered version, with all the panel legends the right way around - but they’ve done more than that, because this version boasts some very useful additional features. Why another version? As enthusiasts know very well, there is a plethora of original vintage (and clone) modules converted to varying levels of competence and quality into dual–channel rackmounted systems. But I was wrong, because brand new, and reviewed exclusively here in Sound On Sound, is the Neve 1073 DPX, an enhanced, dual–channel, 2U rackmounting version of this enduringly popular design.

I thought I’d already seen every possible variant of Neve’s 1073 preamp - including the original 1073N ’45–series cassette’, the 1073 DPA and DPD models, and the 1073LB and LBEQ 500–series preamp and partnering EQ modules, not to mention the numerous clones from various boutique manufacturers. Just when you thought you’d seen every possible permutation of the 1073 preamp, Neve offer up something a little different.

Neve 1073 preamp vocals