AMS Neve BCM 1073N to 1073 Classic Upgrade (Per Channel)
1073N
The 1073® with a Modern Twist
Designed and built in England, the modern-day 1073N is the perfect choice for producers looking to access classic Neve® sound in a true-to-form 80-series module.
Classic 80-Series
The 1073N was constructed as a true-to-form 80-series module. This exacting specification means that the 1073N can replace vintage modules housed in the legendary 1970’s Neve® consoles using the gold-plated 18 pin rear connector.
Horizontal or Vertical Configurations
There’s no need to worry for those who are not lucky enough to own a classic Neve® console, as the 1073N comes in two configurations depending on your requirements. Horizontal modules can be racked together as a stereo pair in the Neve 3U stereo rack. Additionally, eight vertical modules can be housed in the 5U vertical rack.
Standalone Use
A great benefit of the 1073N is using the unit standalone without a console or rack. The 1073N has independent, external PSU, XLR connections and metal casing, meaning this classic preamp can be placed anywhere in the studio or taken on the road. Ultimate quality, any time, anywhere.
Instrument DI
The 1073N is the ideal modern standalone 1073®, featuring an independent DI circuit and connection with earth lift and -20dB pad for recording any instrument directly into the 1073N.
Marinair® Transformers
Exclusive Marinair® transformers are used on the microphone input, line input, and output stage to produce that classic Neve 1073® sound throughout.
Class A Discrete
The 1073N retains the discrete, class-A topology made famous by the classic 1073®. Taking this technology forward, the 1073N uses a combination of modern production techniques, including our unique, in-house SMT. Still, crucially, the discrete audio path is constructed using through-hole methods, including mounting of the Marinair® transformers and class-A transistor-based amplifiers.
Inductor-Based EQ
Like the original 1073®, the 1073N uses the original, custom hand-wound inductors manufactured exclusively in the Uk. The 3-band inductor based EQ produces musical results across the frequency spectrum, the mid bell-curve band features ideal presence ranges for male and female vocals with +/-18dB of gain, with high and low shelving bands with +/-16dB gain.
Unique 1073® Gain Staging
The classic 5dB stepped Elma switch delivers accurate gain levels throughout the gain range. This unique layout means there is no need for a mic/line switch; the pot itself selects the preamp and input. Three distinct gain stages are provided by two independent transistor-based preamplifiers producing high gain for any DI, line input or microphone signal.
High Output – Harmonic Saturation
By combining the two preamps together, the 1073® preamp can deliver up to 80dB of microphone gain, bringing out the musical drive and harmonic saturation that the 1073 is famous for.
Phase Invert
The 180-degree phase flip feature is extremely useful in multi-microphone setups with multiple preamps, ideal for top and bottom snare micing.
Lo-Z Impedance
With settings of 1.2kΩ and 300Ω, the 1073LB impedance can be optimised for use with a wide range of modern or vintage microphones.
1073 Classic
The only genuine 1073 is Neve
Launched in 1970, the 1073® is the first choice of leading producers and artists, delivering the unique Neve® sound on some of the most famous recordings of the past six decades. Although there have been numerous attempts to copy the 1073, ours are the only true modules on the market.
Hand Built in the UK
The 1073® is entirely handcrafted here in the UK by our Neve® Engineers. All of the units constructed today follow the original, pencil-on-paper designs drafted by Rupert Neve himself. This original construction method, using point-to-point wiring, fibreglass tracking and original components, takes time. However, it is necessary to ensure that ultimate care is taken when constructing this legendary module.
Marinair® Transformers
The exclusive Marinair® specification input transformers, used in the 1073® module, were a collaboration between Neve Electronics and the Marinair Radar company in the late ’60s & early ’70s. The Marinair specification for the 10468 Mic input transformer and 31267 line input transformer is exclusive to Neve and is manufactured here in the UK for all of our 1073’s. This is used to produce the balanced, subtle harmonic saturation for which the 1073 is famous.
Transformer-Balanced Output
The 1073’s LO1166 gapped output transformer was designed entirely by Rupert Neve in 1964 for use in his first transistorised console, designed for Phillips Records Ltd. This design has remained under lock & key at Neve HQ for the past 6 decades, used exclusively by Neve® to produce a transformer balanced output stage for the 1073®.
Class A Discrete
The 1073® uses a discrete class-A circuitry throughout, while not the most efficient design in terms of power consumption; this design is entirely free from crossover distortion and produces a subtle warm & musical analogue hue to any line or microphone source.
Unique 1073® Gain Staging
The classic 5dB stepped Elma switch delivers accurate gain levels throughout the gain range. This unique layout means there is no need for a mic/line switch; the pot itself selects the preamp and input. Three distinct gain stages provided by two independent transistor-based preamplifiers provide gain for line input or microphone signal. By combining the two preamps, the 1073® preamp can deliver up to 80dB of microphone gain, bringing out the musical drive and harmonic saturation that gives the 1073 its fame.
Exclusive Inductors
The iconic 1073 EQ section uses handcrafted inductors manufactured exclusively for Neve in the UK. These inductors follow the original, unpublished specification laid out in the 1073 module design for the 1070 Wessex A88 console, in which the EQ had to perform across a wide range of signal sources.
Three-Band EQ
Rupert’s team carefully selected the frequency points for each of the three EQ bands. The high shelf is fixed at 12kHz, selectable bell curve mid-range with optimal presence frequency points and selectable low shelf frequency points; the 1073’s EQ section produces musical results across a wide range of signal sources.
18dB/Octave HPF
Complimenting the three-band EQ is the 1073’s famous 3rd order high pass filter. This sound sculpting tool is ideal for tailoring signals when tracking through the unit, removing unwanted low frequencies from high register instruments.
Phase Invert
The 180-degree phase flip feature is handy in multi-microphone setups with multiple preamps, ideal for top and bottom snare micing.
High/Low Impedance
The 1073® module has two impedance settings accessed via the rear-mounted Hi/Lo switch. With settings of 1.2kΩ and 300Ω, the impedance can be optimised for use with a wide range of modern or vintage microphones.
Horizontal or Vertical Orientation
The 1073® comes in two orientations, vertical and horizontal. Vertical orientation modules can be built to install into a console or an 8-module rack. Additionally, horizontal modules can be built for use in the 3U stereo pair rack.