Neve 1073LB Review
Neve’s revered 1073 preamp is finally released in the 500 Series format. Mark Cousins packs his Lunchbox.
Price: £1,074.00
Manufacturer: Neve
Website: http://www.ams-neve.com
Originally designed in the 70s, the Neve 1073 has come to define the gold standard of mic preamp design, becoming an integral part of what many term as the ‘Neve’ sound. Even to this day, Neve continues to produce a version of its 1073 preamp, meticulously following the original schematics including the all-important Class A signal path and hand-wound transformers. Variants of the 1073 design have also entered the market, including Neve’s own 1073DPA (featuring two-channel operation but without the EQ) and a whole host of imitators, most of them featuring the ‘73’ moniker somewhere in the product’s name.
Tapping into the huge success of API’s 500 Series rack format, the 1073LB is Neve’s latest offering, reputedly featuring the same architecture and components as the original 1073 but squeezed into the familiar Lunchbox format. Interestingly, the 1073LB omits the 1073’s distinctive EQ, although a partnering 500 Series unit – the 1073LBEQ – offers the potential to add that all-important 1073 EQ, for use either as a standalone equaliser or embedded into the 1073LB’s signal path.
Class of 73
Given the form factor of the API Lunchbox, the 1073LB is a triumph of miniaturisation. Although some differences between the two units are inevitable, the 1073LB is carefully assembled to capture the ‘1073’ sound, with matching components and, of course, Neve’s own hand-wound transformers. It’s also interesting to see several concessions to the modern age that go above and beyond the original 1073 spec, including a combi-XLR connector on the front panel, switchable mic input impedance, +5/-10dB level trim control and a signal presence LED, all of which add useful functionality.If you’ve used a 1073 before, the 1073LB should feel very familiar, particularly in respect to its distinctive stepped gain control. However, one area that didn’t immediately appeal was the provision for phantom power, which is activated by pushing in the level Trim control. While this multi-functionality isn’t unusual, we occasionally deactivated phantom power by knocking the Trim control. Phantom power can also be deactivated by moving the Gain control into its Line gain section or by switching between the front and rear inputs using the FR I/P switch. This is a sensible safety provision, but could confuse new users.
The Neve sound
The sound and performance of the 1073LB feel unmistakably Neve, and although we couldn’t put it head-to- head with an original 1073, it performed admirably against a 73-like clone – Vintagedesign’s M73 – that we had to hand. What was immediately apparent was the transparency and detail in the 1073LB’s output, with plenty of gain to play with and near-flawless noise performance. While the M73 delivered a somewhat ‘pushed’ sound, the 1073LB presented each instrument in a musically balanced way, despite having a slightly ‘larger than life’ sound. As with an original 1073, therefore, the musicality shines through on the 1073LB, with the preamp providing just enough of its own character without ever becoming too overbearing.While 1073 purists will undoubtedly spot subtle differences in the 1073LB’s output, we couldn’t help but be impressed. Although the 1073LB is still a serious investment, it’s one of the most cost-effective and flexible ways of adding a touch of authentic ‘1073 magic’ into your signal path – with or without the EQ. It’s also pleasing to see new features like the combi-XLR connector and variable input impedance. Neve has delivered a preamp that sets new standards for the 500 Series format. MTM
9/10 Verdict - Neve manages to squeeze an impressive amount of circuitry into the 1073LB, delivering a 500 Series preamp that truly deserves the ‘1073’ moniker.
WHY BUY
+ A true Neve 500 Series preamp+ Plenty of transparent gain
+ More affordable than a real 1073
+ EQ can be added at a later date
WALK ON BY
- Unusual phantom power switching- Purists will still prefer an original
- No DI input
Score: 9/10
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This review first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 100
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