ELBERG 1073

The ELBERG 1073 is a combined microphone preamplifier inspired by the classic Neve 1073 from the 70s and 4 band parametric equalizer, in this version with the ’right’ transformers on both in- and output, like the later versions of the classic, and class A in- and output stage. The preamp combines with a second order (12 dB/oct) low cut filter, adjustable from 40 to 270 Hz, and a 4 band equalizer.

The preamp features a gain control ranging from 10 to 60 dB in 10 dB steps, followed by an adjustable 15 dB attenuator, making it possible to create a clean signal or a signal with a mild saturation before the signal enters the equalizer. The classic 1073 circuits mean that the sound is big, present, and well defined, but without being aggressive.

The equalizer in the ELBERG 1073 is classical in its construction. Low and Hi shelf are Baxandall circuits with Low frequencies 40, 80, 120, and 240 Hz, and Hi frequencies 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 kHz. The two midbands are State Variable types, with LMF frequencies from 0.2 to 2.5 kHz, and HMF from 1.5 to 9 kHz, both with selectable bandwidth (Q) 0.5 and 1.5. Gain on all four bands are +/-15 dB, making the equalizer suitable for both subtle sound creations as well as a more surgical approach.

The ELBERG 1073 is equipped with a five LEDs meter (PPM), giving the user full view of the output level, a phase reverse switch, 48V phantom power, and a switch selecting either mic or line. The rear contains balanced XLR inputs for both mic and line, and a balanced line level output. Furthermore, a toggle switch will define if the chassis is connected to audio ground, 230 V ground, or floating. This may be useful if the device is mounted in a rack and thereby connects with other devices’ grounds.

The device includes two internal toroidal power transformers delivering the four voltages to the audio circuits. It is handbuilt in Denmark, and quality components are used throughout, ELMA gold rotary gain switch, Alps pots, and extra long life capacitors. The audio signal doesn’t pass through any of the push switches. Instead, the switches control high quality relays which make the actual switching.

The standard 1073 requires 230 V/50 Hz. 115 V/60 Hz version on demand.