Behringer 73 Microphone Preamp

The 1073 was an iconic piece of hardware that took the music industry by storm and transformed into a beloved fixture in studios worldwide. This unique-sounding mic preamp was a staple in renowned studios like Abbey Road, Sound City, and Capitol Studios, and helped shape the sound of some of the greatest legends like Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Stevie Wonder and even Adele. Today, we pay homage to that iconic studio cornerstone with the Behringer 73, a more compact version of the Behringer 1273. Developed with one of the original engineers, their valuable knowledge and experience ensure that the 73 not only maintains the great sound of the original but also meets the demands of modern production.

The 73 is built around a Class A discrete circuit, which ensures the highest signal integrity with minimal coloration. The input and output stages are equipped with a high-quality, custom-built Midas transformer, which is great for maintaining signal clarity and integrity. The 73 also has a versatile Gain control for various input types, such as mic, line and instrument, providing comprehensive control and flexibility for different recording scenarios. The stepped rotary Gain switch allows you to precisely set optimal input levels up to 80 dB with the least amount of noise and is also great for consistently recalling your settings for every mix scenario. The Trim control gives you even finer level control to your recording device. Combined with the precise 80 dB Gain control, you can get the perfect level for even the quietest of sources.

FEATURES

• High performance, compact 500 series premium microphone/line preamplifier based on the classic 1073 design
• Class A, all discrete signal path for highest signal integrity
• Custom-built Midas input and output transformers
• Versatile Gain control to handle various type of inputs including mic, line and instrument
• Electronically controlled resistor-stepped 80 dB rotary gain switch for extreme precision and low noise
• Trim level control with integrated phantom power switch
• Signal indicator and intuitive phantom power LED with protective automated switching
• Illuminated switches for Phase, Hi/Lo Impedance and Front/Rear Input selection
• Transformer-balanced inputs on combo connectors
• Premium-quality components throughout for a crystal-clear audiophile signal path

SPECIFICATIONS

• Microphone
  - Type : XLR and 1/4" TRS combi socket, transformer balanced front Connection to 500 series rack input connector, transformer balanced rear
  - Impedance : 1200 Ω / 300 Ω, balanced
  - Max. input level : +10 dBu
  - Sensitivity : -20 dB to -80 dB in 5 dB steps
  - Mic EIN @ 80 dB gain, 22 Hz to 22 kHz : -125 dBu Unweighted
  
  
• Line
  - Type : XLR and 1/4" TRS combi socket, transformer balanced front | Connection to 500 series rack input connector, transformer balanced rear
  - Impedance : > 4 kΩ, balanced
  - Max. input level : +28 dBu
  - Sensitivity : -20 dB to +10 dB in 5 dB steps
  - Noise at unity gain, 22 Hz to 22 kHz : -83 dBu Unweighted
  
  
• Audio Outputs
  - Type : Connection to 500 series rack output connector, transformer balanced rear
  - Impedence : < 100 Ω balanced
  - Max. output level : +28 dBu with 100 kΩ load, +26 dBu with 600 Ω Load
  
  
• System Specifications
  - Frequency response : 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB
  - Distortion (THD+N) : <0.07%, 50 Hz - 20 kHz, +4 dBu
  - Noise : -83 dB, 22 Hz - 22 kHz unweighted
  - Circuit : Discrete Class-A amplifiers
  
  
• Controls
  - Buttons : Phase/Polarity Reverse | LO Z, 1200 Ω/300 Ω, operates on the mic input only | FR I/P, switches between the 500 series rack input and front combi connectors
  - Controls : Rotary sensitivity switch, +10 to -80 dB in 5 dB steps | Trim control, -20 dB to +5 dB with unity gain center detent | +48 V Phantom power, press trim control knob to enable/disable | Off = < -25 dBu, Green = > -25 dBu, Red = > +26 dBu
  
  
• Power Requirements
  Voltage : +16 V, -16 V and +48 V
  Power consumption : +16 V = < 200 mA, -16 V = < 15 mA
  
  
• Physical
  - Standard operating temperature range : 5° C – 45° C (41° F – 113° F)
  - Dimensions (H x W x D) : 132.1 x 37.9 x 176.4 mm (5.2 x 1.5 x 6.9")
  - Weight : 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs)