Introduction

In the world of recording, microphone preamps and equalizers (EQs) play a crucial role in shaping the sound of your tracks. A good preamp can elevate the quality of your recordings, while a well-designed EQ allows you to fine-tune the tonal balance of individual instruments and vocals. Today, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the Warm Audio WA73-EQ, a popular choice among home studio enthusiasts and professionals alike.

About Warm Audio

Known for faithfully recreating legendary studio gear at affordable prices, Warm Audio has gained a dedicated following in the audio community. With a passion for analog sound and classic circuit designs, Warm Audio strives to put top-tier tone within reach of the masses.

The Warm Audio WA73-EQ (see current price) is their take on the iconic 1073-style British preamp and EQ. This single channel strip aims to deliver the unmistakable character and color of the original, without the eye-watering price tag. Let’s dive in and see how it performs.

Authentic Sound, Modern Reliability

The 1073 is without a doubt one of the most revered preamps in recording history. It powered countless classic records and is still found in world-class studios to this day. The key to its enduring popularity lies in the way it flatters any source run through it, imparting a larger-than-life sound that sits perfectly in a mix.

To capture the essence of the 1073, the WA73-EQ utilizes UK-made Carnhill transformers, which are known to be the closest replica to the original Marinair transformers. These custom transformers provide much of the characteristic warmth, weight, and harmonics that define the classic 1073 tone. Warm Audio also faithfully adheres to the class-A circuitry (a type of amplifier circuit known for its linearity and low distortion) and gain architecture of the vintage units.

Where the WA73-EQ improves on the original is in its build quality and components. While staying true to the sound, modern manufacturing techniques and parts selection enhance the reliability and longevity. The switches feel robust and the premium Blore Edwards potentiometers ensure smooth operation and lower noise. However, some users have reported issues with the switches and pots after extended use, so long-term durability is still to be determined.

Rest assured, much of the classic 1073 sound is alive and well in the WA73-EQ. From the punchy drums to creamy vocals, this preamp can capably record a wide range of sources with undeniable vibe and presence. While not an exact clone, it gets impressively close to the vintage 1073 sound at a far more attainable price.

Shaping Your Sound

More than just a preamp, the WA73-EQ also features the prized 1073-style equalizer. Simple yet highly effective, this 3-band EQ can significantly enhance a recording with just a few tweaks.

The low shelf at 35, 60, 110, or 220 Hz allows you to tighten up or beef up the bottom end, perfect for kick drums and bass guitars. The high shelf at 12 or 16 kHz can add air and brilliance to dull recordings, making vocals and acoustic guitars sparkle. Some users find the high shelf a bit too aggressive, but careful adjustment can yield excellent results.

The star of the show, however, is arguably the midrange band. Offering 6 frequency selections from 360 Hz to 7.2 kHz, it’s known as the “presence” knob for good reason. Boosting here can make a vocal cut through a dense mix or help emphasize the crack of a snare drum. Conversely, attenuating the mids is ideal for taming harsh guitars or overly aggressive horns. The musical nature of this mid band is a big part of the classic 1073 sound.

With up to 16 dB of boost or cut per band, the WA73-EQ is a powerful tool for sculpting your tracks. And because the EQ is pre-transformer, you can push it fairly hard for delicious analog saturation without clipping your DAW inputs. This also allows you to hit the transformers harder for thick lows and overall richness. However, the EQ can be a bit too tempting to overcook at times, so judicious use is key.

Bells & Whistles

In addition to the stellar preamp and EQ, Warm Audio included a few handy extras on the WA73-EQ. The first is a switchable impedance control, giving you the option of 150 or 1200 ohms. Impedance refers to the amount of resistance a device presents to the flow of electrical current. Lower impedance (150 ohms) darkens the tone and tames aggressive transients (loud, short-duration sounds), while higher impedance (1200 ohms) sounds more open and present. It’s a subtle but welcome option to tailor the sound to your microphones and source material. However, the difference can be difficult to discern on some sources.

Another neat addition is the Tone button, which changes the input transformer routing on the V1 stage amplifier. This replicates the tonal shift when the original 1073 modules were “pushed”. With Tone engaged, you’ll hear fatter mids and sweeter highs, great for fattening up drum overheads or electric guitars. It’s a fun option to have, but not necessarily a game-changer.

Lastly, the WA73-EQ includes a TRS direct input on the front panel. This allows you to plug in your bass, keys, or other line level sources without the need for a separate DI box. The DI input hits the custom transformers and class-A amplifiers for authentic 1073 tone on any source. It’s a handy feature for quick recording or tracking without a console.

In The Box

• Warm Audio WA73-EQ 1-Channel British Microphone Preamp
• 24V DC Power Supply
• Printed User Manual

WA73-EQ Tech Specs

• Microphone Input Impedance: Selectable 150 Ohms or 1200 Ohms
• Microphone Gain: 0 to 80dB (stepped)
• Line/DI Gain: +10dB to +40dB (1/4″ input only)
• EQ Frequencies: High: 12kHz or 16kHz, Mid: 360Hz, 700Hz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, 4.8kHz or 7.2kHz, Low: 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz or 220Hz
• EQ Boost/Cut: +/-16dB in 2dB intervals
• Power: 24V DC (power supply included)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.5″ x 5.25″ x 2.5″
• Weight: 2.3 lbs

Who Is It For?

The WA73-EQ is an excellent choice for anyone seeking the rich, euphonic tone of a classic British preamp and EQ. It excels on vocals, guitars, drums, and a wide range of sources. With its flexible impedance control and tone shaping EQ, this channel strip can adapt to many recording situations, making it a versatile tool for both home and professional studios.

Home studio owners will appreciate the WA73-EQ’s versatility and relative value. Rather than buying a separate preamp, EQ, and DI box, you get all the essential front end tools in one unit. And because of its reasonable price point, you can feasibly buy a pair for stereo recording without totally breaking the bank. However, it’s still a significant investment for the home studio.

For professionals, the WA73-EQ makes a solid addition to the 500 series lunchbox or as a cost effective way to expand your analog channel count. While not an exact 1:1 clone, the sound will be quite familiar to any engineer who has worked on a vintage 1073. The ability to subtly season your DAW tracks with the WA73-EQ’s analog mojo is a big part of the appeal. However, some pros may still prefer to save up for the real deal or higher-end boutique clones like the Neve 1073 SPX or the BAE 1073MP.

Compatibility

The Warm Audio WA73-EQ is designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of recording setups. Its compact size and 24V DC power supply make it well-suited for both stationary and mobile recording rigs. Whether you’re working in a home studio, professional facility, or on the road, the WA73-EQ can easily find a place in your signal chain.

For those with 500 series racks, the WA73-EQ is a perfect fit. It can also be used as a standalone unit, thanks to its included power supply. The WA73-EQ’s versatile connectivity options, including XLR and 1/4″ TRS inputs and outputs, ensure compatibility with a wide range of audio interfaces, mixers, and other studio gear.

Final Thoughts

The Warm Audio WA73-EQ is a great way to infuse your recordings with the unmistakable vibe of a classic 1073 at a far more affordable price point than originals or high-end clones. By capturing much of the sound and feel of the original while adding a few modern enhancements, Warm Audio has created a very capable and appealing channel strip for the money.

Is it an exact replica of a 1970s 1073? No, and the differences become more apparent in direct comparison. But in isolation, the WA73-EQ gets you remarkably close to that classic sound for a fraction of the cost. Some purists may scoff at the idea of an “affordable clone”, but the proof is in the pudding. The WA73-EQ sounds excellent and makes it far easier to capture tracks with that coveted analog warmth and presence.

There are a few minor quirks and limitations to consider, and long-term durability is still to be proven. But overall, if you’re looking to step up your recordings with a serious taste of vintage British tone on a reasonable budget, the Warm Audio WA73-EQ is absolutely worth considering. With its superb sound, solid build, and straightforward operation, this preamp can easily become a go-to workhorse in your studio.

Want to get your hands on the Warm Audio WA73-EQ? See current price here.