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AMS Neve 1073 DPX

Test & Review

Are you looking for a Channel Strip preamp for professional and studio use? A preamp that allows you to preprocess or premix the sound coming from a high-fidelity microphone? Opt for the AMS Neve 1073 DPX multichannel preamp. It is a preamp which gives access to a wider range of settings. Discover through this guide our complete test of this Chanel Strip preamp, as well as its advantages compared to other preamps (transistor and tube).

AMS Neve 1073 DPX test and review

🎤 by Kevin Jung

Summary of the Test 👇

A tube preamp enhances the sound effect of various home studio recordings. A transistor preamp allows you to have a refined sound whose rendering remains fairly faithful to that of the sound emitted at the input. Channel Strip ” or Multichannel power amp combines the advantage of these two types of amplifiers, but has the particularity of providing access to a wider range of settings .

We will thus be able to purify the sound as best as possible and exactly as we wish. However, not all Channel Strip microphone preamps But, what is the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp really worth?

What sets it apart from any other type of Channel Strip amp for professional and studio use? Let's test and zoom in on the essential functions and characteristics of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp in order to attest to its true capabilities and powers !

AMS Neve 1073 DPX Dual Pream & EQ
Picture from Ams-neve.com

AMS Neve 1073 DPX Mic Preamp Overview

On the front of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX mic preamp, there are two horizontally aligned channels that perform the same functions. The buttons and potentiometers located on the top channel therefore perform exactly the same functions as those aligned on the second channel below. Thus, each of the two channels includes:

  • A “ Front ” button: to switch the audio input to the front mic/line combo connector.
  • A “ DIGI ” button: to switch the line input and output to the rear digital module. In this module, the front/rear microphone input, the DI input as well as the analog line output remain operational.
  • combi jack input (for XLR microphone input or for jack line input).

Four buttons:

  • One button to activate phantom power
  • A button ( Lo Z ) to serve as an input for low impedance microphones like the Shure SM57 (including ribbon, magnet and moving coil mics in particular)
  • A Lift button to boost the DI input signal
  • -20 dB attenuation pad button to eliminate sound reverberation and unwanted noise
  • A DI input to which you can connect a 6.35 mm jack connector on the front
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EQ equalization section including:

  • A gain potentiometer (clearly identifiable by its red color) to adjust the gain.
  • A sound equalization potentiometer in the high frequencies.
  • A potentiometer for equalizing sounds in the midrange.
  • A low frequency equalizer.
  • A low cut potentiometer or bass attenuator.

phase inversion button ( Φ Insert ” button EQ as well as a “ Pre pre-EQ or post-EQ mode ).

From then on, and depending on the channel line you are on (on the first line above or on the second line below), you can control the rendering of the audio signal at its output via the monitoring section accessible to the far right of the front of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp.

This monitoring section includes a gain and signal level at the input and post-equalization as well as at the output. You can easily switch between these three modes by pressing the “ LEVEL ” button which is located right next to the indicator LEDs (input, post-EQ and output).

AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp
Picture from Audiosciencereview.com

Everything can be adjusted using an associated volume adjustment and can then be monitored using stereo headphones since the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp is equipped with a dedicated headphone output mini-jack port. You can therefore directly plug your audiophile earphone into it to pre-mix the sound as best as possible .

This same volume adjustment button also allows you to choose the channel you want to be on (channel 1 only, channel 1 and 2, channel 2 only). Finally, we will of course find a power button which will be used to turn the Channel Strip AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp on or off.

On the back of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp, you will of course have access to its serial number, but also to its Power Supply port , its studio microphone inputs and its line inputs (reception, transmission and signal return). audio).

AMS Neve 1073 DPX Channel Strip Preamp: Brief Overview

Like the Dbx 286s , the AMS Neve 1073 DPX is one of the pre-amps called: “ Channel Strip ”. It does not work with tubes and this multichannel preamp is better equipped than an ordinary transistor preamplifier. Due to its specific design, this type of preamplifier gives access to a wider range of settings than the other two types of preamps (tube and transistor).

AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
AMS Neve 1073 DPX

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At first glance, we access (at the front of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp) a dual channel of sound pre-processing and pre-mixing . This gives the possibility of processing two input signals simultaneously or separately.

Each control line (both for the first channel above and for the second channel below) provides a low-cut filter setting as well as a 3-band EQ . This three-band equalization provides high precision adjustment in the treble (high frequencies), mids (mid frequencies) and bass (i.e. low frequencies).

Its design has (more or less) the same technical characteristics as that of the good old Neve 1073 launched around the beginning of the 70s, but benefits from a large number of improvements. The clear technical improvements made to the new AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp model make it possible to offer better compatibility to (almost) all types of modern devices , instruments, converters and audio peripherals with USB interface and equipped with analog outputs :

  • Record player with phono cartridge or turntable for vinyl,
  • High-fidelity and high-definition audio system,
  • Acoustic and electric musical instruments (classical guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, electro-acoustic guitar, electric bass),
  • Virtual instruments (or midi synthesized, processed and exported via composition software and score editors such as Sybellius, MuseScore, Cubase , Guitar Pro, Fruty Loops, etc.),
  • Mixing deck or DJ mixer,
  • Mixing consoles or channel strip: this can be a digital console or a digital mixing desk (dedicated to digital mixing) as well as an analog mixing console or an ordinary mixing desk (therefore dedicated to analog mixing)
AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone peamplifier
Picture from Audiofanzine.com
  • Audio mixer for digital and analog mixing,
  • Wireless or wired home theater speaker with USB port,
  • Converter, receiver of wireless digital audio signal over Ethernet
  • Monitoring speakers with USB audio port,
  • Audio and video CD, DVD and Blu-ray player with RCA input and output,
  • UHF and VHF reader,
  • Guitar amp with distortion pedal, guitar effects pedal or multi-effects pedal,
  • Power amplifier (this can be tube amps, transistor amps or simply all types of digital consoles with integrated amplifier),
  • DAC converter (or digital audio converter),
  • Video projector.

First, in terms of its power system, the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp is equipped with exclusive Neve transformers whose technology itself has been patented. This English-designed amplifier also allows, on each of its two channels, to separately process the 3 equalization bands (treble, mid, bass) with a low signal/noise ratio and also to adjust the low-cut filter at different levels. Particularly on a sampling of 50 , 80 , 160 and 300 Hz (for the lowest level).

AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp review
Picture from Sweetwater.com

AMS Neve 1073 DPX: a subtle and modernized Class A design

The AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp also serves as a power amplifier (in Watts) par excellence, because being categorized among audio power processors and Class A amplifiers, it processes the input signal in full . Built from its factory in England, the new AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp meets identical specifications to those of the original 1073.

All with authentic components that really enrich the sound and optimize processing at very high fidelity . Building on the functionality of the original module of the old 1073, the new AMS Neve 1073 DPX is equipped with additional functions with:

  • An DI as input
  • 48 Volt phantom power
  • A configurable INSERT
  • LED level indicators
  • An output for monitoring headphones
  • I/O (Input and Output) or I/O connectors on each channel. This simplifies the direct analog connection of studio microphones ( Mic Input ) and instruments to Line Input.
AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
AMS Neve 1073 DPX

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The Channel Strip preamp can fit in a 19-inch rack 2U unit . The AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamplifier is also supplied with an adapter, i.e. with an external multi-voltage power supply.

AMS Neve 1073 DPX: high fidelity sound quality from “Neve”

Like all types of high-end tube preamps ( the SPL Goldmike 9844 for example) that and whose sound rendering is unique for each model, a Neve also has its own signature. A tube preamp , like this new Strip Channel preamp from Neve, provides exceptional sound quality thanks to its authentic components and patented design.

The ingenious combination of presetting and pre-mixing operated from the AMS Neve 1073 DPX console strip therefore makes it possible to bring out a unique sound and better reproduce it in Hi-Fi. At the output, the sound will get more dimensions , depth , clarity and details . All with better restitution of harmonics as well as better definition of sound reproduction across its entire spectrum.

rear of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX
Picture from Audiofanzine.com

AMS Neve 1073 DPX: Better two-channel sound pre-mixing

As discussed, the AMS Neve 1073 DPX is a two-channel preamplifier. It therefore has a double circuit dedicated to the pre-amplification and pre-mixing of professional dynamic condenser microphones coupled by independent, authentic transformers that can be used on each input and output stage.

The AMS Neve 1073 DPX Channel Strip preamp is also equipped with easier access connections at the front. These include mic, Line input and DI . These mic input and line input connections are switchable on the back of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp module.

Among the most useful functions of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp, we of course find the phantom power which will be activated only to pass the sound signal emanating from the condenser microphones, that is to say static microphones. We also have access to a Hi/Lo impedance setting (high or low), an attenuation pad at – 20 dB as well as a DI mass accentor on the input stage.

AMS Neve 1073 DPX test guide
Picture from Totmusicstudio.net

The AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp even provides a send loop function which remains very practical for connecting different external audio equipment such as a mono/stereo compressor for example. Also note that the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamplifier allows for “pre” and “post” equalization adjustment.

  • The pre-EQ function (insert – send – return) allows the line level signal to be sent from the output stage when it is available and to have feedback just before passing to the equalization stage (EQ).
  • The post-EQ (insert-send-return) function allows the line level signal to be sent from the post-EQ stage when it is available and to obtain monitoring feedback just before it is output to the stage main output.

To ensure optimal control of the output level of the independent channels, the 7-stage LED signal level indicators can be monitored for each of the two channels. On each channel, we will see the real-time progression of the signal rate displayed when processing it on the AMS Neve 1073 DPX thanks to the corresponding indicator LEDs:

  • Mic/Line and DI (or digital Input) input level LEDs,
  • EQ stage level control LED,
  • Signal output stage level control LED up to +24 dB,
  • Monitoring headphone volume control LED adjustable to allow each channel to be listened to independently of the other (channel 1 or channel 2 only) or simultaneously (channel 1 and 2).
AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
AMS Neve 1073 DPX

AT THE LOWEST PRICE 👇

Zoom on the sound quality of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp

Although using the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp requires some getting used to, its handling remains quite practical and simple as long as you can get used to it.

You can configure it easily and safely by starting by connecting the 48 Volt phantom power supply (provided by the manufacturer) to the corresponding 48 Volt input. Once this is done, you can connect your XLR microphone cable to the microphone input.

If you are using a condenser microphone with XLR connectors, you can use the XLR input or the XLR combo connector on the front panel or connect it to the XLR connector located on the rear panel.

If you are going to use an instrument or audio device 6.35 mm jack input of the XLR combo connector on the front panel or to the XLR connector on the rear panel. For the DI (Digital Input) input, you will need to make a connection using a 6.35mm jack connection cable (input) on the front panel.

using the AMS Neve 1073 DPX in the studio
Picture from Note.com

You can also connect different intermediate sources to insert the loop according to your needs and in analog mode via the 6.35 mm jack on the rear panel. Once done, don't forget to press the Power button to activate the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp.

Phantom power, as well as the DI Earth Lift , DI PAD and Mic i/PZ , are adjustable according to your needs. Let's now take a close look at how we can operate the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp to achieve , high-fidelity sound pre-mixing .

  • POWER: This button is used to turn the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp on and off. The corresponding LED lights up when the device is activated.
  • FRONT: This button is used to switch the audio input to the dedicated mic/line input combo connector on the front panel of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX pre-amp.
  • DIGI: This button is used to switch the line input and output to the rear digital module of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp. In this module, the front/rear mic input, DI input and analog line output remain operational.
  • XLR/Jack Combo Input: The XLR input receives microphone sources while the 1/4" jack input receives the input signal from a line level source .
  • 48V : this button activates the 48 V phantom power to the XLR microphone input (front and rear) of a compatible microphone (remember, you should only connect a condenser microphone ). The adjacent LED lights up as soon as you activate this phantom power supply dedicated to condenser microphones.
  • Lo Z: the default preset input impedance on the microphone input is 1200 Ohms . We can reconfigure this input impedance to 300Ω by pressing the Lo Z switch.
  • LIFT: This function helps reduce the hum that may be caused by the ground loop . If a hum or hum occurs while using the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp, this can be remedied (i.e., broken this ground loop chain) by pressing the “ LIFT ” switch.
AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
AMS Neve 1073 DPX

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  • 20: this attenuation pad allows you to attenuate sound saturation by around -20 decibels .
  • DI I/P: This button serves as a high impedance balanced input for direct connection.
  • High frequency: this adjustment potentiometer allows you to equalize the treble at a fixed frequency of between (more or less) 16 dB and 12 kHz .
  • Mid frequency: this setting allows you to smooth the mids at (more or less) 18 dB peak, and also to equalize the mid frequencies at several pickup levels: 0.36 kHz , 0.7 kHz , 1.6 kHz , 3 .2 kHz , 4.8 kHz and 7.2 kHz .
  • Low Frequency: This potentiometer allows you to apply a smooth equalization of (plus or minus) 16 dB to low frequencies at several levels: 35 Hz , 60 Hz , 10 Hz and 22 Hz .
  • High-pass filter: this setting allows you to smooth vocals or high-pitched sounds by more or less 18 dB by octave slope . The high pass filter offers a switchable scale between 50, 80, 160 and 300 Hz .
  • Phase Inverter: This switch is used to invert the phase (i.e. polarity ) of the output signal.
  • EQ: this button activates the equalization function and therefore pre -mixes the sound while the sound signal passes through the circuits of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamplifier.
  • PRE: it is used to position the insertion loop before the equalization circuit (therefore in pre-EQ ). In the default position, this insert loop is automatically placed after the equalization circuit (i.e. post-EQ ).
  • LEVEL: This adjustment knob is used to control the output audio level .
AMS Neve 1073 DPX pro studio preamp
Picture from Miroc.co.jp
  • Take-off LED and clip indication: One of the three green LEDs is used to indicate the selected take-off point for the level indicator by activating the corresponding level button. The three takeoff points available on the front of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX pre-amp are: the pre-EQ LED , the post EQ LED , and the post output stage LED .
  • Level Indicator: This LED is used to indicate the peak response level.
  • Volume: this button is used to control the output volume setting of headphones or monitoring headphones. You can press this button to configure the headset listening option in 3 modes: channel 1 only (for the left ear), channel 2 only (for the right ear), channel 1 and 2 (for hear in stereo, therefore with both ears).
  • Mic I/P: This acts as a balanced microphone .
  • Line I/P: It serves as a balanced line input.
  • Insert Send: This serves as a balanced line level output for insert loop.
  • Insert Return: This serves as a balanced line level input for returning signals.
  • Line O/P: allows you to activate the balanced line level output.

Digital option panel: it requires the digital module (supplied as an option) to have been previously installed by the manufacturer. This specific panel can certainly accommodate a multitude of devices on its control surface to operate various digital audio processing: Dsd (direct stream digital), Firewire, etc.

AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
AMS Neve 1073 DPX

AT THE LOWEST PRICE 👇

The technical characteristics of the AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp

  • Type: Analog Channel Strip mic preamp
  • Number of channels: 2 with low-cut filter and 3-band equalizer (low, medium, high) for each channel.
  • Microphone input: load impedance 1200 Ω (default) and adjustable to 300 Ω
  • Output impedance at 75 Ohms at 1 kHz.
  • Line input: impedance at 10 KΩ bridged.
  • Distortion: Less than 0.07% from 50 Hz to 10 kHz with +20 dBu output (80 kHz bandwidth) at 600 Ω.
  • DI input: impedance 10 MΩ (Pad inactivated).
  • Frequency response: +/- 0.5 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz; -3 dB at 40 kHz, EQ output.
  • High frequency: +/- 16 dB fixed frequency at a threshold of 12 kHz.
  • Mid frequency: +/- 18 dB peak.
  • Low frequency: threshold at +/- 16 dB.
  • High pass filter: 18 dB per octave.
  • EQ button: connects the equalizer in circuit or out of circuit.
  • Phase button: provides phase inversion to the balanced output.
  • Dimensions: 480 x 88 x 356 mm.
  • Weight: ≈ 10 kg.
AMS Neve 1073 DPX studio preamp
Picture from Audiofanzine.com
AMS Neve 1073 DPX purchase
Our Overall Opinion

Overall Sound Quality

4,9 /5
4.9/5

Value for money

4,5 /5
4.5/5

Global mark

4,7 /5
4.7/5

Our opinion on the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp

Purchasing the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp can represent an ingenious investment for all audiophiles who want to acquire good studio and sound equipment. From the point of view of the characteristics, technical performance and multiple possibilities offered by this preamp, we can only give it a high rating.

The AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamplifier normally serves as a two-channel analog preamp, but the manufacturer has decided to integrate an optional module which allows digital sound pre-mixing to be optimized. This will really make it possible to bring out both high-fidelity and high-definition sound.

This digital preamplifier of patented English design inherits all the characteristics of its classic ancestor 1073 while it integrates a range of options and functions which allow it to be absolutely compatible with most modern audio and multimedia devices.

Frankly, I think that for its purchase price, the AMS Neve 1073 DPX microphone preamp offers absolutely everything for recording or broadcasting sound of surprising quality.

AMS Neve 1073 DPX preamp demo

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