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Again, pushing this knob cycles between monitoring each channel individually, or both in stereo. Another knob determines the volume of the integral headphone amplifier with a full–size headphone socket on the front panel.
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Pressing the knob inwards toggles the meter between input, EQ–stage and output levels.
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Separate output level controls are provided for each channel, along with a seven–LED meter scaled from –30 to +24 dBu. Over on the right–hand side, another pair of push–buttons activates the insert loop return into the output stage, and allows the send signal to be derived pre– or post–EQ. Two more push–buttons associated with the main analogue inputs activate phantom power and change the mic impedance (1.2kΩ or 300Ω), while a further pair introduce a 20dB pad and ground lift for the DI input (which takes over automatically when a plug is inserted). A removable blanking plate covers the space allocated for the optional digital card. On the front panel combi XLRs accept mic and line inputs, while separate TS sockets provide dedicated instrument inputs.
#Free neve 1073 plugin plus
Rear–panel connectivity includes four XLRs for the separate mic and line inputs plus two more for the main analogue outputs, while four TRS sockets provide balanced insert sends and returns for each channel.
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To that end, the first of a pair of buttons on the left of the front panel selects the (optional) digital input in place of the normal analogue mic or line inputs, while the second button selects the front or rear–panel analogue inputs. This allows the 1073 DPX to be integrated easily for creative outboard processing within a digital workflow. The classic 1073 EQ controls.Enhancing this core vintage functionality, the DPX can be fitted with an optional digital I/O card (expected around the middle of the year) which provides both high–quality internal A–D conversion of the outputs as well as D–A conversion to feed the line inputs. The tiny power inlet connects to an included external 48V DC power supply. Not many of the various 1073 clones offer headphone monitoring facilities. Two push-buttons switch the EQ in or out of circuit, and invert the output polarity. In addition, a separate 18dB/octave high–pass filter can be switched between off, 50, 80, 160 or 300 Hz. The EQ section provides a high shelf at 12kHz, a switchable mid–section (centre frequencies of 0.36, 0.7, 1.6, 3.2, 4.8 and 7.2 kHz), and an adjustable low shelf (corner frequencies of 35, 60, 110 and 220 Hz). In brief, the distinctive gain switch accommodates mic signals between –80 and –20 dBu in 5dB steps, and line signals from +10 to –20 dBu, with all gain switching performed by sealed relays. Internally, it’s mostly constructed using surface–mount device (SMD) technology, based closely on the company’s reworked 1073N module ( ). Naturally, the heart of the 1073 DPX is the familiar 1073 preamp/EQ, with the same circuitry, input and output transformers manufactured to the same spec as the Marinair originals, the same dual–concentric Grayhill switch/pot functions, and the same control legends, knobs and push-buttons. Perhaps AMS–Neve felt it important to address that sector of the market directly, with a properly engineered version, with all the panel legends the right way around - but they’ve done more than that, because this version boasts some very useful additional features. Why another version? As enthusiasts know very well, there is a plethora of original vintage (and clone) modules converted to varying levels of competence and quality into dual–channel rackmounted systems. But I was wrong, because brand new, and reviewed exclusively here in Sound On Sound, is the Neve 1073 DPX, an enhanced, dual–channel, 2U rackmounting version of this enduringly popular design. I thought I’d already seen every possible variant of Neve’s 1073 preamp - including the original 1073N ’45–series cassette’, the 1073 DPA and DPD models, and the 1073LB and LBEQ 500–series preamp and partnering EQ modules, not to mention the numerous clones from various boutique manufacturers. Just when you thought you’d seen every possible permutation of the 1073 preamp, Neve offer up something a little different.
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