Every so often a groundbreaking piece of equipment emerges in the music industry, capturing the hearts of musicians and becoming a standard in recording studios globally. The 1073 mic preamp was one such device, renowned for its distinctive sound that shaped music for decades. From the raw rock of the '70s to the sleek pop of the '80s, the 1073 left its mark on iconic tracks and studios like Abbey Road, Sound City, and Capitol Studios. Songs like Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" and The Who's "Who's Next" owe a part of their magic to the 1073.
Today, Behringer pays tribute to this legendary equipment with the Behringer 1273 2-Channel Microphone Preamplifier, a two-channel microphone preamplifier with EQ onboard. Developed in collaboration with the original engineers, the 1273 not only honors the original design but also caters to the needs of modern producers. The unit features a Class A discrete circuit for pristine signal quality, custom-built Midas transformers for clarity, and versatile gain controls suitable for different input sources like mics, instruments, and lines. The tone switch adjusts transformer impedance for various microphone types, ensuring flexibility and control, especially with vintage mics.
The 1273 boasts an electronically controlled, resistor-stepped rotary gain switch offering up to 80 dB of gain adjustment, allowing precise level setting with minimal noise. The 3-band EQ section provides flexibility in shaping sounds with selectable frequencies for low, mid, and high frequencies. Additionally, the 5-position high-pass filter enhances creativity by sculpting intimate vocals, warm guitars, and punchy bass lines. The EQ switch allows easy comparison between mixed and unaltered tracks, while the 7-segment LED display and level knob aid in monitoring levels accurately.
Encased in a rugged 2U rackmount chassis, the Behringer 1273 is sturdy and portable, making it suitable for studio and live sound applications. Whether you're working in your studio or on-location, the 1273 is a versatile and reliable tool that seamlessly integrates into any setup, promising to elevate your recordings to the next level.