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Vintech X73i Microphone Preamp & EQ

Class A, Transformer Balanced Mic Pre With EQ Based on Neve 1073
$1,375.00

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Vintech X73i Microphone Preamp & EQ
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Classic Neve-style Sound

The X73i is a Class A, all discrete, transformer balanced microphone preamplifier with equalizer both based on the classic Neve 1073 module. It is constructed utilizing modern manufacturing techniques which allow us to offer this product at an incredible value. Now practically anyone can record with the classic sound of vintage modules without having to deal with inflated vintage prices.

The X73i features the same Class A mic pre as the X73 with all of the same eq parameters plus additional mid range frequencies, selectable input impedance, 1/4 inch D.I. on front panel, transformer balanced mic and line inputs, phase reverse, phantom power switch, eq switch, 70db of gain, quality Grayhill rotary switches, custom machined aluminum knobs, plus many other features.

Requires an external power supply.

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • EQ: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR (Mic), 1 x XLR (Line), 1 x 1/4" (Line)
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4"
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 19"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: X73I

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Holds up to Neve 1073, BAE 1073, and all the clones

I want to say that I have been recording for almost 15 years. I"ve worked in rooms with API boards, our studio had 4 channels of real AMS NEVE 1073s and two vintage 1073s. We have 2 re-racked BA and some of the clones. About 10 years back one of my smaller project studios was robbed. I lost my 500 series preamps. I love APIs for toms and bass, but I couldn"t help always wanting some AMS Neves. I took the plunge and got a pair of X73 and X73i. We went to the larger studio and compared them to every other 73 style pre we had. On single takes and in the mix the vintage 1073s have a slightly different knee on the low frequencies, but there is no doubt that after mixing we could fool just about anyone with the Vintech. You get 4 channels of the X73i for the price of ONE AMS neve 1073. No contest! My rack has 6 vintech X73i and it sounds fantastic. I don"t even bother using our large facility anymore for things smaller than a choir. Combined with EL8x compressors and you have a signal chain that will never require another preamp for the rest of your life. I"m driving down to visit Dallas today to pick up 2 more of these preamps that I just had made. It"s the last two pres I will buy. Channels 9-16 are 2 473 pres and they are backups. No lie, it"s the last preamp you ever need if you want that Neve sound. Never even replaced my API rack.
Music background: Engineer, session guitarist, bassist and vocalist
Rated 5/5

Is it Really Worth the Money

Buying a high-end preamp was never an option for me. To begin, I didn't have the money and to be honest, I never imagined, for a second, it could have such a profound affect on the sound. I've been recording for more than 30 years and spent what money I had on instruments and a couple of very good mics. I really thought - that was the key to getting a pro level recording. Fortune smiled upon me, very briefly, to the tune of 6k.

I've always researched every purchase to excess. What I knew was this: I had a nice strat, a nice Les Paul, a nice Yamaha acoustic. I had Marshall JCM800, Fender Hotrod Deluxe and Ampeg VTX60 tube amps. I had Neumann, Sennheiser and Shure mics and yet my recordings just weren't there.

My first purchase was a Lynx Hilo Converter. It did make a difference, especially with the ever-so-fragile upper frequencies of acoustic guitar recordings. In fact, it improved all the recordings but, the acoustic was very revealing. I was really getting close now but, no. After dropping over 2k, I was dumbfounded.

I began reading about preamps. After exhaustive research I decided on the X73i. I was very careful unpacking the x73i because I was absolutely sure I'd be returning it after a couple of days.

First, I recorded electric guitars. I recorded 2 tracks simultaneously, with the only difference being the preamps. Wait . . . What the f*#k just happened. Not only did it sound thicker and smoother but, there was a significant, visual difference, between the waveforms. The x73i waveform actually looked fatter. I checked and then rechecked the signal paths and then repeated the test with the same result.

I knew I'd need to buy 2 pres so, was the difference in sound quality really worth almost 3k?

I recorded my acoustic. Same result.

Next up . . . vocals. When I received the x73i, I had been struggling with a vocal track for over a week. I just couldn't seem to get it to sit right in the mix. I had tried every kind of compression technique known to man, I tried traditional Eqs, dynamic Eqs, mid-side processing, not to mention recording with a half a dozen different mics.

I plugged an inexpensive MXL 4000 condenser into the x73i, then to the Hilo Lynx. You've got to be kidding me. The improvement in the vocals, through the x73i, was absolutely mind blowing. It sat perfectly in the mix - as is. I couldn't believe it. Now I understood why so many engineers grovel over these vintage preamps.

As another review said, "The x73i will make any mic sound better." This is true, not to mention that it has a smooth, sweet sounding Eq section.

The pair of x73i's have been a game changer for me . . . even more so than the Hilo Lynx. Good Luck
Rated 5/5

Is it a Neve 1073?

No it is not... the Vintech x73i gets you close, but it has it's own sound too and also a lot more dependable. The best mic-pre for the doe in my opinion. THe EQ section is brilliant, but I don't really use it too often.
Music background: Band-leader, songwriter, engineer
Rated 5/5

Amazing.

Don't let the price fool you, i'd put this bad boy up there with any pre's in the 3-4k range, truly awesome on everything . I use it mainly on vocals but also bass, DI and snare drums. Amazing.
Music background: Jantelis.com
Rated 5/5

Old Reliable

Great unit, and a good choice for a desert island preamp if you could only take one. Exceptional on bass direct (all I use now), vocals and snare drum. Pair this with an LA2A on vox and a good Reference or u87 mic on vocals and you won't want to listen to anything else. EQ is very pleasing to the ear, but word of advice, go easy on it, small adjustments make a big difference on these, even if it's not apparent until later in the mix - whatever peak or cut level you think sounds best at first, back off 50%. This unit is a home run, built like it's military bound and delivers if you're looking for that british sound!

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Paul Allen

Every one of my customers who has bought this channel strip has called me to thank me for setting them up with the sound they have been looking for. Being a guy who is very familiar w/ the Neve sound, I can accurately vouch for the sound of these fantastic preamps.
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