Golden Age Pre 73

I too own both the GAP73 and the Grace 101.  Both are great, but they are different.  The GAP is warmer and has more coloration of the signal.  This can warm up the KSM you have and yet still keep the accuracy you want.  The Grace is more transparent.

I have found that I use different preamps with different mics, different preamps with different guitars, with different projects.

I just worked on a project last week using both the GAP73 and the Grace 101.  I used the GAP to warm up only slightly a Shure SM81 close mic'ing an old Martin D35.  I used the Grace 101 on a Sterling Audio ST77 FET LDC.  The resulting blend was very nice, had character, but great articulation.  In mixing, I could dial in the blend to help the guitar sit well in the mix.  BTW, I just checked my GAP73 and the settings were 55 and 6 O'clock, although I often run it at 60--I have even cranked it up on occasion.

Really, it is up to you to dial in the amount of coloration or transparency based upon the microphone used, the instrument recorded, the room acoustics, and the tonal goal of each project.

You bought a great little preamp. Have fun.

Cecelius2

I also have the GAP pre73, but I have the first one, not the MKII, which I suspect is what you have got, Dave, since you obtained it recently.  I also have a Shure KSM-27 which is the little brother of the KSM-44, my understanding is the only difference in the 27 and the 44 is the selectable patterns on the 44. 

I can't give you details about the setting you have chosen, but I can say that yes, it is a "warmer" tone than with a pre such as the m101 (which I don't have but really really want!).

Jonesy - my GAP Pre is not modded.

I've been doing a lot of instrumental rock cues for publishers lately and I use it as a preamp for my electric geetar tracks, which I record dry and add Gearbox plugins later.
Works great. I use almost the same setting you mentioned...-55/output straight up.

Dave King


Thanks for the comments.  I got the new one - Pre73 MK II and really like it.  Makes me wonder if I should hang on to the Grace or not.  Time will tell...

Thanks.

let me know if you decide not too...
 
of course I'll have to get that past Mrs. Beagle....

This makes me want a pre73! Either that or one of the new BLA API clones...    

are you asking where he got the GAP Pre73?  it's not discontinued, at least not the MKII is not - the original has been discontinued.

here are some places:
http://www.zenproaudio.com/goldenagepre-73.aspx

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/golden-age-project-pre-73-preamp-mkii/h74865000000000

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GOA-PRE73MKII-LIST

I got mine here: http://www.zzounds.com/item--GOAPRE73MKII

is this it?

http://www.altomusic.com/shop/Black-Lion-Audio-BLA-312-1-2-Rack-Mic-Pre-API-Clone--Pre-Order-_pid110946.am

thanks, Ceclius!  that looks really good.

Obi: What exactly does the Auteur emulate?

So what kind of difference could be expected between the Neve sound and the API sound in these clones?

Which API were you listening too?

Which Neve?

I got confused.