Sound Pure's Take
The Heritage Audio DMA 73 is a premium, dual-channel Class-A microphone preamplifier housed in a rugged 2U rack chassis. Designed as a faithful, uncompromising realization of the classic 1073 circuit architecture, the DMA 73 utilizes 100% discrete signal paths, three Gain block gain stages, and authentic custom Carnhill input and output transformers to deliver the rich harmonic depth, weighty low end, and musical top-end sheen that defined the golden era of British recording consoles.
Engineered without modern shortcuts or surface-mount compromises, the DMA 73 offers up to $80\text{ dB}$ of transformer-balanced gain per channel, making it an effortless frontend for low-output ribbon and dynamic microphones. With per-channel hi-Z JFET instrument inputs, switchable input impedance, and high-pass filtering, it excels as both a tracking preamp for vocals, drums, and guitars and a stereo bus color box to impart transformer saturation to mix stems.
From Heritage Audio
The Heritage Audio DMA-73 Dual Microphone Preamplifier is a 1RU 19" rack-compatible dual 80 dB microphone and 10 dB line recording module based on the vintage 1073 preamplifier designed by Rupert Neve. The remake is intended for recording engineers who want the classic Neve sound in a standard studio rack format, but do not need the equalizer functionality of the original 1073.
The preamplifier supports selectable HI-LO minimum balanced and floating input impedances that accommodate a range of microphone types including vintage ribbons. A +48V phantom power button is included on both channels, as well as an input level knob for adjusting to your source. You can also switch the module into line mode to re-amplify prerecorded tracks and add color to a mix. Plugging in a mono 1/4" input into the DI port on the front of the unit automatically switches the module from MIC to DI mode. A selectable discrete component Class A 3rd order 80 Hz high-pass filter with an 18 dB per octave slope has been added for recording sources without the effects of low frequency coloration. An output control knob is included to prevent overloading the preamplifier.
The unit is powered by an external linear power supply to reduce the effects of electromagnetic interference on the audio transformers. The unit features gold-plated Neutrik XLR input and output connectors. To achieve the classic feel of the original 1073, the unit is constructed with Marconi-style knobs and vintage engraved pushbuttons for the DI, low impedance, line, pad, phase, and high-pass functions.
| Channels | 2 |
|---|---|
| Connectors | 2 x 1/4" DI input jacks 2 x balanced 3-Pin female gold-plated XLR microphone inputs 2 x balanced 3-Pin female gold-plated XLR line inputs 2 x balanced 3-Pin male gold-plated XLR outputs |
| Input Impedance | Microphone HI: 1200 Ω minimum LO: 300 Ω minimum Line: 10 kΩ bridging, Carnhill transformer balanced and floating DI: Greater than 2 MΩ |
| Output Impedance | Less than 75 Ω, Transformer balanced and floating to drive a load of 600 Ω |
| Maximum Output | Greater than +26 dBm into 600 Ω |
| THD | Less than 0.025% at 1,000 Hz Less than 0.05% at 100 Hz |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz (+0.3 dB) to 20,000 Hz (-0.2 dB) |
| Maximum Gain | Slightly greater than 80 dB |
| Noise | Less than -100 dBm |
| Power Consumption | Less than 200 mA at 24 VDC |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 19.1 x 12.2 x 1.77" (48.5 x 31 x 4.5 cm) |
| Weight | 7.3 lb (3.3 kg) |
| Packaging Info | |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 14.35 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 24.0 x 18.5 x 6.6" |
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