Golden Age Project EQ-73 MKII

Description

The MKII has an IC based in-and output section with balanced connections for self contained operation and new knobs for the level controls.

The class-A circuit used in the EQ-73 MKII is similar to the eq section in the classical 1073 module, without the high pass filter. Additional frequencies have been added and the mid frequency band uses two inductors, the higher value of the second one is used for the two lowest frequencies, 160 Hz and 240 Hz, to achieve a suitable response.

The sound character is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

The EQ-73 MKII has stepped frequency controls that offers a wide selection of frequencies from 20 Hz to 24 kHz.

The Low and High frequency bands are shelving and the mid frequency band is of the bell type.

The control range is +/-15 dB for the two lower bands and +/- 18dB for the high frequency band.

There are separate bypass switches for all three bands.

The EQ-73 MKII has IC-based balanced connections for self contained operation. It can also be used together with one of our PRE-73 models that has an Insert  or with other units that has a low level insert jack.

Combining a PRE-73 and an EQ-73, and using a UNITE rack kit to mount them together, one will get a 19-inch 1073-style unit at a low cost and with a great sound!

FEATURES

– Vintage Style electronics. No intergrated circuits in the main signal path

– 3-band with a dual inductor based mid frequency band

– Stepped frequency selection

– A wide selection of frequencies from 20 Hz to 24 kHz

– Control range up to +/- 18 dB

– Separate bypass switches for each band

– Tantalum capacitors in the main signal path

– Can be used together with one of our preamp´s with an insert jack or as a standalone unit

– TRS jack for the INSERT mode in- and output connection, the nominal working level is around -18 dBu

– IC-based in- and output stage for the LINE IN mode with balanced TRS and XLR connectors

– Selectable ground lift jumper

– External power supply to avoid interaction with the audio circuits

– Great sound that suits most sound sources and genres

– A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use

Download the EQ-73 MKII User Manual

The first customer comments:

“The Golden Age EQ73 delivers authentic Neve 1073 character, with its classic balance between warmth, clarity, and balls! If you haven’t used an original 1073, and figure you’ll never have the chance, think again. This unit provides a very good representation of what that “sound” is all about, for a fraction of the cost. But don’t get hung up evaluating the unit on the basis of price/value. Yes, the EQ73 is extremely affordable, but there’s no compromises here, it’s a professional piece of gear. Build quality is top notch, even the knobs have a solid, non-wobbly feel. True old school. Built like a tank. One thing that might throw you off and cause you to question purchasing one is that it is designed to connect directly with the Golden Age Pre73 preamp. The only way to connect a device to the EQ73 is through an insert jack in the back! It can’t be used as a stand alone EQ. But fear not, the unit can be plugged into your mixer or preamp insert. My Aphex 207D preamp operates at a nominal rating of -10db and the EQ73 operates at -18db. I asked Golden Age if the units would be compatable and they responded that I might not get the maximum boost in the high frequency section of the EQ. I’m not suffering any lack of boost at the high end, plenty there for any application I can think of. You might want ask Golden Age about compatability just to be sure. I installed it and tracked same day, no problems, even connected the unit through a patch bay to offer more flexibility. You’ll get up and running in no time. Now that I’ve taken the EQ73 through the paces I’m buying another for the other side of my stereo preamp. I’m really happy with the purchase, finally have a 1073 device back in the rack. By the way, the service at ZenPro is awesome. Good unit, good people. Go for it!”

“So far just Bob has used it, and he feels it is a superior EQ to say the Chameleon. I like the fact that it’s not really a 1073 EQ…it’s more and it’s better.”

Additional information