AML EZ1073 Clone

I just built up two AML 1073 rack units and quickly tested today without even calibrating it. I just wanted to make sure they power up. First of all a few words on the quality of the product: components are very high quality, extremely well organized, not even a nut is cheap, all is divided into bags with value and all the infos about the components, all resistors are already cutted and bended and organized in the box from the first to the last...  Never seen this before. You don't need to look for anything, you can't go wrong. I had built many units, Hairball, Capi, Soundskulptor and other difficoult stuff. This is the best kit i've ever seen. So is the building guide, clear, easy. Very difficoult going wrong unless you are doing it in rush. But... Even better is... The sound!
I have preamps from: Thermionic Culture, Chandler, Api, Dakings and more. This is my first real 1073 with eq preamp, i have some 500 clones. I just tested singing into it in my Beyerdynamic DT 880 headphones thru a Dangerous Source. The sound is so warm, a bit compressed like if you had it thru a fat, tube compressor but very natural, just so smoth. That was a vibe i had never felt with any other pre. So low noise and so warm but also tight. Compressed but punchy. Amazing... I need to test it better but first impression often are real to me. I used a Sennheiser MD 441. For that cheap i doubt you can find something better, and also in the expensive range of stuff. The eq was amazing too. No harshnes, tons of dynamic and that classic Neve cruncy "smoked" sound. I can't belive i have such a great addition to my studio for that cheap. My taste and ears. The only word to describe the sound is... good. Cheers

transistor preamp rack 1 U
Section 2 preamp inputs (mic/line/48v)
EQ section with the same points as the Neve 1073 EQ
Trim output adjustment (not serrated) to finely adjust the output level.
Choice of impedance: 300 ohms or 1200.

UTILIZATION

No manual thumb old: rely on his ears ...

SOUND QUALITY

This preamp is anything but transparent.

OVERALL OPINION

Purchased in August 2013 so much had time to experience the "beast". If I had to define the sound of EZ 1073: Large dynamic output, very very punchy and perfect to bring to life synths or monotonous voice a little slender.
I had to spend a good year to scour the internet to buy a Neve 1073, alas disillusionment: Either a vintage overpriced (with the risk that the model purchased slap in the following two years ..) or LB or Model 500 which purists say they sound less fat than the original. Finally I started to ogle clones but then again, so many contradictory messages for the most known (BAE, Aurora and others ...).
And finally, I found laudatory articles in the place of Ez 1073: Same pattern as the original 1073, transformers Carnhill Class A input and output, unbeatable price, Preamp + EQ and two mic inputs (48v) and line. Bought on the advice of two large sound engineers-sounds, no regrets! Just one small problem: No Power switch so remember to unplug utilisation.sinon ask you out, it's just the best way to get you the Neve sound without breaking the bank so delusional.

Rackable 1 preamp unit.

DIY ("do-it yourself")

Analog. class A

Transistor

The mic preamp is a replica of the legendary 1073 Mr. R. Neve.

comprises:

micro level preamp / or line level (2 separate 2 XLR inputs on the back) + a walkout EQ section

XLR balanced output (rear)

UTILIZATION

ultra clear pattern to use, no need to book.

Colour Book Manufacturing ... very very accurate!

PCB and sorted (!) And marked with AML, the English supplier components. For £ 365 we get the KIT mounting Colour downloadable Book ...

Approximately 10 hours of editing (soudures. ..)

get rack and buttons (not supplied with the kit ...) housing; Red Marconi for the purists ... This increases the price.

To achieve, this is like mechanical! (For which the concepts of electronics, good soldering iron ... etc), then calibrate the bias and 48V (calibration so ..) and enjoy the result ...

SOUND QUALITY

sublime

comparable to the 1073 original, and this is new!

the sound quality is the rendezvous for components such as transformers symmetrical Carnhill (for input MICRO VTB9045 classic / classic VTB9046 for Line input) and output transformer Carnhill also 3 inducers class A lead sound so distinctive, who made his "classic Neve"

48V Phantom power supply and phase reversal switches on.

an equation with absolute precision when normal wound inductors are used instead of a girateurs OP amp, not a hair of breath and therefore effective corrections, respectful of the processed signal ...

Low Cut-a relentless: 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz and 300Hz to -18dB/octave
-HF (12kHz): + / - 16dB of gain
-MF (switchable: 360Hz, 700Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz and 7.2 kHz) + / - 16dB of gain
-LF (switchable: 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz and 220Hz) + / - 16dB of gain

switchabble impedance input: 300/1200 Ohms

a TRIM output to refine the level.

OVERALL OPINION

one visible LED front: powering.

not lead to peak, it is unfortunate but achievable ...

short, a very good price / quality ratio

I have a pair, and two other manufactures ...