The WA-273 is a dual channel preamp in a 1 rack unit. The WA-273 is capable of giving you 80db of Gain which is more than sufficient to handle the gain requirements of any microphone from Condenser, Dynamic and Ribbon. This is all assembled and wired by hand in a rugged 1 rack space unit. Supporting the transformers they have chosen to use tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor that is smooth in the high gain settings. These transformers when pushed give the WA-273 that classic Neve 1073 sound that has been regarded as the “Holy Grail” of sound pre amplification. The heart of the WA-273 is the transformers! Warm Audio worked with UK’s Carnhill Transformers to recreate the specs of the early Neve transformers that are the most coveted by engineers. This has been one of the hallmarks of the Warm Audio line of gear. Then, to bring this type of project in on a price point that is obtainable to the small and project studio just makes that task exponentially harder. You need to make sure the components you use are top of the line and build quality is held to the highest standards. If you are going to create something as iconic as the Neve 1073 preamp you need to start with the realization that you are shooting for a pretty high bar. Their commitment to high quality components, Value and the sonic details of their gear have earned them a place in both the high end professional studios and the home studios throughout the world. Since those humble beginnings Warm Audio has grown and expanded their line to include high quality Microphones, Preamps, compressors, DI’s, and EQ’s.

Warm Audio was virtually founded in the garage by Bryce Young in 2011 with the goal of building high quality analog gear for the aspiring musician and engineer at a price point that they could afford.

Many companies have created their versions of the circuit design as well as many plugs who claim to give you that famous Neve 1073 sound. Getting one of these original preamps (let alone any of the consoles) can run you thousands of dollars and are out of reach of most home or project studios. These have been one of the most in demand recording consoles in the world and even to this day are considered a standard because of it’s unique character and tone it gives to anything that is put through it. When you think about the sound of the early 1970’s music you cannot escape the sound of Rupert Neve’s 1073 preamp and EQ! Starting at London’s Wessex Studio in 1970 Rupert Neve installed the first console with the new 1073 preamp and EQ, from that point on the sound of the 1073 circuit became the center of the legendary Neve 80-series consoles.

Neve 1073 preamp review