Neve 1073LB EQ 500-Series EQ Module

The companion EQ to the Neve 1073LB 500-series preamp, with the classic 1073 3-band EQ and insert functionality

If anyone has earned the moniker, “Father of British EQ” (apart from Peter Baxandall), the title should go to Mr. Rupert Neve for the EQ found in the 1073 preamp he designed to populate the early Neve recording consoles. And now the EQ section of the classic 1073 is available for your 500-series rack with the 1073LB EQ. Crafted in England by Neve engineers, the mono 1073LB EQ equalizer module retains the unique sonic characteristics of the original 1073 EQ by using the same circuit architecture and matching components. Revered for its larger-than-life sound and high-end sheen, the Neve 1073 remains the reigning monarch of audio royalty since its introduction in 1970—and the 1073LB EQ carries that tradition forward into the 500-series format.

1073LB EQ 500-Series EQ Module features:

• Legendary 3-band EQ design
• Rotary controls provide accurate adjustment of the 1073 3-band EQ and High Pass filter
• Signal presence LED illuminates green from a level of -25dB and red from a level of +24dB
• Switch for EQ In/Out function, with LED indicator
• Electronically balanced circuits used in Line Input and Line Output stages for standalone module use
• Audio Processing Insert design allows the audio to/from the 1073LB EQ module to be inserted into the audio path of a 1073LB Mic Pre module (must be fitted in the same 500-series power rack)
• Fully screened module, packaged in Mu-metal casing helps eliminate stray electromagnetic fields from lunchbox™ PSU or other module types

The Neve 1073 had its origins in 1970, when Mr. Rupert Neve designed mic/pre/EQ modules to populate the Neve 80-series consoles. To maintain sonic integrity across the console, he married the same preamp to a selection of modules, each with marginal differences in EQ curves for a wider sonic palette. From that concept, the 1066, 1073, 1081, and 1084 preamp/EQ modules were born. They share the same mic/line amplifier, but differ in terms of available EQ shelves and frequency selections. Of all the modules, the 1073, with its 12kHz high-frequency shelf spoke the loudest to makers of rock and pop music, and has been the hands-down favorite for decades.

Inside The Box

The 1073LB EQ mono EQ module retains the unique sonic characteristics of the original 1073 classic EQ by using the same EQ circuit architecture and matching components. With new features, such as a signal-presence LED and Neve’s Audio Processing Insert design, the 1073LB EQ takes your 500-series rack to the next level. Simply install into an empty slot in your compatible 500-series rack, connect your line level signals, and you’ll be able to infuse your recordings with the legendary Neve EQ sound. And it's the perfect pairing for the incredible Neve 1073LB Mic Pre Module. The 1073LB EQ module can be inserted between the input and output stages of the 1073LB module, creating a true 1073 classic audio path. Revolutionary.

Outside The Box

Flying the traditional Neve colors, the front panel of the 1073LB EQ has three dual-concentric knobs for EQ frequency selection and gain. The inner knob of the top control is high-frequency cut and boost with +/-16dB of smooth shelving at a fixed frequency of 12kHz (yes, the same 12kHz shelf that made the 1073 famous). The top control’s outer blue dial is a high-pass filter with an 18dB per octave slope and selectable threshold of 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz or 300Hz. This control is a different color in relation to the other outer control dials to indicate it bears no direct relationship to its inner knob.

Above the high-frequency controls and high-pass filter, is a three-state LED indicator showing outgoing signal level:

• Off below -26dB
• Lights green between -25dB and +23dB
• Lights red at +24dB or higher

The middle inner knob is, not un-coincidentally, the Mid Frequency Cut and Boost knob and Mid Frequency Selector. It provides +/-18dB of even boost and cut with a fixed Q and selectable center. The midrange frequency control, which is the middle outer dial, selects the following frequencies: 0.36kHz, 0.7kHz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, 4.8kHz, or 7.2kHz.

And as expected, the control at the bottom of the front panel is Low Frequency Cut and Boost (bottom, inner knob). It’s a +/-16dB shelving control with a fixed Q and selectable center. The bottom outer dial lets you select low frequencies, including 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz, or 220Hz. Below the low-frequency controls are the EQ In/Out button and LED indicator. The LED lights green when the EQ button is pressed and in-circuit, and unlit when deselected and bypassed.

The rear panel of the 1073LB EQ has two unique features, which are the INS Link connector and Switch Block. Set to insert mode, the 1073LB EQ module acts as a true audio insert on an adjacent 1073LB Mic Pre module. This involves connecting both of the units together with the supplied cable, and setting both of the 1073LB EQ and 1073LB Mic Pre modules to work in Insert mode.

In Standalone mode, the audio signals will pass through the electronically balanced input and output of the 1073LB EQ module. Whether you use the 1073LB EQ in Standalone Mode or 1073LB Mic Pre Insert Mode, the front-panel operation is identical.

Launched in 1970, the original Neve 1073 module is perhaps the world’s most famous and desirable microphone preamp and EQ for recording vocals and instruments of all types. The first choice of countless leading producers and artists, the 1073 delivers the unique Neve sound featured on many of the most famous recordings of the past 40 years. The big, punchy sound of the 1073 classic complements any musical genre – from rock to pop, hip-hop to rap, thrash to classical.

Who’s Using Neve:

Seriously? There are only two kinds of people in pro audio: Those who use Neve, and those who wish they could.

About AMS Neve

With a reputation for creating the world’s sweetest sounding and longest-lasting analog and digital consoles, the most discerning artists, producers, and facility owners regard AMS Neve products as number one for desirability on their equipment list, and have done for the past fifty years.

AMS Neve is a dedicated, engineering-led and privately owned company whose continuing mission is to provide the best possible sound, capability, and operational experience for the most creative people in the world—whether for film, recorded music, or TV and broadcast. All AMS Neve products are designed and built in England in a purpose-built, integrated facility.

Recognized by all the premier bodies in the various fields of music, TV, and film, Neve products and their designers have been honored by two Scientific and Engineering Academy Awards, an Emmy, and a Grammy, amongst many others.

AMS Neve has pioneered a very large number of groundbreaking techniques in the industry, including hard disk editing, digital console technology, digital audio for film, microprocessor-controlled effects units, and standards such as MADI. In the transient world of short product life cycles, AMS Neve’s products stand the test of time.

Neve EQ has arguably crafted the sonic texture of more signature sounds and hit vocals in the history of recorded music than any other. Put a Neve 1073LB EQ to work in your 500-series rack. For more information, call or chat with an RSPE representative today.

This product is also available as part of the RSPE Demo 4 Free & Rental Program, click here to see the rental product page.