Golden Age Audio PRE-573 MKIII 500 Series Microphone Preamp

Golden Age Project PRE-573 MKIII Overview
The Golden Age Project PRE-573 MKIII 500 Series Microphone Preamp brings vintage-inspired sound into the modern era, offering a powerful, affordable solution for any recording setup. This 1-channel mic/line/instrument preamp delivers 80dB of mic gain, ensuring it can handle both dynamic and passive ribbon microphones with ease. Whether you’re tracking vocals, instruments, or using it as a direct input for electric guitars and bass, the PRE-573 MKIII provides the punch and character of classic preamps at a fraction of the cost. With features like phantom power, switchable impedance, and a built-in Air EQ circuit, this preamp is packed with professional-grade functionality in a compact 500 Series module.

Vintage-Style Sound with Modern Features
Inspired by the legendary Neve 1073, the PRE-573 MKIII offers a vintage-style sound that’s been a staple of professional studios for decades. It uses tantalum capacitors and a signal path that excludes integrated circuits, ensuring a pure and warm signal, typical of the best analog gear. The preamp also boasts a fully-floating, transformer-balanced output that can drive a 600-ohm load up to an impressive ≈28dBu. This design gives the PRE-573 MKIII its character-rich tonal qualities while maintaining exceptional clarity and punch in your recordings. Whether you’re capturing the subtleties of vocals or the energy of drums, this preamp brings out the best in your sound sources.

Wide Gain Range for Versatile Recording
The Golden Age Project PRE-573 MKIII offers an impressive 80dB of gain in Mic mode, making it versatile enough to handle everything from passive ribbon microphones to more dynamic sound sources. With a gain range of -10 to +80dB, it provides precise control over your signal, and you can further tailor your sound using the rotary switch and toggle switch for additional gain in increments of 5 or 10dB. This flexibility allows you to dial in the perfect level for quiet sources or high-output instruments, making it ideal for a variety of recording scenarios. From soft vocals to loud electric guitar amps, the PRE-573 MKIII delivers the right amount of gain without introducing distortion.

Flexible Impedance and Tone Control Options
The PRE-573 MKIII allows you to optimize your signal for a variety of microphones thanks to its switchable impedance options. Choose between 1200 ohms or 300 ohms for the mic input to find the perfect match for your mic and sound source. Additionally, the preamp offers a flexible front-panel instrument input that can be switched between hi-Z active and mid-Z passive modes, enabling you to capture different tonal qualities from electric guitars or basses. This added level of control lets you tailor your sound precisely, ensuring that whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or anything in between, you get a professional-quality result.

Enhanced Functionality for Professional Use
In addition to its core features, the PRE-573 MKIII is equipped with several tools that enhance your recording workflow. The selectable 6dB/octave highpass filter offers two frequency options (45Hz or 180Hz) to help eliminate unwanted low-end rumble. The preamp also includes an insert jack that allows you to integrate Golden Age Project and Premier 500 Series EQ and FX units, expanding your creative possibilities. For easy monitoring, a single-LED signal/overload indicator provides clear feedback, showing you when the signal is approaching maximum output. With its simple yet effective features, the PRE-573 MKIII provides a highly professional, flexible solution for any recording engineer or musician.

Durable, Reliable Build for Long-Term Performance
The Golden Age Project PRE-573 MKIII is built to last with robust construction and top-tier components that ensure it stands up to years of studio use. The preamp features a star grounding scheme on the circuit board, which helps reduce noise and improve overall performance. The soft-start circuit ensures a smooth power-up to avoid current surges, protecting the internal components. Whether you’re using it in a home studio or a commercial recording environment, the PRE-573 MKIII is designed for reliable, long-term performance. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality microphone preamp.