Artist Spotlight: Steve Vai
-Steve Vai
Renowned guitarist and recording legend Steve Vai has picked British Audio Engineering (BAE) mic-pre's and EQ for his demanding stage and studio needs. After extensive testing and auditioning ten of the top products available today, Vai remarked, "BAE is the clear winner, simply stunning -- kind of magical."
In 1999, BAE carved out a premium niche in the vintage Neve/API market as the first company to remanufacture the 1073 mic-pre/equalizer since its discontinuation by Neve in the 70s. After years of repurposing and racking up mic-pre's and EQ from classic Neve and API consoles, BAE now faithfully recreates new versions using original sources, including Jensen transformers, Carnhill transformers, and Elma gold-plated switches from Switzerland.
To decide on BAE's new 1073, Steve Vai did a comparison with the original, a modern day circuit board replica, and BAE's new unit. "BAE has the smoothest and most responsive EQ I have ever heard," he commented. "It just adds a beautiful air and is clearly superior..."
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Front
DLB Fully Loaded
DLB Fully Loaded Side
DLB
DLB Features
The DLB incorporates 2 slots for 500 series modules.
- Solid steel chassis
- Inputs and outputs on either side
- An overbuilt power supply for third party modules.
- The same hand-wired construction that BAE is known for.
DLB MAP: $525.00
DLB with one 312A MAP: $1,100.00
500 series blank panels MAP: $35.00
DLB Specifications
Power Requirements
115/230 VAC, 36W
Power Output
+/- 16 VDC 1.6A (0.8A/per Rail)
48VDC .1A
Weight (Empty)
6 LBS / 2.72 KG
Dimensions (in Inches)
5.3W x 4L x 11D
Front
Back
10DCF Compressor/Limiter
"I love my BAE 10DC compressor Limiter.... I've been using it for a while now.. Very reminicent of a Neve 2254.. but with quiet switches and smaller increments..It's got a gorgeous flavour that none of my other classic original comps have."
Jeremy Darby
Canterbury Music
10DCF Features
The 10DCF, which builds on the capabilities of the 10DC compressor/limiter, features Carnhill and Jensen transformers, all discrete circuitry while adding a brand new, inductor-based bypass filter.
The 10DCF bypass filter delivers increased flexibility while recording low frequency ranged instruments, and engages at 50, 80, 160 and 300 Hz — perfect for users who want to compress a broad frequency range while leaving lower frequencies uncompressed. The 10DCF units are also stereo linkable, making them the perfect complement for the output stage of a mixer.
The 10DCF is an incredibly versatile tool for both tracking and mixing. It retains the same top grade, Class A circuitry that is present in BAE gear, while providing bypass filter options that make it more customizable, especially useful for drum and bass applications.
Aside from its unmistakably authentic sound quality, the 10DCF also features a useful range of features on its front panel, including Elma stepped switches for each control, BAE Audio's trademark Marconi knobs, and a gastank style analogue meter. The combination of these elements provides users with accurate visual and tactile reference points as they adjust and shape their sounds. The metering on the 10DCF incorporates a sleek and simple design, with easy to read white lettering set against a black background in a rugged gastank style encasement.
The 10DCF is hand assembled in California using only premium grade analogue components.
- Discrete Class A transformer-coupled circuit throughout.
- Fully independent Compressor and Limiter for separate audio dynamics control.
- Intuitive layout with illuminated meter showing gain reduction.
- High quality stepped Elma® switches for dialing accuracy and repeatability.
- True bypass even when the unit is off.
- Internal switch mode power supply that will self-adjust to 230-240v
Single Channel Limiter Compressor with PSU MAP: $2,195.00
Stereo Pair Compressors with PSU MAP: $4,295.00
10DCF Specifications
Frequency Response
5Hz to 45kHz -1dB Measured at +8dBu
Noise
-80dBu with 200ohms source
Maximum Output Level
+33dBu into 10kΩ
+27dBU into 600Ω
Distortion
Varies from 0.03% to greater than 1%
Compressor
Threshold:
-20dBu to +16dBu with 2dB steps
Ratio:
1.5:1 to 10:1 with 6 position switch
Attack:
2mS to 80mS with 6 position switch
Recovery:
100, 200, 400, 800mS
Auto 1 100mS isolated peaks, 2 Sec prolonged levels
Auto 2 50mS isolated peaks, 5 Sec prolonged levels
Limiter
Threshold
+4dBu to +15dBu with 0.5 dB steps
Attack:
Slow 4mS, Fast 2mS
Recovery:
100, 200, 400, 800mS
Auto 1 100mS isolated peaks, 2 Sec prolonged levels
Auto 2 50mS isolated peaks, 5 Sec prolonged levels
Bypass Filter
50, 80,160 and 300 Hz
Gain Make-up:
0 to +20dBu in 1 dB steps
Output Impedance
100Ω Balanced earth free
Power Consumption
200mA at 24VDC
Dimensions in Inches
19W x 1.75L x 9D
Rackmount
Module
Black Rackmount
Black Module
Rackmount Back
Module Back
24V PSU
24V PSU Back
1066D Rackmount & Module
"The BAE 1066D is our go to Pre for everything. We track vocals, guitars, drums, synths etc. and it beats out any other amp in our arsenal! Simply the BEST."
Tony Ghantous and Brett Epstein "Contagious Songs"
Producers/Songwriters
1066D Features
The 1066D is completely hand-wired using Carnhill (St. Ives) transformers and has the same mic-line pre-amp as the 1073, with the exception that the 1066D adds a few different frequencies to your pallet.
This unit is popular among guitarists for having a unique mid-range. The original 1066 only had a 10k shelving but this unit offers additional frequencies: 10k Hz,12k Hz,16k Hz, 20k Hz and 24k Hz.
- High Frequency: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 10kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 20kHz and 24kHz.
- Low Frequency: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz &220Hz.
- Mid Range: +/-16dB peaking with switchable selectable centre frequencies of 700Hz, 1.2kHz, 2.4kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
- High Pass Filter: 18dB per octave slope, switchable between 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz.
- EQ Button: Switches the equaliser on or off
- Phase Button: 180°
1066D 19" 1RU rack w/power supply MAP: $3,285.00
1066D 19" 1RU rack w/OUT power supply MAP: $3,085.00
1066D 19" pair w/power supply MAP: $6,275.00
1066D Module MAP: $3,085.00
1066D Black Faceplate Option: Add $300.00
Frequency Response
10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz
3 Band Equaliser
HF:+/-16dB fixed frequency shelving at 10kHz,12kHz, 16kHz, 20kHz and 24kHz
LF: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz & 220Hz
MF: +/-16dB peaking with switchable selectable centre frequencies of 700Hz, 1.2kHz, 2.4kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
High Pass Filter
45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz
Mic Input Impedance
≈1200/300 ohms
Line Input Impedance
10k ohms
DI Input Impedance
≈150k ohms
Output Impedance
65 ohms
Common Mode Rejection Ratio
100dB min @ 60Hz
Maximum Output Level
+27.4 dBu @ 600Ω
Power Requirements
115/230 VAC, 28W
Gain dB
0 to 80 dB
Equivalent Input Noise
-110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz Bandwidth
Weight (Module/Rackmount)
6 LBS / 2.72 KG
10 LBS / 4.54 KG
Dimensions in Inches (Module/Rackmount)
45 mm W x 8.75 inches H x 10.5 inches D
19W x 1.75L x 9D
500 Series Module
1066DL 500 Series Module
"The BAE 1066D is our go to Pre for everything. We track vocals, guitars, drums, synths etc. and it beats out any other amp in our arsenal! Simply the BEST."
Tony Ghantous and Brett Epstein "Contagious Songs"
Producers/Songwriters
1066DL Features
The new 1066DL is based on the classic 1066, which features the same mic-line pre-amplification stage as the 1073, but features different frequency selections in its EQ for a whole new sonic palette. The available frequencies on the 1066 are especially well suited to guitar applications because of its unique midrange.
The 1066DL is completely hand-wired using Carnhill (St. Ives) transformers and has the same mic-line pre-amp as the 1073, with the exception that the 1066DL adds a few different frequencies to your pallet.
This unit is popular among guitarists for having a unique mid-range. The original 1066 only had a 10k shelving but this unit offers additional frequencies: 10k Hz,12k Hz,16k Hz, 20k Hz and 24k Hz.
- High Frequency: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 10kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 20kHz and 24kHz.
- Low Frequency: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz &220Hz.
- Mid Range: +/-16dB peaking with switchable selectable centre frequencies of 700Hz, 1.2kHz, 2.4kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
- High Pass Filter: 18dB per octave slope, switchable between 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz.
- EQ Button: Switches the equaliser on or off
- Phase Button: 180°
1066DL Module MAP: $2,395.00
Frequency Response
10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz
3 Band Equaliser
HF:+/-16dB fixed frequency shelving at 10kHz,12kHz, 16kHz, 20kHz and 24kHz
LF: +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz & 220Hz
MF: +/-16dB peaking with switchable selectable centre frequencies of 700Hz, 1.2kHz, 2.4kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
High Pass Filter
45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz
Mic Input Impedance
≈1200/300 ohms
Line Input Impedance
10k ohms
DI Input Impedance
≈150k ohms
Output Impedance
65 ohms
Common Mode Rejection Ratio
100dB min @ 60Hz
Maximum Output Level
+27.4 dBu @ 600Ω
Power Requirements
115/230 VAC, 28W
Gain dB
0 to 80 dB
Equivalent Input Noise
-110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz Bandwidth
Weight
6 LBS / 2.72 KG
Dimensions in Inches
45 mm W x 8.75 inches H x 10.5 inches D
Rackmount
Module
Black Rackmount
Black Module
Rackmount Back
Module Back
24V PSU
24V PSU Back
1032 Rackmount & Module
"Counting Crows built a portable studio 10 years ago and we filled it with racks of BAE pre amps and eqs. The stuff is built to last and has been a huge part of every record we have made since."
Dave Bryson
Counting Crows
1032 Features
The new 1032 4-band Mic/Line preamp by BAE was inspired by the frequencies of the classic 1081. It uses the same high quality components and manufacturing techniques used in other BAE modules featuring the same Class A transformer-coupled circuits and same modular cards for long-term serviceability.
Along with the passive inductor high-pass filter, the 4-band equalizer provides greater coverage. The high-mid and low-mid frequencies overlap for flexibility in correcting problem frequencies. The 1032 also provides a more comprehensive high frequency shelf up to 24kHz for extended high frequency correction without compromising the midrange.
Many people loved the EQ portion of the 1081 but the amplifier was class A/B. Our clients told us that they prefer the class A output and so we now have a 1081 inspired equalizer with a 1073 preamp.
- Inspired by the 1081 EQ points using the same inductor specifications.
- Class A transformer-coupled.
- Hand wired, all discrete using modular cards.
- 4-band with HPF.
- Low and High Mid-band overlapping frequencies.
- Extended selection for high frequency shelving.
- High quality Swiss made Elma® rotary switches.
1032 19" 1RU rack w/power supply MAP: $4,285.00
1032 19" 1RU rack without power supply MAP: $4,085.00
1032 19" pair w/power supply MAP: $8,275.00
1032 Module MAP: $4,085.00
1032 Black Faceplate Option: Add $300.00
1032 Specifications
80dB Class A Microphone preamplifier, HI-LO selectable input impedance, balanced and floating.
High Frequency:
+/-16dB selectable frequency shelving at 10, 12, 16, 20 or 24 kHz.
Low Frequency:
+/-16dB with selectable frequency shelving of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz & 220Hz.
1081 Upper Mid Frequency:
+/-18dB peaking, fixed 'Q' , selectable centre frequencies of 1.5Khz, 1.8kHz, 2.2Khz, 2.7kHz, 3.3Khz, 3.9kHz, 4.7kHz, 5.6kHz , 6.8kHz and 8.2Khz , inductor based.
1081 Lower Mid Frequency:
+/-18dB peaking, fixed ´Q´, selectable center frequencies of 220Hz, 270Hz, 330Hz, 390Hz, 470Hz, 560Hz, 680Hz, 820Hz, 1000Hz and 1200Hz, , inductor based.
High Pass Filter:
18dB per octave slope, switchable between 50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz & 300Hz, inductor based.
EQ Button:
Engages the equalizer.
Phase Button:
Flips phase180°.
Mic Input Impedance:
HI, 1200 Ohm minimum, LO, 300 Ohm.
Line Input Impedance:
10KOhms bridging, transformer balanced and floating.
Output Impedance:
Less than 75 Ohms, transformer balanced and floating, to drive a load of 600 Ohms.
Maximum Output:
Greater than +26dBm into 600 Ohms, greater than +32dBu into 10KOhms.
THD:
Less than 0.025% at 1Khz, Less than 0.05% at 100Hz.
Frequency Response:
20Hz (+0.3dB) to 20Khz (-0.2dB).
Maximum Gain:
Slightly greater than 80dB.
Noise:
Less than -100dBm.
Power consumption:
110 mA @24VDC.
