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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2CR Fully Loaded
2CR Back
2 Channel Module Rack
2CR Features
The 2CR will house two 10 series modules like the 1073, 1084, 1066 etc... (Vintage modules or new).
The build quality of this rack makes it superior to any system on the market today. We use a solid steel internal chassis that are custom molded so that the module slides in easily without the need for guide rails.
It has a separate output knob and comes complete with 48v for phantom power.
What also makes this rack unique is the Carnhill OEP direct inputs. We mount two Carnhill OEP line transformers so you can plug your bass or guitar directly into the unit.
MAP: $2,250.00
2CR Specifications
DI Input Impedance
≅150k ohms
Power Requirements
115/230 VAC, 34W
Weight (Empty)
20/9.07 KG
Dimensions (in Inches)
19W x 5L x 13.75D
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Steve Steven's Mod
24V PSU
24V PSU Back
1073MP Rackmount Mic Pre
The Steve Stevens's mod blends both channels into one output. Once you have the tone you are looking for from, lets say, a ribbon and a dynamic mic, you can blend both channels in the analogue world, into one output to avoid stacking up multiple tracks. (*Mod not included)
"I just got my 1073MP and I couldn't be happier. I've been using various BAE pres in other studios for years, but never had a pair in my own home studio. I absolutely love this unit being in my rack and now my vibe here at my studio was just elevated so much. Thanks for making some of the best gear out there!!!!"
Mike Castonguay
Lukewarm Freeda Productions
1073MP Features
This is the mic pre-amp version of the 1073 equaliser having the same well-known characteristic Class A sound with its harmonically rich low end, slight resonant highs, and maintained focused mids.
A Carnhill transformer coupled input, with two selectable impedances makes the 1073MP work well with a variety of microphones.
There is also a line input feature for adding depth to 2-bus mixes and a DI input for all passive and active instruments.
As a coloured and versatile mic-pre, the 1073MP maintains its sonic signature across a wide bandwidth.
- All Class A, transformer-coupled design in a 19" 1U chassis.
- Line level XLR inputs for extra versatility as a line preamp.
- High impedance DI for guitar and synth.
- The same Class A components as the 1073 and 1084.
- Illuminated phase reverse and phantom power push-buttons.
- Input impedance selector switch between 1200 and 300 ohms.
- Same modular design and hand-wiring BAE is known for.
- Regulated linear power supply will run up to four channels.
1073MP single channel w/power supply MAP: $1,370.00
1073MP single channel w/out power supply MAP: $1,170.00
1073MP dual channel w/power supply MAP: $2,445.00
1073MP dual channel w/out power supply MAP: $2,245.00
The Steve Stevens's Mod MAP: $250.00*
*Available on the MP and MPF stereo units at the time of purchase. Please note, once unit is modded, the item is non refundable.
1073MP Specifications
Frequency Response
10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz
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, 30W
Gain dB
0 to 71 dB
Equivalent Input Noise
-110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz Bandwidth
Weight (Single/Dual)
8 LBS/3.63 KG
10 LBS/4.54 KG
Dimensions (Inches)
19W x 1.75L x 9D
Set the gain knob (red Marconi) around 20 on the dial and set the output (grey knob) fully clockwise. This gives you the highest headroom and cleanest signal path. Every click is in 5db increments so if one click is too hot, attenuate the output to get in between the 5db steps.
Another trick people like to do is to put the final mix through the line inputs on the back to get that harmonic distortion. To get even more of that Class A output stage is to come out of channel 1 and into channel 2 then you have an accumulative effect of that classic output stage.
Front
Side
Inside
1073MPL 500 Series Mic Pre
"I just got my 1073MP and I couldn't be happier. I've been using various BAE pres in other studios for years, but never had a pair in my own home studio. I absolutely love this unit being in my rack and now my vibe here at my studio was just elevated so much. Thanks for making some of the best gear out there!!!!"
Mike Castonguay
Lukewarm Freeda Productions
1073MPL Features
This is the 500 Series version of the 1073MP (a mic pre-amp version of the 1073 equaliser) having the same well-known characteristic Class A sound with its harmonically rich low end, slight resonant highs, and maintained focused mids.
Two selectable impedances makes the 1073MPL work well with a variety of microphones.
As a coloured and versatile mic-pre, the 1073MPL maintains its sonic signature across a wide bandwidth.
- All Class A, transformer-coupled design in a 500 series module.
- Original Marconi knobs.
- Input impedance selector switch between 1200 and 300 ohms.
- Line level capability for extra versatility as a line preamp.
- High impedance DI for guitar and synth.
- Same Carnhill St Ives transformers as the 1073 and 1084.
- Same modular design and hand-wiring BAE is known for.
1073MPL 500 Series Module MAP: $1,200.00
1073MPL Specifications
Frequency Response
10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz
Line Input Impedance
10k ohms
Output Impedance
65 ohms
Common Mode Rejection Ratio
100dB min @ 60Hz
Maximum Output Level
+27.4 dBu @ 600Ω
Gain dB
0 to 71 dB
Front
Side
B15 500 Series Module
B15 Features
- Standard 500 series modular size 1.5" x 5.25"
- 3-bands with 5 selectable frequencies per band
- +16 dB of boost and cut using continuous variable potentiometer
- Push button shelving option for low and high frequencies
- All discrete design
- High headroom
- Low noise
- Jensen Transformer balanced input & output
- Custom machined aluminium knobs
- Elma Gold plated rotary switches and 15-way connector for longer life
- Utilizes Avedis® 1122 Opamps
B15 Module MAP: $1,200.00
Single Channel
Dual Channel
Single Channel Back
Steve Steven's Mod
24V PSU
24V PSU Back
1073MPF Rackmount Mic Pre
The Steve Stevens's mod blends both channels into one output. Once you have the tone you are looking for from, lets say, a ribbon and a dynamic mic, you can blend both channels in the analogue world, into one output to avoid stacking up multiple tracks. (*Mod not included)
"BAE mic pres are the truth... they have that nice warm sound like old 1073s but quieter. I love them! I use mine for everything, then run final mixes through the 1073MPF's. Balanced Inputs straight out of ProTools to CD to give them a phatt analogue richness."
Terrace Martin
Artist & Producer
1073MPF Features
This is the high-pass filter version of the 1073MP. The 1073MPF is the mic pre-amp version of the 1073 equaliser, sharing the the same well-known characteristic Class A sound with its harmonically rich low end, slight resonant highs and maintained focused mids.
A transformer coupled input, with two selectable impedances makes the 1073MP work well with a variety of microphones.
There is also a line input feature for adding depth to 2-bus mixes and a DI input for all passive and active instruments.
As a coloured and versatile mic-pre, the 1073MP maintains its sonic signature across a wide bandwidth.
- All Class A, transformer-coupled design in a 19" 1U chassis.
- Inductor based high pass filter
- Line level XLR inputs for extra versatility as a line preamp.
- High impedance DI for guitar and synth.
- The same Class A components as the 1073 and 1084.
- Illuminated phase reverse and phantom power pushbuttons.
- Input impedance selector switch between 1200 and 300 ohms.
- Same modular design and hand-wiring BAE is known for.
- Regulated linear power supply will run up to four channels.
1073MPF single channel w/filter & power supply MAP: $1,720.00
1073MPF single channel w/filter, no power supply MAP: $1,520.00
1073MPF dual channel w/filter & power supply MAP: $3,045.00
1073MPF dual channel w/filter, no power supply MAP: $2,895.00
The Steve Stevens's Mod MAP: $250.00*
*Available on the MP and MPF stereo units at the time of purchase. Please note, once unit is modded, the item is non refundable.
1073MPF Specifications
Frequency Response
10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz
High Pass Filter
50Hz, 80Hz, 160Hz, 300Hz
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, 30W
Gain dB
0 to 71 dB
Equivalent Input Noise
-110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz Bandwidth
Weight (Single/Dual)
8 LBS / 3.63 KG
10 LBS / 4.54 KG
Dimensions (Inches)
19W x 1.75L x 9D
Set the gain knob (red Marconi) around 20 on the dial and set the output (grey knob) fully clockwise. This gives you the highest headroom and cleanest signal path. Every click is in 5db increments so if one click is too hot, attenuate the output to get in between the 5db steps.
Another trick people like to do is to put the final mix through the line inputs on the back to get that harmonic distortion. To get even more of that Class A output stage is to come out of channel 1 and into channel 2 then you have an accumulative effect of that classic output stage.
