Warm Audio WA273 1073 Style Two Channel Microphone Preamp

Warm Audio WA273 1073 Style Two Channel Microphone Preamp

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    Frequently Bought Together

    Over the last 50+ years, professional engineers would unanimously agree the venerable 1073 has defined the tone of pop/rock records. The 1073 has been massively used in recording and live applications for decades and is still considered to be the “Holy Grail” of preamps today. The Warm Audio WA273 provides dual channel re-creations of this classic British preamp that each pay careful and humble homage to the original circuit.

     

    Warm Audio WA273 1073 Style Microphone Preamp Features:

    • Two Channel, Class A, 1073-Style British Microphone Preamp
    • UK Made Carnhill Transformers
    • Hand Wired, Hand Assembled
    • 80 dB Of Gain - Resistor Stepped Gain Switch
    • Fully Discrete
    • TONE Button - Changes Input Transformer Impedance for Varying Tone
    • Polarity Switch
    • 48V Phantom Power
    • 4 Position Inductor Based Hipass Filter - 50, 80, 160, 300 Hz
    • XLR Mic Input
    • Line Level TRS Input
    • TS Send/Receive Insert Jacks
    • XLR & TRS Line Level Outputs
    • Direct In, Instrument Input
    • Output Control
    • Led Level Indication
    • 19" Rackable
    • Ground Lift Switch
    • Internal IEC 115V/230V Power Inlet 

     

    Hand Wired, Hand Assembled

    The classic 1073 was hand-wired and so is the WA73 Family! Guru’s claim that a portion of the 1073’s classic tone can be attributed to the hand-wired nature of the build. The entirety of the WA73 Family of preamps is authentically hand-wired and hand assembled, including the PCB components that are all populated by hand.

     

    When Warm Audio decided to release the WA73 Family it was imperative to them that the products pay respectful homage to the sacred British console history in both design and performance. The tone and sweet character that the vintage units impart is so unique and familiar, that Warm Audio had only the pure desire to release truly sonic accurate replicas. After years of R&D, careful reverse-engineering, and countless hours of auditioning, the WA73 Family has been born!

     

    UK Custom Carnhill Transformers

    1073 enthusiasts unequivocally get excited about the component history in these classic circuits. The signal transformers are a common topic of conversation. The classic vintage units used various versions of transformers throughout the years, and the most coveted were the very first versions made by Marinair Radar. Marinair Radar Transformers are regarded as the most desirable 1073 choice due to their fluid and forgiving nature. They saturate sweetly when pushed, and have been known to make engineers cry when they hear how beautiful their mixes sound through them! Warm Audio worked closely with Carnhill Transformers of Cambridgeshire, UK, to design faithful replicas of these most coveted, early version transformers. The entire WA73 Family proudly utilizes these fantastic Carnhill Transformers. We at Warm Audio have not yet heard a modern day 1073-style preamp sound as close to the early vintage 1073 design as do our WA73 Family units with these beautiful custom Transformers.

     

    The WA73 Family of preamps are “Desert Island” boutique preamps but can also be classified as studio and live work-horses. The classic 1073 is known as a versatile tool that works with all kinds of microphones from Condenser, to Dynamic, to Ribbon. The WA73 Family equally shines on all types of microphones and sources including; vocals, acoustic/electric guitars, bass, drums, percussion, orchestras, keyboards, and even as a tone shaping tool to run partial or complete mixes through. With 80dB of gain and a fully discrete Carnhill Transformer balanced signal path - there’s no recording, mixing or engineering task the WA273 can’t handle.

     

    Capacitors & Signal Path

    An important part of these classic British circuits not often discussed is the different styles of capacitors and output transistor used. We found it important to maintain integrity to the original design by using tantalum and polystyrene capacitors in the signal path and an output transistor choice that is much smoother in the high gain settings than what is typically found in modern 1073-style replicas.

    CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING

    WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

    Shop Similar Models

    Warm Audio WA273 1073 Style Two Channel Microphone Preamp

    Item #:WAU WA273
    Manufacturer Part Number:WA273
    UPC:7135414931310

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 8 reviews
    Popular topics
    Ben B. 🇺🇸
    Verified Buyer
    This was my first piece

    This was my first piece of hardware gear. I make all kinds of music but mainly indie pop/rock. this i have been aminly plugggin my guitars and bass and vocals through and it was about 14 seconds before I realized how unbelievably massive of a leap the quality of everything i was about to record was ...

    Published date
    10/22/25
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    Miguel V. 🇺🇸
    Verified Buyer
    Buy this and stop comparing clones.

    Though I've only really used BAE units in the past, this is the ticket for that sound. Has the right transformers. I run line level signals back out to it from my DAW to get some saturation and warmth into the tracks. I use it mostly for kick, snare, guitars. Oh yeah! the DI sounds great aswell! esp...

    Published date
    11/09/23
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    Willie R. 🇺🇸
    Verified Buyer
    Another great Mic pre 1073

    I used this two way mainly on my mix buss chain if I'm not using it to record. The more hardware transformers you have on your mix the more that warm Analog sound you will have.

    Published date
    05/05/23
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    Clay 🇺🇸
    Verified Buyer
    Bettermakers

    I don't think I can express just how much I love these units. I've got racks full of these WA273's & 273EQ's that sit right alongside of my original Neve units. Having a commercial studio I was weary of most clone preamps for a long, long time. It was only after visiting another commercial studio in...

    Published date
    12/28/22
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    Jd 🇺🇸
    Verified Buyer
    Great Preamp

    This preamp has a warm clear sound. It improved my recording to a Pro level. The Wa273 made my vocals easier to mix and gave them a nice sheen. Don't hesitate get one asap.

    Published date
    02/26/22
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