Neve for lunch

[Manning]

I found an old thread where people discuss the release of the Neve 1073 pre in the API 500 series (aka Lunchbox).

However no-one on that thread had actually played with one at that time.

Has anyone played with one since? If so...
1 - how different are they to a *real* 1073?
2 - how do they compare to other $1000 pre's?

[mylesgm]

I dont have 'neve' branded lunchbox 1073. I do have a NV73 which is a diy version of the 1073 preamp with carnhil transformers and the b283 circuit setup in a lunchbox. I think it sounds great. Loads of gain, loads of good color and usually a high contender for vocal pre. Cost me a lot less than 1k, I think the kit for a pair cost me 600ish plus another 1-200 to have my build checked over by an excellent tech to make certain all was correct and to calibrate the output stage.

[Manning]

Myles - is this what you are referring to (or am I on the wrong track)?
http://www.thedonclassics.com/nv73diy.html

[mylesgm]

precisely.

[Junction]

Here's another option for ya;

http://www.soundskulptor.com/uk/mp573.html

These are a 1073 style 500 pre with Carnhills, I have two and they are fantastic. You can buy them as kits for Euro275 or you can buy them fully built for more. They are a really high quality kit and build, professional finish, instructions are excellent and they sound great.

I have also just purchased 2 of their EQ573's, just completed one build, I am having some problems with it which I think could be a design problem. I suggest anyone is considering their EQ, consult with me first, hopefully the problem will be located and resolved and it is not a fundamental design issue.

Cheers
Michael

[Ben M]

http://www.audiomaintenance.com/acatalo ... _info.html
If you want a diy 1073 then this could be the go. The 1073 module is both 1290 pre and eq circuit in one module. Not just a pre alone.
I've built a pair of 1290's (not 500 series) and they're very useful pre design. Traditionally designed to run on 24 volts not the 16v available in the lunchboxes.

[Manning]

Given that I can't make a guitar cable, tackling a DIY Neve is slightly ambitious. But we have a mate who's pretty handy at such things.

[Ben M]

Given that I can't make a guitar cable, tackling a DIY Neve is slightly ambitious. But we have a mate who's pretty handy at such things.

Never too late to learn. There's a lot of diy options out there and it can be fun and save you $$. If your planning on building up a studio with gear it's a good idea to know how to solder.

[Manning]

You evil people have been putting exactly that thought into my mind. I might have to visit Dick Smith for an "idiot kit".

On a vaguely related topic, I have a few books on electronics, but I've never found one that explains the "why". The books I have are incredibly detailed about what resistors, capacitors, etc specifically do, but at the end I'm no closer to understanding what is actually going on.

What I want is a book that takes something very basic (eg a transistor radio) and explains the entire circuit, and explains things like "why" putting that particular resistor in exactly that spot works.

Does anyone know of such a book?

[Drumstruck]

man, I can't even spell Neve

[Lee]

Does anyone know of such a book?

I could also do with such a book.

[chribble]

i use SCA N72 which is good.
But - doesn't everyone go gaga over the avedis stuff in 500 format?

[Ben M]

i use SCA N72 which is good.

I really like these preamps. Must remember to put on the to do list.

[Junction]

Here's another option for ya;
http://www.soundskulptor.com/uk/mp573.html
I have also just purchased 2 of their EQ573's, just completed one build, I am having some problems with it

Doh, my mistake, I had one capacitor reversed! These EQ573 's are awesome with the MP573, reminds me of how a Pultec adds some magic even if the EQ is set flat!

Cheers