Golden Age PRE-573 Premier: Reference 500-Series Console Tone

The Golden Age Audio PRE-573 Premier is a Premier-series single-width 500-series 73-style microphone, line, and instrument preamplifier with a -10 to +80 dB gain range. It brings the reference-grade Premier build, UK-made Carnhill transformers and premium capacitors, to the space-saving 500-series format. The circuit is voiced after the classic console module, so the warm, punchy, sweet, and musical character comes through with premium parts. It is the finest 73-style sound the brand offers on a single 500-series slot.

What the Premier Build Adds

This module upgrades the standard 500-series preamp with UK-made Carnhill input and output transformers and polystyrene plus tantalum capacitors in the traditional positions. A transformer couples the audio magnetically and adds the harmonic warmth and low-end body of a console preamp, and Carnhill parts are the reference standard. The premium capacitors refine clarity throughout the path. The result is a more open, more authentic version of the 500-series tone.

Built for the 500-Series Format

The 500-series is a standardized modular format in which single-width modules slot into a powered rack that supplies their power and connections. Housing the Premier circuit this way lets you combine it with compressors, EQs, and other modules in one chassis. Because the rack provides power, the module stays compact and easy to transport. It is the most space-efficient path to reference console tone.

A Wide, Flexible Gain Structure

Total gain spans -10 to +80 dB. A rotary switch covers the core 20 to 70 dB mic range in steps, and a toggle adds 5 or 10 dB more for the quietest sources. A line mode reconfigures the input, dropping the level about 30 dB and raising input impedance to around 10 k-ohm for hot signals. With up to 80 dB in mic mode, even passive ribbon microphones have plenty of clean headroom.

Two DI Modes and Switchable Impedance

A front-panel instrument input switches between a high-impedance active mode and a mid-impedance passive mode, giving two distinct tones for electric guitar and bass. The mic input impedance also switches between 1200 and 300 ohm, audibly changing how many microphones sound. Impedance is the electrical load the input presents, and both options are tonal choices you can make before any EQ. Instruments and microphones each get more than one voice.

Air Boost and a Two-Position High-Pass Filter

A selectable Air equalizer adds about 6 dB centered at 30 kHz for an open, airy top end, while a two-position 6 dB-per-octave high-pass filter with corners near 45 or 180 Hz clears rumble. A high-pass filter passes the highs and attenuates the lows below its corner, keeping tracks tight. An output level control lets you overdrive the gain stage for character, then set a clean level. Tone can be finished as you track.

Connect, Insert, and Protect

The balanced, fully floating Carnhill output drives a 600-ohm load to about 28 dBu, with selectable output termination set by a rear jumper. An insert jack, also jumper-activated, lets you patch in other 500-series EQ and effect modules to build a channel strip. A soft-start circuit ramps the supply up over about ten seconds to avoid a power-on surge, and a star grounding scheme keeps noise low. Phantom power and phase are switchable from the front with an LED indicator.

Who the PRE-573 Premier Is For

This module is for the engineer who wants reference Carnhill console tone in a modular 500-series rack. Commercial and project studios tracking critical vocals, acoustic guitar, and bass DI will value the premium transformers and flexible gain. Combine it with a matching 500-series EQ for a full Premier channel strip in minimal space. When the 500-series rack has to sound its best, this is the preamp.