Tag: HA73EQ

Heritage Audio HA73EQX2 Microphone Preamplifier Review

Hello! This is Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

I already had the HA73EQ and was very impressed with it. Thus, I decided to expand to a dual-channel setup. As a result, I sold it and bought the HA73EQX2 last September, and I think now is a good time to write a review.

Technical Observations

First, at the same value of each parameter, both channels have subtly different frequency responses. The responses seemed quite similar, but they were adjusted to match each other.

Harmonic distortions are not excessive, but they are enough to emphasize sounds.

There is no compression in any amplitudes, and there are only very subtle changes at the transients in the audio sources.

I cannot fully explain how the character sounds based on the measurements. So, If I had to describe it, the HA73EQX2 ‘pushes’ the source, bringing the soundstage noticeably more forward.

I have experience with the original Neve 1073, and its “pushing” feel is similar to that of the HA73EQX2. Having worked with original Neve 1073s, I found this ‘forward’ character to be similar.

However, when I adjust it on the mix bus, it has too many harmonics… So I think I’ll use it to enhance each source that has weak harmonics and textures.

Final Thought

It’s a really great choice at a reasonable cost.

Honestly, the Neve 1073DPX is too expensive and doesn’t sound like the original. From this perspective, the Heritage Audio’s HA73EQX2 can be a great alternative. I might sound like a promoter, but after five years with Heritage Audio gear, I can genuinely recommend this preamp to anyone.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next post!