---
product_id: 17521886
title: "PRE-73 MKIII Mic Preamp"
brand: "golden age project"
price: "NZ$840"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 9
category: "Golden Age Project"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17521886-pre-73-mkiii-mic-preamp
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# LED Output Meter Switchable Impedance 80dB Mic Gain PRE-73 MKIII Mic Preamp

**Brand:** golden age project
**Price:** NZ$840
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎤 Elevate your sound with vintage character and modern precision — don’t just record, make a statement.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** PRE-73 MKIII Mic Preamp by golden age project
- **How much does it cost?** NZ$840 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17521886-pre-73-mkiii-mic-preamp)

## Best For

- golden age project enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted golden age project brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Gain That Goes the Distance:** 80dB gain effortlessly handles quiet passive ribbon mics and subtle sources.
- • **Vintage Vibes, Modern Muscle:** Classic Neve-inspired tone with robust solid-state reliability.
- • **Versatile Power & Connectivity:** Phantom power and DI input in a sleek half-rack chassis for studio or stage.
- • **Visual Feedback, Zero Guesswork:** LED output level meter keeps your signal in the sweet spot every time.
- • **Precision Control at Your Fingertips:** Switchable 1200/300 ohm impedance for tailored mic matching.

## Overview

The Golden Age Pre-73 MKIII is a single-channel mic/line preamp delivering up to 80dB of gain, perfect for capturing quiet sources with passive ribbon mics. Featuring switchable impedance, phantom power, DI input, and an LED output meter, it combines vintage-inspired tonal warmth with versatile modern functionality in a durable half-rack design. Ideal for professionals and enthusiasts seeking punchy, characterful preamplification without breaking the bank.

## Description

The MKIII has the following new features compared to the MKII: Tantalum capacitors in the signal path. Selectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHz. Selectable two frequency high pass filter, 6 dB/octave at 40 or 170Hz. The pcb is prepared for the Carnhill input transformer. Revised and less complicated GAIN switch with a separate switch for MIC/LINE selection. All GAIN settings can also be used in LINE mode The PRE-73 MKIII is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, lineand instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The inand output is transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimized for its purpose. This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available. The circuit used in the PRE-73 MKIII is similar to the preamp section in the classical 1073 module with a corresponding sound character that is warm, punchy, sweet and musical. These classic characteristics have been heard on countless recordings through the years and it is a versatile sound that works very well on most sound sources and in most genres. The essence of this sound is now available at a surprisingly low cost, making it available to nearly everyone.

Review: A Reliable, Versatile, and Colorful Preamp - Sound fantastic clean, and sounds great on the right source when driven a bit harder. I've had good success coloring overheads, snares, and bass in particular, and the subtle compression when overdriving the preamp is usually quite nice. I've also played out with 2 of these wired up as an insert on a master bus, and on the right track it can sound fantastic. For those unfamiliar with the workings of this pre, the dual knob control layout might be slightly confusing from a gain staging perspective, but the included documentation provides a clear explanation for beginners. My main bass recording chain has been a tube preamp into this preamp before my interface, and it's been a very reliable and versatile setup. You can't beat the price, and my experience has been totally positive with no noise issues in either of my two units.
Review: Amazing Preamp! - Great preamp, especially for the price.

## Features

- Single-channel Mic/line Preamp with 80dB of Mic Gain
- LED Output Level Meter
- Switchable Impedance
- Phantom Power
- DI

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B00YHM700U |
| Amplifier Type | Solid State |
| Best Sellers Rank | #27,987 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #43 in Microphone Preamps |
| Brand | Golden Age Project |
| Color | Red |
| Compatible Devices | all |
| Connector Type | XLR |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (51) |
| Enclosure Material | Stainless Steel |
| Item Weight | 6.8 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Golden Age Project |
| Mfr Part Number | PRE73MK3 |
| Model Name | PRE-73 MKIII |
| Model Number | PRE73MK3 |
| Number of Bands | 1 |
| Output Channel Quantity | 1 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Warranty Description | 2-Year Warranty |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Golden Age Project
- **Color:** Red
- **Compatible Devices:** all
- **Item Weight:** 6.8 Pounds
- **Material:** Stainless Steel

## Images

![PRE-73 MKIII Mic Preamp - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81zB4zvVmbL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: Can you show me a rear picture of this unit?**
A: Hi Jamie,On back it has an XLR output, 1/4" output, Insert Jack, and a combo xlr/1/4" input jack as well as the power input jack. We don't really have a way to link a picture on here. If this was helpful, please consider buying from us. - Pixel Pro Audio

**Q: I bought this unit last month and after a week or so...I started hearing a hum. Can you please help me with this issue?**
A: I'm sorry to hear that you're having this problem. Unfortunately, I can't offer any help though. I've had mine for over a year now and haven't experienced any problems. I'm afraid I'm not tech savvy enough to offer any trouble-shooting advice. It'd probably be a good idea to contact the seller.

**Q: What's the difference between the mk ii and the mk iii?**
A: The MK III has a 2 high shelve options for adding air to the signal, a dedicated switch for mic / line that allows the unit to apply 80db of gain. The MK II only allowed 50db on line signals.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Reliable, Versatile, and Colorful Preamp
*by J***H on October 19, 2025*

Sound fantastic clean, and sounds great on the right source when driven a bit harder. I've had good success coloring overheads, snares, and bass in particular, and the subtle compression when overdriving the preamp is usually quite nice. I've also played out with 2 of these wired up as an insert on a master bus, and on the right track it can sound fantastic. For those unfamiliar with the workings of this pre, the dual knob control layout might be slightly confusing from a gain staging perspective, but the included documentation provides a clear explanation for beginners. My main bass recording chain has been a tube preamp into this preamp before my interface, and it's been a very reliable and versatile setup. You can't beat the price, and my experience has been totally positive with no noise issues in either of my two units.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing Preamp!
*by D***O on March 30, 2026*

Great preamp, especially for the price.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Worth it
*by B***G on January 26, 2017*

Worth every dollar. The box it came in was a complete turn off however the unit was in perfect condition. Everything sounds..."expensive" now.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Mic Line Preamp
- Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium Short XLR to XLR Cables - 3ft, Male to Female Microphone Cable, Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) Mic Cord, Black
- VANDESAIL XLR Cables, 3ft 2 Pack Microphone Cable, XLR Male to Female Balanced Microphone Cord 3 pin, 3 Foot Short mic Cord Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) Nylon Braided

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-04-29*