AMS Neve 1081 Microphone Preamp and EQ Module

While both are legendary Neve designs, the 1081 features a more complex, flexible EQ section with four bands plus high- and low-pass filters, compared to the 1073's three-band EQ. The 1081 also utilizes a different Class AB circuit design, which tends to offer a slightly faster transient response and a punchier, more aggressive character.

Yes, the 1081 provides 48V phantom power, making it fully compatible with modern condenser microphones. It also offers selectable input impedance (300 or 1200 ohms), allowing you to match the preamp to the specific output characteristics of your microphone.

The 1081 is a module designed to be housed in a compatible Neve rack or console frame. It is not a standalone desktop unit and requires a compatible power supply and housing to operate.

You can expect a rich, harmonically dense sound often described as 'big iron.' Thanks to its custom-wound Marinair transformers, it adds a warm, musical weight to signals that helps them sit better in a mix without needing heavy processing.

The 1081 provides up to 80dB of microphone gain, which is plenty of headroom for low-output sources like ribbon microphones. This allows you to capture delicate performances cleanly without pushing the preamp into unwanted noise.

The EQ section on the 1081 is designed to be bypassed when the EQ switch is in the 'off' position. However, even when engaged with flat settings, the circuit imparts a subtle, pleasing harmonic coloration characteristic of the original 1972 design.