HERITAGE AUDIO HA73JR II

The 73 JR II is the 2021 update to the already classic 73 JR, a true 73-style microphone preamplifier in a single 500 series slot with some added features covering all recording needs for engineers and musicians not needing to track with EQ. Employing only discrete circuitry and conventional components, the 73 JR II is a faithful 3-stage, all-Class A 73 preamp. Styroflex and tantalum capacitors have been used throughout, making no compromises. The useful all-Class A discrete high-pass filter has been updated, making it variable from 20 to 220 Hz. Now it is even easier to make low frequencies more defined without affecting desired frequencies. The Line mode allows reamping of prerecorded tracks and is perfect for adding Class A colour to lifeless recordings. The smart switched DI (automatically switches from MIC to DI mode when inserting a 1/4 inch mono jack) is an all-Class A discrete JFET circuit placed before the MIC transformer, so all the gain is there. Since its introduction in 2013, it has become a classic DI for bass. Finally, special care has been taken with power handling, implementing an internal +24 V regulation with slow-on (about 20 seconds to reach full voltage), making the 500 series rack power supply healthier and making the 73JR independent of the other slots. There are several compromises usually made when fitting a 73 preamp into the 500 series. You won't find any in the 73 JR II: no 73 preamp is such without the correct transformers. For the 73 JR II, Heritage Audio has gone a step further than the competition. The output transformer, the same one used throughout the Heritage line, is an air-gapped Carnhill exclusively manufactured in the St Ives factory. The input transformer, also exclusive, is manufactured in the Carnhill Oxford factory and has a huge impact on the unit's extra mojo. It is the same one found in our top-of-the-line 80-series modules and is responsible for one of the main sonic differences between the 73 JR II and competitors. • Uses the full 3-stage gain circuit for up to 80 dB of gain with a noise figure of -125 dBu EIN at all gain positions. Cutting out the first stage and maximizing the other 2 allows up to 70 dB of gain, but noise and low-end at high gain are seriously compromised • Uses a true 24 V power supply built-in for identical performance and distortion to the original, rather than the standard ±16 V of the 500 series protocol • Uses only traditional through-hole discrete components and hand-wired workmanship for that great 70s vibe, no surface mount technology