Behringer 1273 Microphone Preamp

Behringer 1273 — Dual-Channel Microphone Preamp with Classic 1073 Topology

The Behringer 1273 is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier that recreates the circuit topology of the legendary Neve 1073 in a single 2U rackmount unit. Developed with one of the original Neve engineers, the 1273 pairs a Class A discrete signal path with custom-built Midas transformers on every input and output stage, giving project studios access to the weight, presence, and harmonic density that shaped records from Abbey Road to Sound City. This model is ideal for engineers seeking Neve-style character on two sources at once without needing to buy separate single-channel units.

What Sets the 1273 Apart in the Budget Preamp Category

Most affordable 1073-style preamps cut corners on transformer quality or skip the EQ entirely. Each channel on this model carries its own Midas transformer, and the inductor-based rotary EQ switches replicate the original 1073's fixed-frequency design rather than using digital emulation. A per-channel tone switch lets users change input transformer impedance on the fly, re-voicing the preamp for different microphone types without repatching.

Preamp Gain and Signal Path — Capture Quiet Sources With Confidence

Inside, the preamp stage uses an electronically controlled, resistor-stepped rotary gain switch delivering up to 80 dB of clean gain in precise increments. This stepped approach ensures channel-to-channel recall stays consistent and keeps noise low at lower gain settings, which is especially important when recording low-output ribbon microphones or distant room mics.

• Preamp Gain: up to 80 dB — resistor-stepped rotary switch for repeatable, low-noise gain staging
• Circuit Topology: Class A discrete — preserves signal integrity with minimal coloration
• Signal passes through Midas transformers on every input and output stage, enhancing clarity and analog weight.
• Tone Switch: per-channel impedance selector — re-voices the input stage for different microphone types

3-Band EQ and High-Pass Filter — Shape Tone at the Source

The inductor-based EQ section closely follows the original 1073's fixed-frequency points, with selectable bands trusted by engineers for decades. Together with a 5-position high-pass filter, the 1273 handles both routine cleanup (rumble rejection, proximity effect) and broader tone shaping (adding weight to bass, presence to vocals, air to overheads) without needing outboard EQs.

• EQ Low Band: 35 / 60 / 110 / 220 Hz — adds weight to bass and warmth to vocals without muddiness
• EQ Mid Band: 360 / 700 / 1600 / 3200 / 4800 / 7200 Hz — inductor-based rotary switch for targeted presence and cut moves
• EQ High Band: 10 / 12 / 16 kHz fixed shelf — selectable air and sheen on the top end
• The high-pass filter can be set to 50 / 80 / 160 / 300 Hz, giving flexible rumble and proximity control.

I/O, Routing, and Studio Integration — Built for Real Sessions

Connectivity meets the needs of both project and professional studios: balanced XLR for microphones, a front-panel instrument input for direct recording of bass or electric guitar, a send/return insert loop per channel for patching in outboard gear between preamp and EQ, and balanced XLR plus 6.3 mm jack outputs. Phantom power is switchable per channel, and a polarity switch helps with phase alignment on multi-mic setups. A 7-segment LED meter at the end of the chain provides quick level monitoring.

• Inputs: Balanced XLR/Jack 6.3 mm combo, Jack 6.3 mm DI, XLR mic, Send/Return insert
• Outputs: XLR balanced, 6.3 mm jack line out
• Phantom Power: +48 V switchable per channel — powers condenser microphones independently on each channel
• The enclosure is a 2U rackmount chassis that fits any standard 19-inch studio rack.

Who the 1273 Is For

This model is designed for project-studio engineers, bedroom producers, and small commercial studios needing two channels of Neve-style sound in one rack unit. Recording stereo drum overheads, a vocalist and an acoustic guitarist simultaneously, or running a bass DI alongside a mic'd cabinet all become one-unit tasks. Users upgrading from interface preamps gain access to genuine analog weight and flexible EQ, while the per-channel send/return insert makes it easy to add compression or character boxes into the chain.

The 1073 Heritage Behind the 1273

The original Neve 1073 preamp became a staple at studios like Abbey Road, Sound City, and Capitol Studios, shaping legendary records including Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks" and The Who's "Who's Next." Behringer developed this model in collaboration with one of the original Neve engineers, combining heritage knowledge with a modern dual-channel format that suits contemporary production while staying true to the iconic circuit.