
Oceania Audio is the Authorised NZ Distributor
Golden Age Premier Pre-573 Premier
Golden Age Premier Pre-573 Premier
The Pre-573 Premier is a one-channel vintage style microphone, line and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The microphone and line input and the line output are transformer balanced, using two different transformers, each one optimised for its purpose.
This is the way audio components were built before integrated circuits became available. The subjective sound quality delivered by vintage equipment is often preferred to the one delivered by modern units, a situation that is even more obvious now when music is recorded with clean sounding digital audio equipment.
The circuit used in the Pre-573 Premier 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.
Features
- Vintage Style electronics. No integrated circuits in the signal path.
- UK-made Carnhill in- and output transformer. The output is balanced and fully floating and can drive a 600 ohm load up to level of about 28 dBu.
- Maximum gain in MIC mode is 80 dB, enough to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sources.
- The total gain range goes from -10 to +80 dB. The 20 to 70 dB range (in MIC mode) is handled by a turn switch and a toggle switch selects an additional 5 or 10 dB gain.
- Switchable impedance on the mic input, 1200 or 300 ohms, will change the tone of many mics.
- The input can be configured to accept line level signals by another switch, the level is then lowered by about 30 dB and the input impedance increased to about 10 kohm.
- A selectable two-position 6 dB / octave highpass filter with fres of about 45 or 180 Hz.
- A flexible front panel instrument input for electric guitar or bass that can be switched between a high impedance active or a mid-Z passive mode. These two DI-options makes it possible to get different tones from instruments. Mains connected sound modules or other signal sources should be connected to the MIC/LINE input of the 500-rack, unless they have a fully floating, transformer balanced output stage.
- The output level control makes it possible to make fine gain adjustments and also to overload the main gain stage(s) for more character and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.
- Insert jack for inserting Golden Age Project and Premier 500 Series eq and effect units. The insert is activated by removing a jumper at the back of the module.
- A soft start circuit that ramps up the supply voltage slowly (~10 sec.) to avoid a power-on current surge.
- Phase switch and switchable phantom power with a LED indicator.
- Selectable AIR equalizer adds a boost of about 6 dB centered at 30 kHz.
- A simple but effective signal and overload indicator is offered by a single LED that starts glowing red at about +4 dBu and then increases its intensity up to the maximum output level.
- Tantalum and polystyrene capacitors used in the traditional positions.
- The 6.8 kohm phantom power resistors are matched to within 0.1% to maintain good common-mode rejection in the circuit.
- Selectable 600 ohm output termination at the back of the module.
- Circuit board star grounding scheme.
- A solid build quality that will last many years of normal use.
Couldn't load pick-up availability
When will my order be dispatched?
Orders are dispatched Tuesday, Wednesday via Courierpost. You will be sent an email confirmation with tracking details once your order is on its way to you. If you have any questions about your order, please email nigel@oceania-audio.co.nz or use the contact form on this website.
How long will it take for my order to be delivered?
Orders are usually delivered the day after they are shipped. Rural orders may take 1-2 extra days.
Why is my order taking longer than expected?
Sometimes we have to order stock in from our suppliers if we don’t have it on hand. Where there are delays or when products are on backorder, this will always be indicated on the product page.
How much is shipping?
Shipping is free within New Zealand and dispatched with Courier Post.
Can I pick up my order?
Orders are shipped from our warehouse. If you would like to pick your order up, please arrange with us prior to placing your order. Email nigel@oceania-audio.co.nz or contact us using the contact form on this website.
What if my order was wrong?
If your order was incorrect or faulty in any way, please let us know and we will make sure you get what you ordered.
What is your refund policy?
You can find out more about our refund policy.
NZ Delivery
We like to keep things simple... Shipping is always FREE within New Zealand.
Our shipping days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
All packages are sent out of Auckland, New Zealand.
Please allow up to 7 working days for your package to arrive before contacting us. Although we strive to have them arrive in 1-3 working days with rural, public holidays, weekends, or unforeseen circumstances, this can take longer, depending on the shipping option, location and payment option you chose.
Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking details.
Please note: orders containing personalised or customised items may require additional processing time. Any extended timeframes will be clearly communicated at checkout or in your order confirmation.
Shipping Rates
Shipping is always FREE within New Zealand.
P.O. Boxes
We are currently unable to ship to P.O. Boxes. If a P.O. Box address is given by mistake we will contact you and this may cause a delay with the delivery of your package.
International Delivery
We don't currently ship outside of New Zealand, but if you aren't in New Zealand and see something you like, email sales@oceania-audio.co.nz and we will try to help you out.
Damaged, Lost or Missing Orders
If your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or is missing items, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery at sales@oceania-audio.co.nz with:
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Your order number
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Clear photos of the item and packaging
We will review each case individually and work towards a fair resolution in line with New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act obligations.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about shipping, delivery, or your order, please contact:
sales@oceania-audio.co.nz
Questions? Spot a better price?
Call +64 9 845 7800 or Contact us

