---
product_id: 351970070
title: "Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Mic Preamp"
brand: "ga project"
price: "R18543"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 5
category: "Ga Project"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/351970070-golden-age-project-pre-73-mkiii-mic-preamp
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Switchable impedance & phantom power Selectable AIR boost EQ Discrete component signal path Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Mic Preamp

**Brand:** ga project
**Price:** R18543
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

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

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Mic Preamp by ga project
- **How much does it cost?** R18543 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/351970070-golden-age-project-pre-73-mkiii-mic-preamp)

## Best For

- ga project enthusiasts

## Why This Product

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

## Key Features

- • **Pure Vintage Tone:** No integrated circuits—only classic discrete components for that warm, punchy 1073-inspired sound.
- • **Intuitive Monitoring:** Simple 4-step LED output meter keeps your levels perfectly in check during every session.
- • **Versatile Input Modes:** Switch between MIC and LINE modes with 30 dB gain reduction and handle passive ribbon mics effortlessly.
- • **Pro-Grade Signal Integrity:** Transformer-balanced input and output with dedicated transformers optimized for pristine audio clarity.
- • **Tailored Frequency Control:** Two-position AIR boost EQ and selectable high-pass filter let you sculpt your highs with precision.

## Overview

The Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII is a premium vintage-style mic preamp featuring a fully discrete signal path without integrated circuits, transformer-balanced I/O, selectable AIR boost EQ, and switchable impedance and phantom power. Designed to deliver the classic warm, punchy sound of the legendary 1073 module, it excels with passive ribbon mics and quiet sources, making it a must-have for professionals seeking authentic analog character and versatile control.

## Description

The PRE-73 MKIII is a one-channel vintage style microphone-, line and instrument preamplifier. The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors. The input and 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: 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: prodotto davvero di qualità, suono secco nitido e di gran qualità, li consiglio vivamente, prodotto davvero eccellente proprio come mi aspettavo

## Features

- Vintage Style electronics, no intergrated circuits in the signal pathEnough n to handle passive ribbon mics with quiet sound sourcesN/LINE mode switch, n is reduced by 30 dB in LINE modeSelectable two position high frequency AIR boost eq, 3 or 6 dB @ 30 kHzSelectable 6 dB/octave two frequency high pass filterTantalum capacitors in the signal pathSwitchable impedance in MIC modeSwitchable phantom power and absolute phaseA high impedance instrument inputA simple but effective 4 step LED o
- The signal path uses only discrete components like resistors, capacitors and transistors
- The input and 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

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Manufacturer | Golden Age Project |
| Part number | PRE73MK3 |
| Item Weight | 3.08 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 35.56 x 33.02 x 10.16 cm; 3.08 kg |
| Item model number | PRE73MK3 |
| Color | Red |
| Material | Metal |
| Power source type | Corded Electric |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Specification met | certified frustration-free |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** GA PROJECT
- **Colour:** Red
- **Compatible devices:** all
- **Item weight:** 3.08 kg
- **Material:** Metal

## Images

![Golden Age Project 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

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by J***H on 19 October 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by E***O on 21 November 2016*

prodotto davvero di qualità, suono secco nitido e di gran qualità, li consiglio vivamente, prodotto davvero eccellente proprio come mi aspettavo

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review
*by A***T on 2 February 2020*

It would seem from other reviews that some have encountered QC issues. Thankfully, this has not been the case for me. There’s a lot of competition in this market space, but most of the competing products are both a.) more expensive, and b.) have fewer features. I’m very pleased with this preamp, and find that it is an excellent match for sources that require more gain than the preamps in a recording interface simply can’t deliver. For other applications it can certainly add a coloration reminiscent of the design it was derived from- albeit not quite the same. This can also be overdone. Overall, a great addition to the home enthusiast’s toolbox, and something to inspire more creativity and exploration. Frankly, I’m inclined to think it would even be suitable for professional applications. From my perspective, the build quality is reflected in the price. Do better options exist? Perhaps. But you won’t get them at this price point, and they’ll likely be missing some of the features found here. Highly recommend.

## 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 South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-02-11*