The Golden Age Project PRE-73 JR 1073-Style Microphone Preamp/Direct Box is designed for professional recording applications. The combination microphone preamp and DI uses a discrete Class-A circuit design without any integrated circuits. It incorporates a Carnhill input transformer to enable the sound of a classic 1073 but in a smaller and more cost-effective form factor. Up to four of the units can be mounted together in a single 19" rack space using an available rack kit.

The unit's gain switch range spans from 20 to 70 dB with switchable +48V phantom power and absolute phase control. The front panel features a 1/4" input to connect a high-impedance instrument input for any sound module, electric guitar, or bass. A simple signal LED indicator provides visual feedback. The unit's output level control makes it possible to make fine adjustments, and also to overload the main gain stage for more character, and then lower the signal to a suitable level before the output stage.

The rear panel features a combo XLR/TRS input jack, and separate output XLR and TRS jacks to make flexible connections. An insert jack for inserting EQs or other processing units is included. An external power supply helps to avoid interaction with the audio circuit and transformers of the device.