Heritage Audio 80 Series 1084 Microphone Preamplifier and EQ Module

Over the years, the Heritage Audio 80 Series 1084 Microphone Preamplifier and EQ Module has become an iconic staple in the professional recording and audio industry, often regarded as a more versatile and feature-rich successor to the legendary 1073 module. This high-quality, advanced unit is designed to deliver unparalleled audio fidelity, making it a top choice for audio professionals seeking a reliable and durable preamplifier and EQ solution.

The 80 Series 1084 boasts an impressive 80dB Class A microphone preamplifier with selectable minimum input impedance, both balanced and floating, to ensure pristine audio capture. The high gain positions offer increased impedance, perfect for pairing with vintage ribbon microphones, while the 10dB Class A line amplifier further enhances signal integrity.

At the heart of the 1084's versatility is its sophisticated EQ section. The mid-frequency band offers a choice of two distinct 'Q' values, allowing for either +/-18dB or +/-16dB peaking. Users can select center frequencies from 0.36kHz up to 7.2kHz, utilizing a dual inductor-based design for precise tonal shaping. The high pass filter, with its 18dB per octave slope, is switchable between 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz, and 360Hz, offering additional control over the lower frequency spectrum.

The module's low pass filter, also with an 18dB per octave slope, provides switchable options between 6kHz, 8kHz, 10kHz, 14kHz, and 18kHz, enabling users to refine the high-frequency response and eliminate unwanted hiss or noise. This feature is particularly beneficial for managing bass-heavy tracks where a flat high-frequency response is not desired.

Unique to the 1084 module are three selectable high shelf frequencies, providing more flexibility than the fixed 12kHz option found in the 1073. Additionally, the two selectable 'Q' settings in the mid-band, including the high 'Q' identical to the 1073, allow for nuanced sound sculpting. The five frequency selectable passive LC low pass filter, absent in the 1073, enables the creation of special effects such as telephone, radio, and TV sounds that are challenging to replicate authentically with plugins.

The EQ button on the 1084 module conveniently engages or bypasses the equalizer, while the phase button flips the phase by 180 degrees, offering further sound customization options. The low 'Q' option in the mid-band facilitates heavy boosting that remains exceptionally natural, making it ideal for unprocessed-sounding tracks, especially in acoustic and classical recordings.

For audio professionals who value the heritage and sound of the 1073 but require additional sonic flexibility, the 80 Series 1084 Microphone Preamplifier and EQ Module is the definitive choice. It retains all the beloved features and sounds of the 1073 while providing the added benefits of the sweet low pass filter and expanded high shelving frequency options. Whether you're recording in a studio or managing live sound, the 1084 module stands as a testament to Heritage Audio's commitment to excellence in audio engineering.