BAE 1073 vs AMS Neve 1073: The Ultimate Preamp Shootout!

[@FabvL]

Love your channel dude, you're legit the only gear reviewer I trust having bought all this stuff myself I can vouch this man knows what he's talking about!

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@FabvL thank you bro! This means a lot coming from you🙏

[@TheRealTMajor]

I have the BAE 1073 DMP and it’s been my primary preamp since. I love the girth it adds to vocals.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@TheRealTMajor Great investment! Love the DMP model, so much more convenient than the power supply mono rack pre

[@demodeiowa]

About time somebody made this video

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@demodeiowa definitely agree! 🙏

[@SamIntharaphithakOFFICIAL]

I'd love to hear a comparison between the BAE 1073 and the AMS 1073 CV

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

I'm trying to put together some agreements with some major gear manufacturers to get some great gear in that I've never used before like this one! The more support I get on the channel the more willing brands are to play ball! Hoping to do an in depth AMS comparison of all their Preamps against all the Bae Pres - hopefully coming soon!

[@IntheDAW]

I really like this review. Great descriptions and explanations

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@jmclane27]

Can’t say I’ve used the ams But I’ve had a BAE for a couple years now and it always sounds amazing Great breakdown and nuanced conversation though! I’m subscribing brother

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

Thank you very much for the kind words and welcome to the channel! 🙏 When it comes to quality clones like the BAE and the AMS, its impossible to make a bad choice! Still love them both and enjoy making magic with your 1073!

[@Yannleon_video]

Between the BAE and the SPX, I choose a Shelford !!

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Yannleon_video honestly, Shelford is 🔥! I support your choice 🙏

[@rtdrec]

what about the 1073 classic module?

[@wyrlismike]

I got some class A neve modules racked from an old console. Maximum "smear" i like the ams fine. the smear is what i listen for in neve and neve clones. i appreciate that your telling the truth about the new ams neves. they really aint like the old ones.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

That’s dope that you got some of the originals on hand man, an expensive and rare asset! Thanks for tuning in 🙏

[@richcope387]

It's horses for courses. I'm a voiceover artist and I love my SPX exactly because it does have that more airy, open, less boomy sound. It gives voice a flattering sheen and is warmer than a very clean pre

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@richcope387 you’ve got a really great narration vocal and performance man! With the character and tone of your instrument, I definitely see the AMS shining! I’m glad you’re happy with it 🙏

[@Circharles]

I think as engineers and producers we have to embrace newer outboard gear. We get fixated on classic gear that i feel we are missing out on the incredible equipment being made nowadays.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Circharles very true! There are some incredible new boutique and affordable pieces coming out all the time - PMC as well is a brand that I feel is really innovating and it’s amazing to see what is possible now!

[@RealHomeRecording]

That's up to the gear manufacturers to put out some proper demonstrations of their incredible equipment.

[@breadmakingplays716]

Wonder what gain setting you had on the Spx, I set it to 40 with my Tlm 103 going into a wa-1b hitting no more than 1-1 1/2 db of reduction and it sounds crazy good, and it has great solid low end for vocals and when I make eq moves to carve out those lows it still sounds full like a 3d floating bottom end with weight still there, all my eq moves with this chain sound way more musical rather than clinical and no matter what level I have the vocals sitting at in relation to the instrumental track the vocal sounds in place quieter or louder, it just sounds musical.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@breadmakingplays716 I do actually quite like the AMS with my u87 and Cl1B, the TLM is pretty good also with it! I just have this affinity the Bae 1073 for a number of use cases, but on my own voice I’m really enjoying the AMS 1073 with the U87 combo! It’s also about the voice and it sounds like you’ve found a great combination for your work! 🙏

[@ItzrealMusic]

Question what should your output be on the neve or bae 1073 to get the best out your preamp anyone know should it be at 🕛 or maxed out ?

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

There’s usually a little unity line and I just kept it there on my units! Turning up the output is for clean gain or tuning down the output is for being able to push the preamp harder for extra character! Hope this helps 🙏

[@ItzrealMusic]

@ thank you for your response I appreciate that is there a way I can send you a photo on Instagram I see a thick white line that’s not little I was recording with it maxed out and the red knob at 35

[@Breeze_b_hard]

The original Neve 1073 is among my favorite preamps, particularly for its effects on vocals and bass guitar. However, the market currently offers a variety of commendable clones. My friend owns a Stam Audio 1073, which performs admirably, and even the Warm Audio WA73 contributes the characteristic thickness to vocals and instruments that the Neve is celebrated for.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

I think a lot of classic and famous studio staples, like the 1073, just get us closer to our desired result without as much work in the mix - and that is definitely beautiful thing!

[@producerbenford]

I stuck with the Neve 1073 SPX. Solely because I pair it with the OG U87i. When I use the Manley it’s way too harsh.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

I'm glad you mentioned the 87 combo with the SPX, I think it definitely makes the u87 sound really good and I can only imagine how the classic 87 would sound, thats so dope that you got one bro!

[@producerbenford]

@ story is crazy!

[@dimitrisgakis9206]

the question is AMS Neve 1073 DPA vs BAE, SPX is build differently than the DPA.

[@TrapBoiFuse561]

right

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@dimitrisgakis9206 the circuits do differ slightly and the DPA straight up it a bit better, but I haven’t had the DPA at my studio to personally compare them directly

[@LashonEvans216]

I literally just had this back and forth between the 1073's two months ago. I landed on the BAE 1028. It's just something about the sonic qualities it imparts. And for me it's just not a 1073 without the weight lol. Hefty lower mids are what I look for and the modern takes like the SPX and even Shelford Channel don't sound the same. I agree though much more versatile.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@LashonEvans216 I do feel like a lot of people will never hear what the original units sounded like and i think more people would actually prefer other preamps over the clones if they knew how different they can be from the original. Rupert Neves intention was to create the cleanest possible preamps and claims to have only figured out how with his RND lineup. That said, I’m for the thicker preamps with mojo and all the magic possible too 🙏

[@LyricLyricLyricLyric]

which one do you think is better for vocals?

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@LyricLyricLyricLyric depends on the vocal chain and vocalist! Bae for female vocals and brighter voices as well in my opinion, but the AMS with a U87 and a good compressor sounds great on male vocals!

[@LyricLyricLyricLyric]

@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR the vocal chain I have is similar to yours (not sure on the microphones u have). MICROPHONES (EITHER TOWNSEND L22 OR C800G) -> cl1b hardware male vocals. UAD-> WITH NEVE 1084 PRESET(want to buy hardware) I know the order which I named it would be different once I buy the hardware just cause there is no actual hardware preamp I have so I just go straight to the compressor for the preamp ,does the vocal range matter? such as countertenor etc.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@ the range is somewhat important for sure, what genre of music are you making?

[@LyricLyricLyricLyric]

@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR hard to say cause I try to experiment as much as possible but rnb/alternative/hiphop. Those I would say are the most common, but it changes everyday based on feeling

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@ then I’d probably lean toward the AMS 1073 in that case bro, if you can demo that and see if it fits - I think you’ll be happy with it considering everything else you have already 👌

[@DragiJanev]

i am really wondering if there is a difference between the bae mpl 500 version without eq and the actual bae 1073 strip with eq. that low mid dense resonance that i loved opposed to the ams, will it be present with the mpl version? what do you think? my thought that leads me to the question is that the topology in combination with the eq circuit may also have contribution to the density.

[@pedroboschibrasil]

I agree that is why I have the bae, but only pre amp! I can def eq later or what I like best, using my pultec, or maag or my ssl eq! With just $1150 the best preamp inter business

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@pedroboschibrasil BAE does it right! 💯

[@wadewilliams1892]

Like your videos Just completed a degree in Sound wand Music Production..

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@wadewilliams1892 thanks bro and congrats on your graduation! 🙏

[@leftofcenter4]

Wow,! Now I have much more to think about cause I was close to pulling the trigger in an AMS Neve 1073 DPX, I think I may get the dual channel Bae 1073 without the EQ section because I already have great outboard Eq hardware: SSL Xrack 4000 e EQ, ssl 9000 EQ along with the Tegeler EQP-1 Pultech style Eq

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

Woah thats a lot of serious quality right there bro congrats! Considering how much analog magic you have there I'd probably recommend the AMS to you over the BAE. The BAE has some extra mojo and analog saturation but you have so much quality there, I would consider trying the AMS first and thickening it up if you want to, especially if you are recording a lot of instruments because I find the BAE might not rock out on rides and splashes or other top end heavy stuff. May I ask what genre of music you're working with?

[@legacyShredder1]

I own racks of both BAE and modern SPX and DPX. I've also got a bunch of vintage 1073's along with a console. My freshly recapped console sits sonically closer to the SPX than BAE. I don't believe in BAE having more soul or 3D Depth.. in fact I hate the term 3D. It doesn't mean anything lol. Having said all that I like both AMS Neve and BAE. I like my vintage stuff. I think most people should probably avoid preamps all together though. No need for 99% of the world to blow money on products they'll never make money with. Edit: After rereading my comment I notice my words seem angry. They're not. I like your channel and honest opinions. Don't mind me over here, I'm just pissin into the wind.

[@RainAstonIV]

Yea, we’re at a point in gear where vintage is a gimmick. Not that it isn’t good, but ppl make it seem that it’s the only choice.

[@legacyShredder1]

@@RainAstonIV I own a ton of vintage gear, and still I agree with you. Although I wouldn't call it a gimmick, but in no world is it necessary for professional commercial results. I own pretty much all of the holy grail stuff, but I got them back when they were cheap because nobody cared about the old stuff anymore. Popularity came back, and the prices went up 1,000 fold. There is a small handful of vintage gear that is kind of holy grail level of awesome, but again it's not required with today's technology and the high quality affordable gear on the market.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

I appreciate you sharing your experience though bro cause I honestly don't have nearly as extensive experience with original classics and consoles! I totally agree on making wise music business investments (unless your a devout audiophile/hobbyist engineer). Thanks for checking out the channel and I'd appreciate more of you insights on my content in the future bro!

[@legacyShredder1]

@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR I'll definitely subscribe and check out more of your stuff. Where in the world are you located? USA? If so which state? I'm pretty generous lending outboard gear to KZbin creators to review and to just generally try out. (Not calling myself generous lol. It's just the best word I can think of to say that I'm not afraid to lend out gear to folks who make music and KZbin content.)

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@ thank you for the support and I would definitely say you’re generous to offer that man, that’s really awesome of you to even say! I’m unfortunately located in Toronto, Canada. I might be moving to LA in a year’s time but till then I’ll be here and just traveling for work, where are you located?

[@Fernspersonalchannel-p8m]

I have three AMS 1073DPX that I use on drums and some times I use it on vocals and it sounds really good. I don't ever really use the eq cause It not an easy eq to use; it doesn't do it for me. However, the preamp is amazing. I have never tried BAE but I like the AMS so much that I would really feel a need to change it to something else.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

Honestly, I couldn't sell my SPX! it does what it does very well for sure and its really dope to have stereo pairs like that! I wouldn't ever get rid of the DPXs, I'd only ever add on a BAE in the future if you were curious about it! enjoy the dope setup 🙏

[@SebastianSaint-b2d]

Just got Bae 1073 this week

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@SebastianSaint-b2d congrats bro! Enjoy it 🙏

[@Furybeatsgme]

I have the wa73eq, honestly the bae is better but the warm is great tho especially for artists who can work a microphone. Placement and gain will have one person saying a piece of gear is better than another when you actually can get very similar results from both. Once you get a great recording you can make it sound like whatever in the box

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Furybeatsgme I agree, I do think Warm generally has some great stuff. Not a fan of their CL1B clone ironically enough but they clean up for sure! WA-2A in particular impressed me

[@MikeRP3147]

Don't sleep on the BAE 73mpl Gets you the 1073 sound with no eq and is 500 series based which is a option as far as portability and affordability.. after the initial chassis investment 😊

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

I always feel sketchy about 500 series stuff after buying 500 series A-Designs stuff and having it sound too different from the full rack stuff. Otherwise I'd have jumped on this for sure! I'd still like to try it though, even if its different cause different can sometimes mean better! And then like you said, I gotta buy back my 500 series chassis 😂

[@pedroboschibrasil]

I also have the UA 6176 in case I want different vibe

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@pedroboschibrasil the 6167 is definitely my favorite vocal strip I think I’ve ever used. Killer sound and so much quality in one unit!

[@MrDprince804]

The B.A.E is pre that Teezio records Chris Brown vocals with on all his records…. I wonder how the Rupert Newton sounds

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

The Newton Channel is good, but I'll do a proper review on it soon along with the Shelford channel!

[@ericdoussard4184]

Do you think its worthwhile to get the BAE 1073 without the EQ? Or if you are going to be getting a BAE, then you need to get the EQ version?

[@thomaswithdollars]

I have the bae 1073 dmp, and it's awesome, I pair that with a Harrison 32eq

[@gtk_NO]

I got the BAE MPF back when they were like $1400. Now they like $2250 and EQ versions almost double that over here. Its crazy.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@ericdoussard4184 honestly, I would just stick with the Bae 1073 MP and buy a better outboard EQ later. The Maag eq or millennia EQ would be better options for example. You really can do a lot with pro-Q or izotope eqs in the box as well, I wouldn’t worry to get the bae eq. Hope this helps!

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

Is 1073 type of preamp better than a tube preamp? I'm looking for a buttery smooth, silky vocal tone with glassy top end. What type of preamp would give that sound?

[@TheRealTMajor]

Retro 500 preamp

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@AnwaarAliOfficial this will completely depend on the voice when it comes to top end shine and smoothness in my opinion, most preamps are smooth but it’s the combinations that make the magic happen, totally depends!

[@RainAstonIV]

It’s not just about the pre... it’s about the mic also. Typically, if you have a bright mic, you’d want a darker pre to balance it out and vice versa.

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

@@TheRealTMajor How to use this preamp? It doesn't have mic input/output.

[@kniferideaudio]

A lot of what you are hearing in a Vintage Neve from a console that people find "magic" is entropy. There is a lot of dragon chasing when it comes to Preamp coveting. A 1073 is a great design but not a difficult one to approximate. There is nothing exotic in any of them and the implementation of the circuit is almost exact in all of them. Almost all of them do a pretty great job of being almost exact to an original Neve. It's that 1% difference that keeps engineers up all night doing A/B tests searching for "best". I have the bug too. I took an entire weekend White noise testing every DI in here and making notes on pieces of tape stuck to the top of them. Stuff like "-1dB @ 12K" and "4.5k +1.5db". Totally useless. I just grab whichever one is closest when I need one., but I did it. And I'll do it again.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@kniferideaudio maybe I’m a little neurotic but I definitely hear a different between them all with my own ears, but not a difference that makes or breaks any recording or creation! I find it to be helpful to understand the difference in feeling between the options out there, especially in pursuit of the sound in our heads BUT making sure speakers and monitors aren’t lying to us along with a quality room and DAC will assist in this process greatly so that we aren’t wasting money chasing out tails

[@ירח]

I was literally browsing the last couple of days about the baes Would it be the same to go for the eq less version or should i go for the eq one (money aside workflow wise)

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@ירח I would just get the Mono Preamp version and use the money for different and more versatile EQs down the line. The Maag EQ is a really good one to get and can be bought used at a great price!

[@garyshirinian]

Great. Thx for sharing. For someone like me where i can't afford neither one of them, what would you suggest next in 500 series close to BAE. thx what do you think of Great river mp500NV pre.

[@hafimula]

Stam audio makes a nice 1073. They even added a tube to it. I use it quite often.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@garyshirinian the stam pre could definitely be an option! I’ve never tried it myself but I know for sure the shadow hills mono gamma would be a good bet if not the 500 series 1073 clones or AMS model! I’ve heard high praise over the RND 511 but I’m not a big fan not RND overall personally outside of the full channel strips. Hope this helps!

[@MikeRP3147]

BAE 73mpl 500 series is a great option

[@barneyrubble8255]

Im happy with my shelford flavour, its got all the magic i need, would be nice to have the bae and ams neve flavors too though, but can only afford one for now, and prob get a chandler cassette or helios when its time to get another one. Whats a good example of a song made on original 1073 that really demostrates the original vintage neve sound?

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@barneyrubble8255 The vocals in “Hello” by Adele was recorded into a real 1073! Fairly recent example and case use. I’m sure it’s used on her more than that one time as well but I only heard of that instance personally

[@barneyrubble8255]

listenting to it now, yea thats perfect divine classic neve tone magic song would still sound amazing on bae or shelford or ams though would be nice to hear a good comparison their really isnt any on youtube i heard one between vintage neve and bae on electric guitar and the vintage neve was better i guess those vintage prob cost 10 grand channel now ... one day

[@dbaker5478]

I think what you said was very accurate!!!!!!!!!...... I have both also..... I also like the Chandler TG-2..... Do you think the Chandler TG-2 has a Neve like sound?......Also do you think the Chandler TG-2 is a good pre for modern vocals?......

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@dbaker5478 I definitely think Chandler overall has its own thing going on but the TG2 is really dope for sure. Definitely an essence of the 1073 from the recordings I’ve heard!

[@OwensDrumming]

I have a few TG2s and a few BAEs, as well as APIs and others. The TG2 sits somewhere between a Neve and an API. It’s got some of the Neve-ish low end, but not quite as much as a Neve. It’s got some of the API aggression, but not quite as much as an API. In some ways, it’s the best of both worlds. The TG2 also has a slight top end lift that is unique when compared to Neve or API, which sounds great. It sounds really nice on some vocals- Dr. Luke is known to use this preamp on vocals quite a bit. And it’s just killer for guitars.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@OwensDrumming thank you for this great and in depth description 🙏

[@JRClark]

true story here.... iw as about to get the neve spx.....but when I tried it at at studio in Miami I did not like it at ALL......BAE products are the wav honestly..and if you want to spend a little more $$$ check out the neve 1073 DPA....they sound very good as well just without the HPF.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@JRClark the DPA is definitely another solid option! I went with Shelford channels instead at the time, also an interesting piece to consider!

[@RainAstonIV]

The BAE 1073 is modeled after the original/vintage "darker" 1073 with better parts, while the spx 1073 is an updated/modern "brighter" budget version of a 1073. if you want a 1073 1073 from ams neve then you'd want the 1073n/classic. It's also about what mic youre pairing with the pres as well, no 1 size fits all.... and is that what i think it is at the bottom right corner? lol

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@RainAstonIV what do you think you see at the bottom corner 😂

[@RainAstonIV]

@ is it a Cl1b lol

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@ Yup. Can’t make a bold statement like “don’t buy a Cl1b” if I didn’t buy a Cl1b lol

[@Circharles]

Bae is thicker and darker than the ams Neve. Its a matter of taste. They are both good.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Circharles I agree, demo everything you buy!

[@TheSpeedyr6]

stam audio is probably better than bae hopefully not overly low end and have open top end

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@TheSpeedyr6 I have yet to try stam stuff out but I’d like to for sure!

[@JaymeSilverstein]

its pronounced B A E. Each letter separate. Also I had a BAE 1073 and sold it when I got my Silver Bullet. You should try that. But get the Mk1 not the Mk2. The mk1 sounds WAY better.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@JaymeSilverstein Brent Avril Enterprise, yes I know lol. Everyone’s crying over it in the comments. Silver bullet? I haven’t heard of them, definitely will look into it! Thanks!

[@RainAstonIV]

@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR dude lol the silver bullet is everything in 1... can track, mix, and master wit hit. made by loader than liftoff. Its amazing.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@RainAstonIV looked into it, definitely an interesting piece, thank you for the great recommendation @JaymeSilverstein ! Going to try and demo it very soon

[@thevisualizer305]

BAE > AMS any day and I don’t even use 1073s

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

Most definitely 💯

[@Platnumbaby]

You confused me. You said a lot of contradictory things. Example you said they don’t sound like a real neve. But then you said you never recorded with one. I’m confused. But the way I have the BAE DMP and Neve SpX. However, the BAE has a hum and this not a bad unit. Bae as put out they messed up and have a fix for it. You have to wrap the transformer. Mines was wrapped and still hummed. They get a L for that. I fixed the hum by running line in into a UA 710 hum eliminated. I won’t buy their gear. Anyway, you got a great channel but it was just weird how you was saying stuff in comparison when you never used a real one.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Platnumbaby I haven’t recorded on one but I’ve received a number of recordings to mix from one. The point of saying I haven’t worked with one directly is to clarify that I’m definitely quite familiar with the sound through working with my colleagues though I’m not aware of what converters they used to capture the OG Neve sound. I always ask what mics and chains are used but sometimes I forget to confirm what converter or interface is used. Hope this clears that up for you and thank you for tuning in 🙏

[@Platnumbaby]

@ you did mention something like that it just wasn’t clear

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Platnumbaby happy to elaborate and clarify anything, any time! 🙏

[@TheBeeOBee]

Man keeps saying BAE lol

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

You're not the first to mention this here 😂, i'm probably gonna have to switch to B A E from here out friends lol

[@Benprogfuse]

Pronouced like ‘B.A.E.’ never like ‘Bay’. Great review though.

[@RAYNETHESAVIOUR]

@@Benprogfuse depends who you ask 😂, and thanks!

[@IntheDAW]

I don't know B A E gear is pretty bae

[@Benprogfuse]

@ It definitely is 💁🏼‍♂️

[@RealHomeRecording]

I call it bae.,.. like before anyone else. Bay.... rhymes with gay.

[@Benprogfuse]

@@RAYNETHESAVIOUR Ask Mark Loughman if it’s pronounced like ‘Bay’ and see what he says..