How to Build your Own Preamp - Sound Skulptor MP573 (NEVE 1073) DIY Build PART 1

The Sound Skulptor MP573 is a NEVE 1073 Style Preamp that is faithful to the original. They come pre-assembled or in a DIY kit that you can also build yourself. Obviously I went for the DIY option! For more info check www.soundskulptor.com
I've recently been wanting to get better recording quality out of my DAW and interface in my home studio. Any easy way to do that is by adding vintage analogue preamps to your input stage ie. where your mics plug in to.
I hope you enjoy Part 1 of this build.
For more info, head here;
www.thediyrecordingstudio.com
Song by oldmanrei
Recorded by Mitch Gilmore at The DIY Recording Studio
Filmed and Produced by Mitch at The DIY Recording Studio
FOLLOW ME MITCH GILMORE AKA. OldManRei
Instagram: / diyrecordin. .
Facebook: / thediyrecord. .
Email: [e-mail]
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GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
SPEAKER STANDS: amzn.to/3628jnW
CAMERA:
Canon 80D amzn.to/3c0ByLv
Sandisk 32gb Extreme amzn.to/3sKgL4R
Batteries amzn.to/2YnQE5D
LENSES:
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 amzn.to/363RybN
LIGHTING:
Yongnuo 600L 600 LED amzn.to/2MvFclK
Viltrox Super Slim LED amzn.to/39jcFJe
Batteries amzn.to/3iQKBzX
AUDIO:
Antelope Audio Zen Tour amzn.to/363QJQf
Rode Mic Go amzn.to/3c2qn4U
Shure SM7b amzn.to/39kPm1F
Shure SM58 amzn.to/39leEg5
Shure SM57 amzn.to/3pop6cl
Neewer Boom Arm Stand amzn.to/39jdl1e
RND R10 500 Series Rack
COMPUTER:
Dell XPS 15 i7 amzn.to/36hDknT
MIDI
Akai MPK Mini amzn.to/2YjKMud
Akai MPD 266 amzn.to/2KOKecG
SOFTWARE:
Cubase Pro 10 amzn.to/3659Sl3
Protools 12 Ultimate
Waves - Various plugins
#diy #homestudio #recordingstudio #micpreamp #neve1073 #mp573 #soundskulptor

[@jamescarter7298]

Keen to get myself started on some kits 👍🏻

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Definitely do it James. If/When you do, let me know if you need any help, tips etc.

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

Thanks you so much for the detailed walk-through! I just ordered a MP573 and I'm so excited about building it. FingersXed!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Oh that's awesome! Let me know how you go. They're an awesome preamp. You wont be dissappointed.

[@marquezvanroeschen5340]

​@@diyrecordingstudio Finished both builds without facing any issues. It was a fun build that required a lot more time and concentration compared to the DIYRE EQP5s (my first module project) Your clips helped me during the building process as well :) And yes, they sound amazing!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

@@marquezvanroeschen5340 that's awesome to hear, glad i could help in some small way. Did you do a pair of mp573's? Or one and the EQ? I love the DI for bass on these, and. Try using the 300ohms setting for dynamic mics and ribbons. Wait til you hear the difference.

[@gainstage4497]

Just found the channel, great video!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Thanks Dan! Interested in building your own preamps?

[@gainstage4497]

The DIY Recording Studio - yes, just built a tube amp for my hifi system. Cheers

[@diyrecordingstudio]

@@gainstage4497 That's awesome. I've not gotten into home hifi DIY builds yet, but I'm sure I will eventually. Just sticking to the Studio Audio stuff at the moment. If you're into Tube stuff, I have a build video coming out later today, where I built a Tube Microhone preamp. Very nice bit of kit.

[@masldkjfhlajhksgdfiasgdf]

what is the pcb stand/arm thing you are using here?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

It's a helping hand. You can get em from electronics stores. Hope this helps If you need more advice, I offer audio consultations via my website. Email me at [e-mail]

[@SimonSlothindianer]

I'm in love with this video serie! What soldering tip type and size are you using for this project?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

It’s a fine tip for soldering not the fatter ones that electricians use. The fine tip is better for pcb work. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZrLlZigqdmgmqMsi=J1r2U5DT2EBgKjnG

[@SimonSlothindianer]

Thanks for the answer and the link@@diyrecordingstudio

[@ProducedByStatus]

Super insightful thank you!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@rickyrazor977]

What kind of 500 series rack do you use? I’ve decided to buy the kit for this, but need to buy and/or build the rack as well. Any suggestions would be awesome!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi Ricky I use an Rupert neve designs R10 and a Midas L10. Both are good. The Midas is way cheaper. Some people diss them but I’ve never had a problem with the Midas one. Good luck, let me know if you need help with anything else. 👍

[@rickyrazor977]

Awesome, thank you for the insight. I’m gonna order the Midas one for now. I ordered the mp573 and eq573-II last night. I appreciate the help! I’m super stoked to build these!!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Oh awesome. You won’t be disappointed I’m sure. Good luck and let me know how you go!

[@rickyrazor977]

@@diyrecordingstudio I’ll let you know how it goes for sure. Waiting on some solder in the mail, then starting hopefully this weekend!

[@rickyrazor977]

Well Mitch, I’ve pretty much finished the mp573. However, I accidentally flipped the pins for the input transformer. The shorter pins got soldered into the small pcbs and the long leads into the main circuit board. I didn’t realize the mistake until afterwards and now the input transformer sits an extra 2mm off the board. I’m wondering if I should leave as it is or unsolder everything and flip those sets of pins.

[@dr.virenlabana]

Amazing info bro

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Thanks Virender! Looking to build a Neve type mic preamp?

[@CreativeUj]

Hey where you buy all this stuff 😕😕 By the way you are doing great job🤩🤩

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi there! These preamps are from www.soundskulptor.com I also have built stuff from www.capi-gear.com and ribbon mics from www.bumblebeepro.com Thank heaps, and thanks for stopping by.

[@Wizardofgosz]

What IS that IC you took the still photo of? What's it for and what's the part number? Also, is there room there for a socket? I see the DI PCB gets mounted above it. Just checked the schematic. It's a TL072 that drives the LED (D10). The SSL 9000 500 series preamps I'm building also use a TL072 to drive the meter circuit. That has 14 LEDs tho...

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Oh cool. I wouldn't have been too sure, I'm glad you found it Richard. Thanks for dropping by, I've seen your builds on Facebook. They look fantastic. What are the ssl units you're building at the moment? who are they from?

[@Wizardofgosz]

@@diyrecordingstudio You've seen them on FB? In the DIY 500 group? The SSL 9000 thing is basically just a PCB and a PDF parts list, then you're on your own. Here's the PCB: www.pcbgrinder.com/produktside/9k5-500-series-preamp And if you notice in that PCB it has the 2 extra pins for 51x racks (even though it's not needed for this circuit) so it aligns properly in the 18 pin sockets. I just cut them off for standard 500 racks.

[@diyrecordingstudio]

@@Wizardofgosz yeah in the diy 500 group! It's a great community on there. I'm still new to the diy building, and have only so far built full kits. I'll definitely have a look though. An ssl would be great to build. Where do you source the parts?

[@Wizardofgosz]

@@diyrecordingstudio Most of the parts you can get from Mouser. The pots you need to get from Audio Maintenance Ltd in England. The LM394 used to be unobtanium, but there is a high quality clone now called the AS394 (or Mil Spec AS194) that's readily available. The only hard to find part is the LM3915 LED driver chip.

[@tqprecording558]

Excited to try this build at some point! What is your soldering equipment?? Thanks for showing this!

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi there! It's a great project, and the kits come with clear instructions. Also at the end of it you have a beautiful Neve 1073 preamp. I use this soldering iron www.jaycar.com.au/48w-temperature-controlled-soldering-station/p/TS1564?gclid=CjwKCAiA5IL-BRAzEiwA0lcWYplGWbNfF9_ubZjj62TQQVaCkkk4uBYrZOU6qC4qkl2cYG_1_Jo_GxoCIH8QAvD_BwE And just regular tin/lead solder. You want a soldering iron with a fine tip for this kind of work.

[@tqprecording558]

@@diyrecordingstudio Thanks so much!

[@ToniJXN]

Which preamp do you prefer thr mp73 or the capi ones?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hey Toni, I'm loving them for different things, but the MP573 so far is my favourite. I do need to do a bit more experimentation though. The Capi's are amazing on guitars, and i still have to try them on the mix bus or drum bus, apparently theyre great for that. You can't go wrong with a neve style preamp though.

[@arekdec3232]

Hello, where can you buy such a folding set? Thank you and best regards

[@diyrecordingstudio]

an electronics store if you have one, if not, amazon, ebay or any online retailer. They're called a "helping hand". www.amazon.com.au/Radio-Parts-HELPING-SOLDERING-STAND/dp/B0789XB3C7/ref=asc_df_B0789XB3C7/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341743966998&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1272731472847250043&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9072209&hvtargid=pla-672809966046&psc=1

[@stigfrogner]

Thanks for this @The DIY Recording Studio. Would love to try this build, but I am completely green on the electronics bit. Do you (or anyone else!) have any tips for good learning sites or forums?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

No problems Stig! I would try something smaller first, like a DI box or gtr stomp box or a Mic build and then work your way upto a preamp. The kits are easy to follow and the results are well worth it. It's also a great skill to learn. For sites try 500 love on Facebook and websites like micparts.com or diyre.com. The are plenty of diy audio forums if you google search them. There's some really great, really positive communities on line. If there's anything else I can help with let me know.

[@stigfrogner]

The DIY Recording Studio ok, thanks! I’ll start of with a moogerfooger clusterflux clone then ;) This Nevebuild, how long would it typically take to make one, if you know the ropes?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

I did it in a day, maybe 8 to 10 hours my first time. And that's with taking my time and being careful.

[@cesarmichael1692]

i know Im randomly asking but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account? I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@cesarmichael1692]

@Louis Omar i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@Musicmotivated]

yooo im trying to wrap my head around this groupdiy 51x thing. all i need to know is do all sound skulptor modules work on a vpr rack mount?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi There, I'm taking a guess you're referring to a 500 series rack from API? If so, yes the sound skulptor kits work with any standard 500 series rack. The 51x stuff has extra pin, allowing for a larger power supply, so you need a special rack for those to take advantage of more power at the rails. The sound skulptor stuff has been great. Just purchased my second tube pre from them so I can have a pair.

[@Wizardofgosz]

The 51x racks have 2 extra (well, 3 really, but one is a blank space) pins for +24/-24 volts. Every 500 series module will work in a 51x rack, but it has to be mounted properly in the uppermost 15 contacts. Some people (like the SSL preamps I build) put the extra pins on the cards even though they're not needed just so the modules align in the 51x (18 pin) sockets properly. I just cut them off so things fit correctly in my standard 15 pin racks.

[@danielking226]

Hi could you send me a link to the company for that Neve premium built I would like to build my own preamp

[@danielking226]

Thanks

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi Daniel. Soundskulptor.com. They're a great company with great diy kits, manuals and support.

[@JohnWDGTandTele]

How much did this cost in US dollars? Also, when ordering the kit, what all options do I need to get in order to build the same one that you built?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

Hi John, You can find prices here www.soundskulptor.com/en/products.php?cat=2 The kit comes with everything. There wasn't variations that I did on the build. The instructions in the manual are great too. Good luck building and let me know how you go!

[@نجومالصعيد-ك8ص]

How much it costs

[@diyrecordingstudio]

$339 EU. www.soundskulptor.com/en/proddetail.php?prod=MP573

[@mathiaskarlsson1837]

No flux needed?

[@diyrecordingstudio]

No extra flux no. Just what is in the solder. Everything solders smoothly on these printed pcb's.

[@tanaka77blenderexcersies74]

Anyone know some "real" (no offense meant) or rather more complete DIY projects that do not only involve soldering a kti together? I would really love to get into that...

[@diyrecordingstudio]

I'm sorry Tanaka but I don't fully understand what you mean. If you want to build a preamp or eq, a real one, it's never going to be simple. BUT! DIYRE has some simpler builds. www.diyrecordingequipment.com/products/eqp5-passive-eq-kit?variant=5707957534747#shopify-product-reviews

[@JTRotter]

@@diyrecordingstudio Thanks for your fast answer! I mean build in the form of DESIGNING, not just assembling a kit. I found a bot from eevee blog and some others.

[@diyrecordingstudio]

@@JTRotter cool. You should try the groupdiy forums. There's heaps of stuff going on there. groupdiy.com/index.php

[@JanusJanavas]

It's not a Neve 1073. A real Neve 1073 has three gain stages and an EQ. Buy the real deal. This unit is clearly not it.