Neve 1073 OPX Demo and Review

[@ytb917]

the performer was made for this preamp! his heart is in the 70s, and this preamp brings you there.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :) it’s a great unit for sure.

[@chrislink73]

Alec, your reviews are great, but your songs are absolutely fantastic. Love how dry and incredible this demo sounded -- just the mics, pres, and a quality performance. Highly recommend you release a solo album (or ten). keep doing what you're doing, man.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! I am working on it currently. :) the KZbin channel has been my ticket back into writing, been great to be able to write and review at the same time!

[@anthonyrock5039]

Love the production value. The sound you have produced is tight. Bless.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :)

[@kris100990]

This channel is a gem. Great work.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Kris! :)

[@MattPicsET]

Came for the review…stayed for the music. ✨

[@alecbrits]

Thank you!! :)

[@bandbasics7249]

Your arrangements mix themselves... super cool.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@andrewharms9435]

Came here for the 1073 info, stayed for the music. Great track!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :)

[@charlesrocks]

You’re like my favorite KZbinr. I love all of your videos.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Charles! :)

[@theheatstudio]

Amazing review, the song was so good!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ItaiIfrach]

Lol u killed me with the transformers thing, great demo and playing ! Neve never disappoints us

[@briceperusse8310]

I keep coming back to this video because of this damn song! It’s so good dude!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much Brice!! :D

[@nickroche3586]

Superb sound, superb musicality. Good man.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks man!

[@romanmarten2523]

Awesome review! Secondly, I’ll be keeping an eye out for music you release. Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@davidmaraisthecampfireguit2596]

Great review of a beautiful piece of kit. And what a lovely song, Alec! Looking forward to hearing more when your album is done.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you David! :)

[@petemartinp]

Your sound is killer …drums always sound amazing

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Peter!

[@apshinn]

That demo song is a bop!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!!

[@Rich77T]

Lovely stuff ma man, those stacked BVs and the squelchy prophetness were delightful - sounds mega

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Rich! Was a lot of fun working on it.

[@leonardofranco5051]

you deserve way more subscribers, keep up man

[@simonbarth3181]

uh what a great review. very cool song. sounds fantastic

[@MusicAPE]

Thanks dude! Been waiting for someone to post an actual review for a couple of weeks now.

[@indieroadstudio4340]

Este es el mejor sonido que he escuchado en youtube!! Tus canciones son muy buenas también. Gracias por la info!!!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@ilikeflxwers]

Awesome video. Keep up the great work! This deserves at least 100k views

[@alecbrits]

Thank you!!

[@camelotgeorge33]

Your composition is amazing

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@briceperusse8310]

New to this channel and I love it so far! Fantastic harmonies.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Brice! :)

[@funfactproducer7479]

Great job and great review! I will definitely be getting this unit now. Looking forward to more content from your channel!

[@preciseaudioblog]

Hi! Did you get it?

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Steely Dan meets The Sea and Cake. Love it!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :D

[@tovsteh]

You are amazing. Your style of reviewing, going from talking about the using, testing the unit, then putting on amazing songs for us through it is awesome. Very talented! Subscribed.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :) I’ll keep working on it! :)

[@timball8429]

Thanks Alec. Great vid. We want more like this!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Tim!

[@robertkerr8601]

Love your set up, love the audient asp4816 - and the Neve's sounds great, what a price too! Nice demo!

[@LYNXbandofthesandGoa]

your reviews are one of the best sir......

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :)

[@dannylu1141]

Cool Song !The drums and everything Sounds really nice))

[@JACKPAPER]

Your song goes crazy 🔥🔥

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@jasonfaria2439]

Best review I’ve watched on this unit. Now I want one of these even more 🙄😂. Great job and thank you!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Jason! :) I hope you enjoy it when you get it!

[@petersinol]

Damn, this is great channel. Great music. Subed.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :D welcome, and I hope you enjoy your time here.

[@charlesjohnston9814]

Fantastic! Thanks for the great review and demonstration!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much Charles!!

[@kevinlentz7604]

❤Absolutely ❤Love your Material ,Hopefully the Neve is as good ,incredible functions great job

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@johnbeer2854]

Very cool demo songs !

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! :)

[@amplifier2]

This guy really feels the bass.

[@alecbrits]

It’s my favourite instrument. :)

[@jesseeigen7762]

Great job man! Unit and music both sounding on point !

[@jhardindrums]

Super Mutemath vibes from that track. Great demo!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@pepe7drum]

great review and great equipment, that thing sounds amazing, now i want it

[@alecbrits]

Can’t go wrong really!

[@pepe7drum]

Alec Brits great song too man, very inspiring video

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!

[@philippmies8506]

The preamp sounds good but you sound awesome!

[@paulguitar]

Great review Alec, look forward to checking out more of your videos. Cool track as well!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Paul!

[@thatross4188]

SONG IS 🔥

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Ross! :)

[@helderdelima514]

ce que j'aime c'est qu'il fait une très bonne review et en plus il fait de la bonne musique ! C'est une chose d'avoir une review et la musique parfois c'est pas trop ça sur KZbin 😅

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@paulheartsongs]

I like the mix

[@alecbrits]

Thanks Paul! No eq, no comp on any individual tracks. :)

[@promeow1127]

amazing music !!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@djorra7673]

Best demo! Cool music! 💕

[@danielc4361]

Hi Alec, would it be possible for you to arrange a demo on the Manley Force unit? Functionally and sonically I suspect it would meet my needs and tastes as a workhorse, and I have been very interested in Manley gear for some time... Unfortunately all the demos I can find on Manley products are pretty disappointing, and no one seems to have had a good go with the Force in particular. Your demos are fantastic and I value your opinion. If you could do that, it would be super helpful. Thank you!

[@alecbrits]

Sure thing! I’ll do my best to get my hands on one. :)

[@danielc4361]

@@alecbrits Thank you so much! I will be on the lookout for it.

[@toddhooge4132]

Great review - thanks.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Todd!

[@buggzo]

Very mellow and creamy. Sounds great. Are you familiar with anything like this on the transparent side of sound?

[@alecbrits]

It’s a great unit for sure. :) the DA was really the standout for me. In terms of clean versions of this, likely something from Lynx or apogee? Or perhaps the ISA8?

[@diavimusic4523]

I have one in my studio and have loved it...sounds amazing on everything as you would expect. I wasn't expecting the amazing DI built-in...plug in your bass and WOW.

[@alecbrits]

Such a great sounding unit! :)

[@jason.martin]

Sounds great and a great tune as well!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Jason! :)

[@KeithScott1]

Good work, that was great.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!!

[@la-db_studio]

Great video and great song 👍

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Dimitrec! :)

[@daviddrechsel479]

That shows me how much more I have to learn about microphone technic. Especially on drums... it sounds unbelievable. And really nothing has been done to the signals? Just basic leveling and the limiter at the end?

[@alecbrits]

It’s all raw! No processing with the acception of a Fab-Filter Pro-L2 on the master buss. :) and the mix was levelled and automated a bit to increase the impact of the transitions between sections.

[@marcusgilmore4869]

Great review and dope performance!

[@bluffironside917]

Nice review

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@felipecastro5752]

Excellent vídeo and matter explanations. Lord bless you, greeting from Brazil.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Felipe. :)

[@cbrooks0905]

I don’t understand the hookups in the back. Is there some place I can go to learn what all that is and how to hook it up? I’m wanting to be able to use this for outboard gear too, but it doesn’t have outputs, so would I have to get another interface with outputs and use them as an aggregate setup?

[@alecbrits]

There are outputs on the DB25’s. :) so you can use it as just a standard 8 channel mic pre if you want to.

[@cbrooks0905]

@@alecbrits I’m wanting to use it to send to outboard gear and send signals from the box to the unit. Is that possible?

[@cbrooks0905]

Also, I’ve never seen the types of hookups that are on the back. It looks like something you’d plug into a pc. What’s the other end of that cable look like?

[@sambora999]

hi, how do you think Neve 1073 OPX compare to Rupert Neve Design D8? They are kind of the same concept for remote control and both with Dante.

[@alecbrits]

I have not tried the Rupert Neve D8 just yet. :)

[@davidpatterson8671]

Great review.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks David!

[@benjaminjgraham]

Great job mate!

[@Rgdonaire_07]

Tasty music as always…

[@alecbrits]

Thank you Rafael! :)

[@darkides]

What’s the disadvantage of having no output transformers?

[@alecbrits]

The units style of distortion/saturation changes. On a standard 1073 you get quite a wide musical sweet spot, on this unit you can find yourself clipping in a less forgiving way. If you watch my 1073 DPX video you can hear how driving a 1073 hard has a really satisfying tone, you may find it really hard to get that similar tone from this box. :)

[@darkides]

@@alecbrits Thank you so much for the reply I guess I’m just looking for big warm live I don’t know if I’m looking so much for saturation maybe I can get a demo unit to try

[@theviperdoctor]

*Great* sound, brother.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@RichardLacyMusic]

Thanks Alec. Nicely done! Subscribed.

[@skylar18100]

👌🏾Great review

[@soundsound223]

Great review! You talked about output transformers, could you please tell me why the output transformers are important? Does it really affect the sound? Thanks!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :) the output transformers change the way the pre sounds by adding a small amount of harmonics, but the biggest difference is that you cannot dial in the amount of saturation that meets your needs. You don’t get the Neve thick saturation that I got in my Neve 1073DPX video. You do however get a beautiful and open 1073 inspired sound. :)

[@soundsound223]

​@@alecbrits Thank you for your response! Another quick question, is it wise to buy Neve 1073 OPX and option card, then connect 1073 SPX to 1073 OPX in case I need a saturation for vocal and guitar recordings? I would just record drums through 1073 OPX. Thank you so much and have a good day! :)

[@garyhoffman1]

I can’t hear the mic preamps through your talent. Nice job!

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much Gary! :)

[@bjharvey3021]

good review.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@mrpagliero]

well done ,thank you.

[@alecbrits]

Thank you!!

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

This is a fantastic review and presentation, the only problem is that from my understanding this unit does not use the transformers through the DI input. So tracking half that stuff through the DI kind of removes half the flavor of the 1073.

[@alecbrits]

The DI does bypass the transformers, but it is also important to hear how the DI’s sound too. :) thanks for the feedback though, I’ll be sure to mention that in the next piece that has a similar situation.

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

@@alecbrits Absolutely. Thank you again for your channel! Is there any chance you will review the RND-D8?

[@alecbrits]

I really wanna try it out! It looks amazing.

[@zanem9022]

Wow to have tranformers on DI would of been perfect.

[@adamcasey3365]

They don't have output transformers, but, they do have marinairs as input transformers. How would you compare these to the 1073LB? I have a pair of 1073LB, and, am considering swapping them out for the 1073OPX, but, not if there is a compromise in sound character.

[@alecbrits]

I have reviewed both of them, so you can take a listen to the demo in each and see how you feel. :) I prefer the 1073LB, the break up point is more musical, and it has a wide variety of options when wanting to add some colour.

[@adamcasey3365]

@@alecbrits thanks, Alec. :)

[@syap8888]

Hi, can I use this as a 8 channels mic pre and output from the O/Ps 1-8 to audio interface line input ??? instead of over 8K for 8 units of Neve 1073LB, this baby seems like a much cheaper solution to get the Neve Pre amp sound back to my recording. Thanks. "No output transformers" meaning ?? Those output are "direct out" ? Not post Preamp out ?

[@beigela]

electronically balanced output as opposed to transformer balanced. and the line input transformers were replaced with ICs.

[@alecbrits]

Beige LA nailed it. :)

[@mixc8]

Nice Groove..

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :)

[@mixc8]

@@alecbrits I am thinking about picking one of these up or the RMP D 8

[@alecbrits]

@@mixc8 ooo! Tough choices!

[@mixc8]

@@alecbrits I know I am going to talk to my Sweet Water rep about them today

[@alecbrits]

@@mixc8 lovely! The chaps at sweet water are great. :) let me know how you get on!

[@totigerus]

great song!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@elianmusic7452]

Where can i learn about dante and so on? Im so confused about this still. Im still at the stage of produciton where i only have a good audio interface that acts as a preamp and a convertor. Some questions: 1. Can i use this as an interface via USB and i woudl connect my microphones / d.i through the front facing inputs? You have your inputs on the back and that has confused me a bit -- since there are inputs on the front (the multi input xlr + quarter inch jack inputs) 2. Do i need conversion or does this have built in conversion like lower end interfaces? Would you say this is a step up from say an apogee element 88 interface in terms of preamp quality and conversion? Thanks so much

[@alecbrits]

Audio Dante is a really good place to start. Also going on the AMS Neve website, they explain how it works. You can use it as an interface, it’s conversion is really high quality as is to be expected from Neve. In the during the front and rear run down I explain why I use the rear inputs, it allowed me to plug the unit into my patch bay. That allows the flexibility to use the front of the unit when I want to as a DI or when I’m tracking in the control room. While having the connections in the live room still set up. This way switching between them is really simple and fast. Hope this helps. :)

[@BenKash308]

I would love to strap this thing to my X-Desk mini console. Quick question. Even though this doesn’t have output transformers, can I still drive the input on the pre amp and then pull the input trim down on my console to get that similar harmonic distortion effect?

[@alecbrits]

Hi Ben! The distortion character is not as smooth as a conventional 1073 design, things get a little more hard sounding than the linear distortion characteristics of a full 1073. If you have the chance to demo one I would recommend it. :)

[@BenKash308]

@@alecbrits Interesting and good to know. I’d love to demo one. Thanks Alec!

[@10166Ck]

You have such a cool style. Just wondering who some of your big musical influences were?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! :) it depends on the song really, but overall I lean towards Ariel Posen, Blake mills, Emilie Nicholas, Thomas Dybdhal and of course a little John Mayer.

[@studiodsr]

Do these pres sound as good as the preamp section of the DPX or does the lack of transformer make it sound not quite as good?

[@alecbrits]

They sound great, but lack the option to drive the pre. :)

[@papaslaps]

Hey man, love the songs to these demos. Using some quality gear. How did you come by the premise you're in? Do you have two separate rooms? And what desk are you using? Thanks

[@alecbrits]

Thanks very much Oliver! :) It was a long search, managed to get in on the construction process of a beautiful rehearsal facility. I have one of the rehearsal rooms acoustically treated and tied into my control room with 24 inputs and 8 returns. Along with 6 Cat5 connections for the headphone systems. And two amp-cab connections. I use an Audient 4816.

[@gcritchleymusic]

wait - so these aren't simultaneous mic and line inputs? (16 channels)

[@alecbrits]

That’s correct. :)

[@PhatLvis]

Nice song.

[@alecbrits]

Thanks! :)

[@calroden3558]

Really liked the tune, do you have any music out?

[@alecbrits]

Hi Cal, thank you so much. I don’t yet. :) the next couple videos will have more of my own material. As I get more feedback, I will finish them off and release a record. Thanks again!

[@seunghyunsung4438]

Is it possible to connect to avid Carbon via ethernet port?

[@alecbrits]

I am not sure, the Ethernet is on the converter card is a dante connection. The Ethernet on the unit itself is only for control over the unit.

[@pz1792]

is it worth of buying neve 1073 to record electric guitar, having apogee duet? I notice on some youtube videos that difference with such quality preamp is mostly for vocals and other instruments that are not such loud as guitar. What is your opinion/experience?

[@alecbrits]

They are pretty different in terms of tone, but it depends if you are using microphones. If it’s just DI electric guitar, then a good di box will be the better purchase. :)

[@PS-fy8fd]

If I want to continue to use my Apollo Plugins (Twin X) how would I do that with this machine? I know I can use the USB connection to make the Neve work, but will it still let me load my Apollo plug-ins if I connect that box separately? Thank you.

[@alecbrits]

I’m not too sure, it might work. But a more solid solution (if the Neve was to be your primary interface) would be to buy a UAD Satellite. That way you can Mix with your UAD plugins and then use the NEVE as your main interface. Or, buy the non USB Neve OPX and get another apollo (X16) to use with your Twin. That way you can use all the real time UAD processing while using Neve 1073 OPX pre amps.

[@PS-fy8fd]

@@alecbrits Thank you, I will look into the UAD satellite right now.

[@riktascale4]

What do you mean by output transformers?? Is that different from the marinairs?

[@alecbrits]

This unit has no output transformers. Only input transformers. :) still sounds ace.

[@javiherrerapadron6622]

Yeah!!! Good !!!What mixer do you use in the video?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! I don’t use a mixer in this video. Everything you hear is tracked through the Neve Mic pre’s. :) no eq or added effects.

[@ParkerMusicInstruction]

FANTASTIC Vid Alec! I'm building a rig from square one and want to invest in 8 preamps that I can use for years to come. Would you rather have the 1073 OPX or slowly build up a mix of the 88R LBs and 1073LBs? There's a price difference, but want whats best for the long run for sound quality. You clearly have reps with all of the units. Your thoughts?

[@alecbrits]

Thanks so much! I would lean towards slowly building with different pairs of pre’s from a different manufacturers. They each have their place! :)

[@revelationsoundstudio]

How do the mic pre's sound compared to your Audient mic pres?

[@alecbrits]

Hey Keef, the OPX is more forgiving than the Audient, the additional harmonic content generated from the OPX’s really help to glue elements together. :)

[@robertsimpson5801]

Alec, how do you feel that the 1073OPX stacks up against the 1073DPX and 1073LB as far as versatility and sound quality? How do these pre-amps differ in character from the pre-amps on your Audient console?

[@alecbrits]

Hey Robert! :) the OPX is a great all rounder, but it’s not as forgiving as the DPX or 1073LB. You cannot drive the OPX because there is not output transformer. So when it clips it’s more of a digital clipping tone which is not my most favourite sound in the world. Compared to the Audient however, the OPX provides a nice subtle colour that is more forgiving and they stitch different elements of s mix together nicely.

[@robertsimpson5801]

@@alecbrits thank you for the insight! I don't have a console like yours, but I bought an Audient ASP880 to get a bit of the Audient preamp sound, and I was wondering about whether the OPX or the DPX would complement it better. Since I recently got a 500 series rack, I may go the 1073LB route. Thanks again for the feedback! I have already been telling people about how good your channel is... I am sure that you are going to see some exponential growth soon! Please keep the great gear reviews (and songs) coming!

[@alecbrits]

@@robertsimpson5801 the neves will compliment your Audient tones well! :) Thank you Robert! Will keep working on it!

[@preciseaudioblog]

Hi Alex. Do you like it better than the DPX?

[@norwegiansniper9713]

How do you feel about the Audient console? Is it worth it, do you ever mix and track with the preamps, or do you always reach for external gear? I can see the faders are practical...

[@alecbrits]

It’s a great desk. It’s very much the centre piece of my workflow. I mix through it with the long faders at unity gain. It also allows me to do parallel compression and run the headphone system for the studio. I quite like the Pre’s too, I used them solidly for 6 months to get to know them well, before re integrating my outboard units. The fact that is an inline console really helps with my workflow. :)

[@littlescalemusic]

Nice content. Subbed!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much! :)

[@alecbrits]

You are my 1000th subscriber!! Whoah. Great channel as well!

[@littlescalemusic]

@@alecbrits Hope you get many more, good work man. BTW the price on this unit was lower than I was expecting! :)

[@zakaroonetwork777]

why Does your Song Sound So Good? is it the Preamp or are you Recording to Analog Tape?

[@alecbrits]

Thank you! Its a combination of the mics and the pre & converters. There is no Eq or compression on the individual stems. :)

[@jpilot07]

Could you review the heritage audio super 8?

[@alecbrits]

I'll see what I can do!

[@JeremyVarao]

Man glad I stumbled on this vid! Nice job and agree, I need an album of your music! LOL! Sub'd!

[@alecbrits]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@LewisFieldhouse]

Great review bro. i agree. transformer this transformer that. sounds like a load of hoo har!