BAE Audio DMP 1073 Desktop Mic Pre
 
The BAE DMP 1073 Desktop Mic Pre is a compact, portable Class A microphone preamp and DI that brings genuine 1073‑style sound out of the rack and onto the desktop. It uses the same mic preamp circuit, Carnhill (St Ives) input and output transformers and 283 amplifier card as BAE’s full 1073 and 1084 modules, delivering the harmonically rich low end, focused mids and slightly resonant highs that have defined countless records – but in a rugged, grab‑and‑go format for studio and live work.
Inside, the 1073DMP delivers up to around 71 dB of Class A gain with a frequency response from 10 Hz down to -3 dB at 55 kHz, a mic input impedance of roughly 1200 ohms, DI impedance around 150k ohms and a maximum output level of about +27.4 dBu into 600 ohms. The equivalent input noise sits around -110 dBu, and common‑mode rejection is typically 100 dB at 60 Hz, meaning the unit stays quiet and clean even in less‑than‑ideal live environments. On the front panel you get the familiar red stepped gain knob and a grey output level control, so you can drive the input and transformers for colour while trimming the signal to your interface or recorder.
 
One of the standout features is the integrated DI section. Every 1073DMP ships with the so‑called “Bootsy Collins” mod: a Jensen DI transformer on the instrument input, turning this into a true 1073‑style direct box as well as a mic pre. You get a DI input, plus two DI thru outputs, allowing you to feed an amp and a second destination simultaneously when tracking bass or guitar. A phase reverse switch and 48 V phantom‑power button with status LED give you the basic utilities you need to handle both mics and instruments, while front‑mounted XLR and jack connections keep cable runs short and away from the power field.
 
With its solid steel desktop chassis, built‑in universal PSU (115/230 V, 28 W) and hand‑wired modular construction, the BAE DMP 1073 is built to travel yet feels every bit as serious as a full rack unit. It is ideal as a high‑end front‑end for a small mobile rig, a dedicated vocal or bass channel for live shows, or a simple way to add a single channel of true 1073‑style tone to an otherwise clean interface‑based studio.