These are the true classic modules that as dealers we are asked for more than anything else. They range from the early and simple 1065's to the last of the classics
such as the 1081's and the 31105's from the 8078 consoles. They are all characterised by being powered by a +24v power supply and are all 45 mm width (so that the laminated output transformer can fit in the
case). They are usually RAF Blue Gray in colour but some of them, if they have a '3' in front of the model number are finished in Neve's later 'extra dark sea gray' finish. Most of them have the Marconi
knobs which are the same type on the current 1081 reissues and all of them sound way, gurt lush if you ask me...The early 10xx series of modules came in 2 chassis sizes and most of them were 45 mm in
width. The 1073, 66's etc. were 220 mm high on the front panel and the 1064, 81's etc. were 305 mm high. Most of them up until 1976 were RAF blue gray and from then they turned into the lighter, extra dark
sea gray. Please see the individual pages of the modules for further information on these specific modules.
Other common features include the Marconi winged plastic knobs which were used up until the
change to extra dark sea gray panels in 1976. The frequency selection and trim settings were all switched, while the individual cut and boost was by way of a sealed pot, unless it was a special order, in
which case the cut and boost was also switched - we have seen this before, especially on the 320 mm modules like the 1064, 1081's etc.
Also worthy of note is the 1272 line amp. These little critters were
the output amp fitted to most 80 series of consoles and contained the same BA 283 amplifier card as the 1073 mic amp used. Although these are line amps, it is relatively easy job for a competent tech to
convert these into mic amps with 65dB of gain and this conversion has sprung a number of companies and individuals who will do this task for you. The result is, if done well, a very dynamic and pleasant
sounding mic amp.
Probably the peak of the development and sound for these modules came in the form of the 1081, 1091's as fitted to the EMI Neve's and the 31105's as fitted to the 8078 range of consoles.
These were 4 band eq / mic pre's which compared to their predecessors were relatively complex. The 2 mid band frequencies even had a dual position bandwidth switch and the hi and low bands had a switch for
peak/dip or shelving operation as well as high and low pass filters! These are really considered to be, along with the 1073, the ultimate in sound quality and are therefore some of the most valuable. But to
be fair, I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the sound they achieve from using these classic eq's - often all you have to do is just pass the signal through them and it sounds soooo cool and warm
(if you know what I mean..!)
Click on specific product on the LHS for a full technical spec...
