Based on the famous 1073, the Heritage Audio 1084 Microphone Preamplifier and EQ Module for 80 series rack enclosures adds additionally flexibility while preserving the original's legendary tone. The main differences are that this module includes three selectable high shelf frequencies instead of the fixed 12 kHz high shelf of the original 1073. It also features two selectable Qs in the mid band, while the hi Q is the same as in the 1073. Additionally, a five-frequency selectable passive LC low pass filter further expands the utility of the module to a wider range of recording applications.
The 1084 module is considered by many to be a 1073 on steroids. It can be described as a 1073 with some added flexibility, without losing any of its many famous sounds.
The differences with the 1073 module are as followed:
- 3 selectable hi shelf frequencies, instead of the 12Khz fixed one in the 1073.
- 2 selectable Qs in the mid band, being the hi Q the same 1073 one.
- 5 frequency selectable passive LC Low Pass Filter, which is not available in the 1073.
The Low Pass Filter is especially useful for sweetening overhead tracks, harsh or brittle hi hats and cymbals. It also helps remove unwanted hiss and noise on bass heavy tracks, where a flat high frequency response is not needed.
In combination with the High Pass Filter, Special Effects can be archived, like telephone, radio and TV sounds that never sound natural using plug ins!
The Lo Q option in the mid band makes heavy boosting exceptionally natural and helps tracks sound unprocessed. Acoustic and classical recordings will highly benefit from this feature.
Whether you're in doubt which module to choose, 1073 or 1084, and money is not the problem, the 1084 should be the way to go, as all the features and sounds of the 1073 are intact.
Whether you can live without the sweet Low Pass Filter and the 12Khz high shelving frequency limitation is enough for you, going the 1073 way might be enough.