One big tip for anyone using this preamp: even if you don't want to change the eq on your source, engage the eq button on this preamp because it passes the signal through another transformer and it incredibly sweetens the sound. If you don't want to change the eq, then set the knobs so it is flat on the eq. Since my favorite mic is warm sounding, I add a very tiny bump to the mids and highs to add more air and sweetness to the sound. I just barely turn the eq knobs to raise the frequencies that help my mic. Before I purchased this preamp, I read a review that explained how the eq section on this preamp engages another transformer and this is why I purchased this model rather than the cheaper model without the eq section. Another tip: don't use a hardware compressor that colors the audio source if you use this mic preamp, because you will change the beautiful sound of this preamp if you use a colorful compressor. For an amazing transparent compressor at an amazing price, take a look at the FMR RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor.

Very interesting test, thanks for your time doing it. I felt the bass with the extra saturation engaged sounded much more finished and ready for mixing. In general all the instruments were in a much more state of closer to mixing .

Oh man thank you! Most videos only show audio with preamp but no comparison with straight audio interface. This helps a lot!

Thanks bro… u helped me make the decision whether to get one of this.. nice 👍

Nice comparison, thanks for the video! Btw, the tone button does not change the sound of the preamp but the load that's applied to the source (your mic/guitar/bass) output. This done by changing the input impedance of the preamp. Lower impedance -> more load on the output.

It really thickens up the acoustic sound. Especially when it Tone is engaged. It also feels like it adds a more depth to the signal.

I agree about the acoustic guitar 100%. I sure would like to hear the EQ.

It helps especially in the high end

if im using my pedalboard with my DI box? where im gonna put my signal? please reply thank you

Good info!

Great sound from the 73!! Could you tell me Your input chain for the bass and electric guitar as to going into the 73 so that the tone switch would change the guitar’s tone while you were recording the tracks?

Good video man, thank you! It's not a placebo to my ears. The WA sounds more "stable" and one could probably say saturated. The tone button adds more bite and forwardness. Always a little difficult with different takes, but with multiple sources it seems obvious anough. Yes, do a "plugin" video plus cranking the gain and EQ if you haven't already.

Muchas gracias siento no poder dirigirme a vosotros en inglés, mi pregunta es muy sencilla has probado o alguno de los aquí presentes el Heritage audio élite SQ? Qué diferencia hay de este W a 273? Por favor si alguno quiere responderme que sea en castellano español, desgraciadamente no sé inglés ja ja ja gracias un saludo para todos

The built in pre sounds...meh The WA adds body warmth and focus. The tone add transformer sounds. It’s a keeper 👍🏻

What are the monitors you are using..??

funny enough I liked the 'tone engaged' more for the acoustic and less for the electric, which is the opposite for you... I guess it's all about taste :) thank you for the review !

Can you also make a video with raw vocals? Soft singing then loud singing. please.

The reason they think to include an equaliser along with a preamp in your channel strip is because it is always best to get the right sound before it goes into your board or interface. Every move made by the mix engineer is destructive and you want there to be as little as possible needing to be done to it after it enters into that domain

really niceeeeee

I have one. I mostly got it for a vocal chain. I'm currently deciding on if I should buy a 2nd one because I like tracking with stereo mics, but I'm also trying to decide if it's worth saving up for or not. Don't get me wrong, I love my wa73 eq, but it would take a bit to save up for one and I'm wondering if there's better ways to invest that money. Great video btw!

do you use the eq much? or not needed?

Helo, a year later how do you feel about it? Also would you say having the eq is worth it? I’m asking cause I’m looking at the Wa73 without the eq.

Changes the impedance from what to what? 300 and 1200? 600 and 3000?

What was the mic you were using?

Have the WA73EQ, happy with the preamp but disappointed with the EQ. Concentric pots on the EQ feel very cheap (sloppy) and UAD 1073 eq (soundwise) does a better job. I also have the WA76 and although I don't regret buying either the WA73EQ or the WA76 the quality of the hardware is well below the originals. If you have the money look elsewhere.

to much talking buddy

not much better than di preamp on the interface

Good info!