BAE 1066D
A hand-wired 500-series mic preamp and 3-band EQ inspired by the 1073, available in rack and module formats.
Overview
The BAE 1066D is a microphone preamplifier and equalizer built by BAE Audio, designed for high-end recording applications. It is available either as a 19" 1RU rackmount unit or as a 500-series module, offering flexibility in studio integration. The unit is inspired by the classic 1073 design and shares the same mic-line preamp topology, with expanded EQ frequency options. It is completely hand-wired using Carnhill (St. Ives) transformers, emphasizing build quality and signal integrity.
Specifications
| Form factor | Available as 19" 1RU rack unit or 500-series module |
| Format | 500-series module |
| High Frequency EQ | +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 10kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 20kHz and 24kHz |
| Low Frequency EQ | +/-16dB shelving with selectable frequencies of 35Hz, 60Hz, 110Hz & 220Hz |
| Mid Range EQ | +/-16dB peaking with switchable selectable centre frequencies of 700Hz, 1.2kHz, 2.4kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz |
| EQ Bands | 3-band EQ |
| High Pass Filter | 18dB per octave slope, switchable between 45Hz, 70Hz, 160Hz & 360Hz |
| EQ Button | Switches the equaliser on or off |
| Phase Button | 180° |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz to -3dB at 55kHz |
| Mic Input Impedance | ≈1200/300 ohms |
| Line Input Impedance | 10k ohms |
| DI Input Impedance | ≈150k ohms |
| Output Impedance | 65 ohms |
| Common Mode Rejection Ratio | 100dB min @ 60Hz |
| Maximum Output Level | +27.4 dBu @ 600Ω |
| Gain | 0 to 80 dB |
| Equivalent Input Noise | -110 dBu; Unweighted 300kHz Bandwidth |
| Power Requirements | 115/230 VAC, 28W |
| Dimensions (Rackmount) | 19" W x 1.75" H x 9" D |
| Dimensions (Module) | 45 mm W x 8.75" H x 10.5" D |
| Weight (Rackmount) | 10 LBS / 4.54 KG |
| Weight (Module) | 6 LBS / 2.72 KG |
Design
The 1066D features a Class A discrete circuit topology and is entirely hand-wired using Carnhill (St. Ives) transformers. It builds on the 1073’s mic-line preamp design but expands the EQ section with additional frequency options. While the original 1066 offered only a 10kHz shelving filter, the 1066D adds selectable high-frequency points up to 24kHz and more mid-range frequency choices, enhancing its tonal versatility.
Reception
Producers Tony Ghantous and Brett Epstein of "Contagious Songs" describe the 1066D as their go-to preamp for vocals, guitars, drums, and synths, stating it outperforms other amps in their studio. The unit is especially noted among guitarists for its distinctive mid-range character, which contributes to its sought-after sound in tracking applications.
Market
The 1066D 19" 1RU rack unit with power supply has a current MAP price of $3,185.00, while the version without power supply is $2,985.00. A pair in rack format with power supply carries a MAP of $6,075.00. The 500-series module is priced at $2,545.00 MAP. A black faceplate option is available for an additional $200.00.
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