The BAE 1028 is a rack mountable microphone preamp and EQ based on the legendary Neve 1084. Equipped with the same preamp circuits as the beloved 1073, and the same low-pass filter as the original 1084, the BAE 1028 is the ultimate 1084-style preamp for discerning analog enthusiasts.
The BAE 1028 is a painstakingly accurate recreation of the Neve 1084. Each unit is completely hand-wired using authentic Carnhill transformers to capture the unmistakable tone of the original model. The 1028 uses the exact same mic and line preamp circuit as the Neve 1073—one of the most renowned preamps in the world. For added versatility, the 1028 features expanded frequency options on the mid and high bands. The two bands now overlap, allowing you to create all new shapes by combining the mid bell curve with the high or low shelves for nearly limitless tone shaping possibilities.
The BAE 1028 features five large high-quality knobs for controlling gain and frequency selection. On the left, the blue knob controls the high-pass filter, which has a fixed slope at 18 dB per octave and is switchable between 45 Hz, 70 Hz, 160 Hz and 360 Hz. The outer ring controls a low-pass filter with the same slope, switchable between 6 kHz, 8 kHz, 10 kHz, 14 kHz and 18 kHz.
The three grey knobs control the gain of the low shelf, mid band and high shelf, while the exterior white rings are used to select the frequency of each band. The low shelf on the offers up to 16 dB of shelving with selectable frequencies of 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz and 220 Hz.
The mid band can be used to add or cut up to 12 dB (or up to 18 dB with the Hi-Q button enabled) with an extensive selection of switchable frequencies at 160 Hz, 270 Hz, 360 Hz, 510 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.6 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz, 7.2 kHz, 8.2 kHz and 10 kHz.
Finally, the high band offers up to 16 dB of shelving with selectable frequencies at 10 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz, 20 kHz and 24 kHz—perfect for adding sparkle and shine to acoustic instruments and vocal recordings.
Four push-buttons provide added functionality for a wide range of studio applications. The DI button engages the high-impedance line level input for recording direct instrument signals. The EQ button bypasses the unit, enabling you to quickly A/B EQ settings. The 48v button provides phantom power for condenser microphones. The phase reversal button inverts the phase of a signal—perfect for recording snare bottom mics! Finally, a toggle switch on the right lets you choose between 1200 or 300 ohm microphone impedance for capturing pristine sound with any microphone.