Spain’s Heritage Audio released their i73 Pro 2 computer audio interface a few months back and we subjected it to a long-term test with six reviewers to provide a balanced, objective and wide-ranging evaluation. The USB-C Two-In / Four-Out audio interface has two built-in Class A transformer-coupled 1073-style preamps and attempts to bridge the gap between vintage and modern in one compact, desktop unit. The Neve-flavored knobs, green stone covered transformers, dank blue, powder-coated chassis and wood side panels provide just enough vintage vibe to be convincing, but does the i73 Pro 2 actually deliver on the sound?
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It’s a good question. Half of our reviewers, who are more in the acoustic / analog world, found it to provide enough 1073 character to suit their needs, while the electronic musicians weren’t nearly as impressed. None of the six felt that i73 Pro 2 wouldn’t work in their setup in some capacity, but there were certain elements that Heritage missed, or could have executed much better.
Heritage’s i73 Pro 2 Has MIDI Capabilities, But The Necessary Cable Is Not Included…
Let’s get some of the negative out of the way first. The i73 Pro 2 has MIDI capabilities, but it comes via a breakout cable that isn’t included. Yes, you read that correctly. Spending $1000/€1000 does not net you a simple MIDI cable. Obviously for musicians who want to utilize DIN MIDI connections, you’re especially out of luck because we weren’t even able to find a breakout cable for sale in North America or Europe. Not good. The second serious issue is the power connection. The 12V DC connection was never able to “be seated” successfully and all of our reviewers found it would disembark “with the slightest nudge.” For the amount of money the i73 Pro 2 costs, this should never be an issue. Again, not good.
On the plus side, “the 1073 style preamps do deliver” and Heritage provides three different avenues to input analog audio. You can record vocals via XLR/1/4″ combo inputs with up to 70dBs of gain, or utilize the JFET DI input on the front to record an electric guitar, or employ the Line inputs. This pretty much covers the requirements of most home recording studios. The preamps massive gain also means that musicians can use ribbon mics with the i73 Pro 2, a feat many of its competitors can’t tout. Each of the two channels has dedicated Pad, Phase and +48v Phantom Power buttons, a Marconi knob for input gain and an Output Knob.
Three Different Input Options Provide Flexibility
The right side of the top features a five-segment LED VU Meter, Mono, Mute and DIM controls and a nifty, Dual Encoder that provides both headphone and monitor output control. The rear connectivity consists of the lame 12V DC power connection, the ghost MIDI breakout cable connection, a toggle power switch, 1/4″ Left and Right outputs for monitoring, and two XLR/1/4″ Combo jacks. The front panel houses the 1/4″ headphone output and the JFET DI input.
Heritage Audio’s i73 Pro 2 does come with a software package consisting of a virtual mixer and a handful of plug-ins. For this review, FutureMusic was more interested in the computer audio interface, considering we were passing the unit around to multiple evaluators. The plug-ins include the BritStrip, HA 240 Gold Foil Verb, HA 1200 TapeSat, HA15Pro, Heritage TAPEoPLEX and a Small Recording Amp SERIAL # C 17744. Only one reviewer inquired about the Echoplex emulation, showcasing the lack of enthusiasm over the bundle, so let’s move on.
Heritage Did A Great Job With The i73 Pro 2’s Aesthetic
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The Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 allows you to record, playback and mix at up to 24-bit / 192kHz resolution. Recording guitars via the Direct Input was “super easy” and users saluted the “clean signal” path. Our vocalist was also impressed with the “pure character” of her recordings. She was expecting a lot more “1073 seasoning” and was content that Heritage didn’t go overboard. Our electronic musicians also came away pleased with what they were able to capture. Over running a Roland TB-303 with the massive gain allowed by the i73 “created a nice bite just before imploding.” Other vintage synths such as a Juno-106 and Korg MS-20 also benefitted with the i73’s “mild colorization” and “increased soundstage.”
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Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 Specifications:
- 2-In / 4-Out USB-C Computer Audio Interface
- 2× Class A 1073 style preamp with up to 70dB of gain
- Microphone/line input, on combo XLR jack and a dedicated JFET DI input for Hi-Z instruments
- Analog stereo monitor output over TRS independently controlled by Heritage Audio’s Mixer Middleware
- Independent stereo headphone output with dedicated cue
- Recording, mixing and playback at up to 32-bit/192kHz
- +48V PHANTOM power, PAD and PHASE
- MONO, MUTE and DIM
- Mini-DIN MIDI IN/OUT connector (Cable NOT included)
- Including a collection of Heritage Audio plug-in effects
- Able to record both WET and DRY streams from the Mixer to your DAW at the same time
- Class-leading AD/DA conversion
- USB-C connection to computer (cable included)
- Mic input dynamic range: 116dB A weighted
- Gain range: Up to 70dB of gain
- EIN: -125dB
- Line/Instrument dynamic range: 116dB A weighted
- Headphone output dynamic range: Greater than 123dB A Weighted
- Max output level: +24.0 dBu, configurable down to up to +12 dBu in steps
- Monitor outs: dynamic range 125dB A weighted
- Compatible with MacOS (Catalina 10.15.7 or later) and Windows 10 and 11.
Conclusion
We really like what Heritage Audio was trying to accomplish with the i73 Pro 2, and believe they’re on the right track with this approach. That said, there were a few notable deficits that Heritage should address to make this a more compelling audio interface. Worth A Look.
Heritage Audio i73 Pro 2 Rating: 80%
Cheers:
+ 1073-style Preamps
+ Multiple Input Options
+ Aesthetic
+ Sound Quality
+ Ease-Of-Use
Jeers:
– Power Input Jack
– No MIDI Breakout Cable
– Lackluster Plug-In Bundle
– Overall Value
Heritage Audio’s i73 Pro 2 costs $999 / €999 and is available now.
The Future: Heritage doesn’t need to come out with a Mark II to address the glaring issue with the power input jack or not including the Breakout MIDI cable. Immediately fix the power jack at the factory and include the cable. Heritage is ramping up their plug-ins, so they should allow the user to pick and choose what plug-ins they desire, especially since the current offerings aren’t enticing.
