In the API world CAPI did the Missing Link 500 module which I know a lot of people liked. Also curious if people have done something similar for Neve.

It is way more than "just" an output fader module extra. You cannot get THAT exact sound without having a real vintage 80-series console.

Of course, the good modules sound great and get close in standalone, but it will never be exactly that. Some might prefer it, a bit lighter in the whole sonic footprint.

To me, everything made sense once I tried tracking on a real 80'series. I stopped thinking about preamps, you just use those and everything magically blends in a special way.

I don't know if you're responding to me, but I'm not suggesting anything is "just" an output fader? Though a lot of the modern Neve style preamps do have an output fader on them, which I like. But I don't think anywhere here is claiming that adding an output fader after a preamp suddenly makes it sound just if it was sitting in an old console.

If this thread is a disaster, I'll take some responsibility for that. Mainly because the OP wasn't asking a very specific question (until later) and was making some poor assumptions.

Nowhere in the title or his first post did he even mention the 1073. He called it "vintage Neve sound". Then he says "I just want that colored, classic rock type sound." Well that classic rock type sound isn't the sound of a stand-alone Neve 1073.

As you just mentioned, there's more to that 80 series Neve sound than just a 1073 or clone. Rupert Neve was (and still is) a master at understanding transformers in audio applications and transformers are all through the 80's series Neves. They're probably more responsible for "that vintage Neve sound" (along with inductor EQ) than most people want to admit because it can't easily be bought and certainly not by buying a stand-alone 1073 clone.

If I'm guilty of taking this thread off track it's because I was trying to help him adjust his expectations. A vintage 1073, modern 1073 or clone are only going to get you part way there. The way I get closer is by running my AMS 1073's through the line amps of my 82 series Neve console. It's not all the way there, but it's a little closer.

I solved the dilemma by purchasing a pair of vintage 1081 in a rack. I also bought the vintech x81.

Get a BAE. I have compared some of the popular ones. BAE sounds the sweetest and warmest. AMS sounds ok. AML sounds very 3D. Aurora sounds midrange forward. I have no experience with a vintage one or the old Brent Averill ones or even the Chandler LTD.

Edit: Check out the Chandler TG-2. They are AMAZING. Very crisp and doesn't cloud up the mids. They're not clones but were Abbey Road's alternatives to Neves. I would choose them over a Neve any day but that's just me.

I solved the dilemma by purchasing a pair of vintage 1081 in a rack. I also bought the vintech x81.

Did that get you the sound you’re after? Curious to hear your thoughts.

Exactly, Rupert Neve Design is modern tech, more useful in various and different applications. For someone who only looks for particular nuance, vintage stuff is proper choice.
BAE is as great '1073' as I may ever need for that particular flavor (have a pair, together with Aurora pre-EQ), but if I would need to limit my choice to only 3 preamps 1073 would not be in the list, probably not within the 5.
Furthermore, if I would need to choose between RND pre-EQ and 1073 as only mic pre choice to record music today, I wouldn't think a second in picking Shelford for the purpose.