Four Remote-accessible Neve 1081 Preamps
Based around the legendary 1081 circuit, the AMS Neve 4081 Quad packs four channels of British-style audaciousness into a compact 9.5-inch unit. You can access this cutting-edge microphone preamp’s functions straight from its front panel, or you can take command using your computer and Neve Remote Control software. And if you need more inputs, you can link multiple units for up to 64 independent channels of preamplification — all controllable from a single computer. Each of the 4081’s feature-rich channels can be switched between mic and electronically balanced line levels, with 48V phantom power, a -20dB pad, and polarity reverse available at the touch of a button. Got a ribbon mic? No problem. Press the 4081’s Low-Z button, and you’re all set. The 4081 Quad also features a digital I/O option, which provides you with four channels of A/D conversion (option card sold separately). The AMS Neve 4081 Quad is a convenient way to outfit your computer-based studio with four channels of authoritative Neve-class punch.
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Four channels of unmistakable Neve character
The Neve 1081 console module was originally introduced in 1972 as an upgrade to the company’s arguably better-known 1073. There’s a reason why vintage 1081 modules command such reverence: they sound amazing! In fact, world-class studios, such as The Village in LA, still use Neve 80 Series boards jam-packed with 1081 input modules. The AMS Neve 4081 Quad contains four of these legendary circuits, enabling you to infuse your tracks with that unmistakable Neve character — the same bold, commanding sound that’s powered countless hits.
Each channel is laden with pro-level features
The AMS Neve 4081 Quad is a feature-laden 4-channel microphone preamp. Each channel delivers up to +70dB of gain, with selectable Line (0dB to +20dB) and Mic (+20dB to +70dB) levels. You also get +48V phantom power for your condenser microphones, a -20dB pad for managing extra-loud sources, and a polarity reverse for tackling the phase-related issues that always seem to crop up. One of our favorite features here at Sweetwater is the 4081’s selectable impedance. Deployed by touching the Low-Z button, this feature is tailor-made for ribbon microphones. Best of all, illuminated press-to-select buttons make activating these features from the 4081’s front panel a piece of cake.
Convenient software control makes integration with modern workflows easy
Integrating the 4081 Quad into your modern, computer-centered workflow is easy, thanks to its software-controlled parameters. Connect this preamp to your Mac or PC via a standard USB cable, and you’ll benefit from remote control over every front-panel-accessible feature. This is a simple, elegant solution for software-based studios, and makes life much easier for outside broadcasting and live sound engineers. What’s more, the 4081 Quad is modular, allowing you to link multiple units for up to 64 independent channels — all of which can be controlled by a single computer running Neve Remote Control software.
The legend continues
At Sweetwater, the name Neve commands reverence. Rupert Neve started designing audio equipment in the tube console era but made his mark with solid-state designs. Setting up shop in Little Shelford in the ’60s, Mr. Neve faced many obstacles establishing his brand amid a new technological landscape. Transistors were new, expensive, and difficult to obtain in quantity in the UK. Reliable faders didn’t exist yet — a far cry from today’s world, where parts are affordable and readily available from multiple suppliers, all competing to win bids. Nevertheless, Rupert persisted. And by the early 1970s, the Neve company was humming along, taking orders and building custom transformer-balanced consoles for recording and broadcast studios the world over.
Neve 80-series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve desks as fast as they could. By 1978, with the introduction of the majestic 8078 — the pinnacle of handwired analog “production” consoles — and NECAM automation system, Neve boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. In the decades since, AMS Neve has innovated with groundbreaking products such as the VR, VX, and 88R series consoles. And today, the company continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge pro audio gear that sounds incredible and intelligently addresses the challenges of the digital age.
AMS Neve 4081 Quad Mic Preamp Features:
- Packs 4 genuine Neve 1081 mic preamps into a compact 9.5-inch unit
- Each channel delivers up to +70dB of gain, with selectable mic and electronically balanced line levels
- +48V phantom power for your condenser microphones
- -20dB pad manages extra-loud sources like a champ
- Polarity reverse tackles phase-related issues effortlessly
- Selectable impedance is tailor-made for ribbon microphones
- Illuminated front-panel press-to-select buttons make activating features a piece of cake
- All parameters are remote controllable using your Mac or PC and Neve Remote Control software
- Modular design allows linking multiple units for up to 64 independent channels of preamplification
- Digital I/O option provides 4 channels of A/D conversion (option card sold separately)
