Classic Neve Sound Shaping with Modern Features
There’s something magical about the classic EQ curves on a Neve analog recording console. And thanks to the AMS Neve 8803, you can achieve that same sound in your own studio. Gleaned from Neve’s classic 8108 and flagship 88RS consoles, this rackmount equalizer gives you two independent channels of formidable sound shaping. Each channel sports semi-parametric high and low bands with selectable shelving/bell filter types and switchable Q, plus two fully parametric midbands. You also get flexible highpass and lowpass filters, along with ±20dB input trims and bypass switches. But make no mistake: the 8803 isn’t a mere vintage reissue. This cutting-edge tone-shaping tool also includes a USB port that enables you to save and recall settings to and from your computer. Handbuilt and handwired in Burnley, England, the AMS Neve 8803 includes combination +4dBu/-10dBV inputs and XLR/parallel outputs for maximum versatility.
Related Videos: 8803 Dual Channel EQ
Two channels of unmistakable Neve tone sculpting
Anytime you want to inject punch and presence into close-miked drums, mold vocals and acoustic guitars with classic Neve EQ curves, or add warmth, sheen and bite to electric guitars, the AMS Neve 8803 is the right tool for the job. Each of this equalizer’s two channels includes four bands of tone sculpting, consisting of semi-parametric high and low bands and two fully parametric midbands. The high bands range from 1.5kHz to 18kHz, while the low bands range from 33Hz to 440Hz. The high and low bands all feature selectable shelving/bell filter types and switchable Q. The high midbands range from 0.8kHz to 9kHz, while the low midbands range from 120Hz to 2kHz. All midbands include a 0.3 to 7 continuously variable Q. Each channel also includes a highpass filter that ranges from 30Hz to 300Hz and a lowpass filter that ranges from 3kHz to 15kHz, with all filters boasting a 12dB per octave slope. Whether you need a surgeon’s scalpel or a blunt instrument, the 8803 is up to the task.
Each channel is laden with cutting-edge features
Jam-packed with modern, cutting-edge features, the AMS Neve 8803 ain’t your father’s equalizer. Its input trim ranges from -20dB to +20dB and accommodates sources referenced to +4dBu or to -10dBV. Its Signal and Clip LEDs indicate when a signal reaches -30dBu or >25dBu, respectively. Each channel includes an independent EQ switch, which bypasses its four EQ bands. (Note: this switch does not bypass its highpass/lowpass filters.) The 8803’s combination input jacks accept both XLR and 1/4-inch connectors, balanced or unbalanced, at either +4dBu or -10dBV reference levels, while parallel XLR and 1/4-inch outputs integrate effortlessly with most balanced and unbalanced gear. Our favorite feature here at Sweetwater is the 8803’s USB port, which allows for recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC.
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 8803 Dual Channel EQ Features:
- Packs 2 channels of Neve console-style sound shaping into a 1U rackmount unit
- Gleaned from the EQ circuit in Neve’s classic 8108 and flagship 88RS consoles
- 1 semi-parametric high band, 1 semi-parametric low band, 2 fully parametric midbands, 1 highpass filter, and 1 lowpass filter on each channel
- High bands range from 1.5–18kHz with selectable shelving/bell filter types and switchable Q
- Low bands range from 33–440Hz with selectable shelving/bell filter types and switchable Q
- High midbands range from 0.8k–9kHz with a 0.3–7 continuously variable Q
- Low midbands range from 120–2kHz with a 0.3–7 continuously variable Q
- Highpass filters range from 30–300Hz with a 12dB/octave slope
- Lowpass filters that range from 3–15kHz with a 12dB/octave slope
- Each channel includes a ±20dB input trim that accommodates sources referenced to +4dBu or to -10dBV
- Independent bypass switch on each channel (Note: this switch does not bypass the highpass/lowpass filters)
- Signal and Clip LEDs indicate when a signal reaches -30dBu or >25dBu, respectively
- Combination input jacks accept both XLR and 1/4-inch connectors, balanced or unbalanced, at either +4dBu or -10dBV reference levels
- Parallel XLR and 1/4-inch outputs integrate effortlessly with most balanced and unbalanced gear
- USB port allows for recall of your settings via control software on your Mac or PC
