An Exciting Update of a Revered Classic
Rupert Neve Designs' Shelford 5052 rocks the definitive 1073 feature set, complete with mic pre, highpass filter, and 3-band inductor EQ. But you also get updated capabilities such as Neve's variable Silk and Texture control and simultaneous pre/post "tape" operation. With its discrete Class A topologies and custom-wound transformers and inductors, Rupert Neve designed the 5052 as a vintage-style channel strip that captures the sonic essence of his classic designs, while overcoming the limitations of 1970s-era technology. Modern design and components, classic Neve sound — have it all with Rupert Neve Designs' Shelford 5052.
Related Videos: Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ
This preamp lives up to its heritage
Just like Rupert Neve's vintage preamps, the 5052 pre boasts 72dB of discrete, Class A gain coupled with beefy square-core transformers. The sound is pristine - and gloriously massive. The 5052, however, is packing a secret weapon the classics never had: its output transformer features the Silk Red/Blue and Texture controls from the Portico II Series that let you tailor the harmonic content and tonality of the output stage.
By engaging these controls and sufficiently driving your output, you can add delectable 2nd-order harmonic distortion (that's the good kind), imbuing your tracks with juicy-rich thickness when desired — with no danger of overloading the output stage. The mic pre section also gives you a sweepable 20–250Hz highpass filter, Mic/Line selection, 48V phantom power, and polarity reverse.
Classic Neve EQ with enhanced control
The 5052's 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by classic Neve EQ designs. The low frequency band is mostly based on the 1064, famous for its creamy, rich bass. Unlike the 1064 however, the 5052's LF band may be used in either a peak or shelf mode to give you amazing control over the punch and girth of your low end. The 5052's inductor midrange band is based on the legendary 1073 equalizer, and is perfect for sweetening vocals and instruments while nudging them forward in your mix.
For those problematic frequencies, the mid band's proportional-Q response is just what the doctor ordered. The high-frequency band is a hybrid vintage/modern design that blends inductor circuitry from the 1073 with capacitor-based topologies to give you vintage sound with enhanced control. Neve uses low-feedback, Class A gain blocks in each EQ section, and these make a vital contribution to the 5052's overall sound. And while these design elements are very much "vintage Neve," the 5052 also leverages contemporary components and techniques that weren't possible back in the day, giving you the best of old and new.
The magical sound of Neve
Rupert Neve is an audio legend whose electronics designs defined the golden age of analog. Those of us at Sweetwater who have had the privilege of working on a Neve 8078 or its predecessors can attest to the fact that Neve's Series 80 consoles were indeed the pinnacle of hand-wired analog mixing desks. Mr. Neve has remained at the forefront of audio-circuit innovation for over half a century, and his current company, Rupert Neve Designs, continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge products that sound incredible and intelligently address the challenges of the digital age. If you're not quite sure what the fuss is all about, check out Dave Grohl's documentary, "Sound City."
Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Mic Pre/Inductor EQ Module Features:
- Modern design and components, classic Neve sound
- The definitive 1073 feature set: mic pre, highpass filter, and 3-band inductor EQ
- Variable Silk/Texture control; simultaneous pre/post "tape" operation
- Sweepable 20–250Hz highpass filter, Mic/Line selection, 48V phantom power, and polarity reverse
- Made to fit Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console or any of three available vertical racks
- Requires standalone power supply (not included)
- Handcrafted in the USA
