Legendary 80 Series Neve Sound for the Modern Hybrid Studio
For a half century, Neve consoles have delivered countless hit records and epic blockbuster film scores. Historically, the sonic superiority of a Neve console was available only to large, prestigious recording facilities. The AMS Neve 8424 upends that paradigm. The 8424 is designed to fit seamlessly into modern hybrid workflows that combine the speed of in-the-box production with the superior sound quality of analog outboard processing. By reinstating the mixing console to its rightful place as the nucleus of the studio, the 8424 gives you the hands-on immediacy and efficiency of a proper console with extensive connectivity and a time-saving semi-automatic recall system, while gracing your projects with the inimitable Neve 80 series sound.
Classic, but with a modern edge, the 8424’s name alone conjures so much that is iconic about Neve’s prominent place in pro audio history, delivering authentic 80 series voltage-mixing sonics (courtesy of proprietary Neve Marinair specification transformers) with four mono groups and 24 channel faders. Perhaps best of all, the 8424 accomplishes all of this at a price that makes it possible to realize your ambition of owning a Neve-equipped studio.
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A brave new world
Straightforward and accessible, the AMS Neve 8424 gives you a centralized, ergonomic control surface with extensive connectivity that facilitates the link between the linear world of outboard analog processing, synthesizers, and other instruments, and the digital world of your DAW-based workflow with its software plug-ins and session automation. The 8424 brings Neve’s acclaimed analog circuit design into this scenario, creating a synergistic universe where everything just works — and sounds amazing!
Advanced, productivity-boosting design
Boasting a sleek, compact in-line design with dual-input channel strips that double your input count, the 8424 allows for seamless switching between recording and mixing inputs without the need for patching. Easy connectivity via 24 line-level inputs, two legendary Neve 1073 preamps (plus eight more in the included 1073OPX Octal 8-channel mic/line/DI preamp rackmount unit), and two instrument DI channels makes the 8424 the ideal console for artists to effortlessly record their instruments, while the desk’s dual cue mix system with talkback and return talkback functionality and dual headphone amplifiers accommodates multiple performers recording directly in the control room.
The ideal analog summing mixer
The 8424 is a perfect analog summing platform with 24 DAW returns on its channel faders or, for larger DAW channel counts, a 48-Mix mode that gives you a total of 48 monaural inputs (with independent level and pan controls) to be mixed through the console’s Marinair transformer-coupled stereo mix bus. Use the 8424’s mono and stereo aux buses to connect to your favorite outboard processors and route them back into the board’s two dedicated stereo FX returns.
The authoritative Neve sound
Neve consoles have always delivered wide, linear bandwidth while maintaining audiophile quality throughout the spectrum for rich, full-bodied sound with formidable lows, assertive midrange presence, and sweet, airy highs. The 8424, handcrafted in AMS Neve’s UK factory, delivers these traditional Neve sonic attributes by combining superior analog design and genuine Neve circuitry with generous connectivity and hands-on control. Four mono groups with 2-band shelving EQ, Inserts, and Direct Outs make the 8424 great for mixing stems. In the tradition of vintage Neve’s 80 series consoles, the 8424 stereo mix bus provides classic true voltage mixing into Marinair transformers, while additional features such as stereo insert, 2-band shelving EQ, and Neve’s proprietary Stereo Width control give engineers, producers, and artists all the tools required to create polished, radio-ready product that blasts right out of the speakers.
Each channel, group, and stereo mix bus features its own switchable insert point, giving you a level of connectivity to analog outboard units traditionally only found on large-format consoles. Two onboard 500 Series slots allow you to customize your signal chains and build your own unique modular hybrid recording rig — all connected and centralized through your 8424 console.
Snapshot recall
The 8424’s onboard Snapshot recall feature provides further integration into today’s hybrid studio workflow. It’s an innovative feature that allows this pure-analog console to save, load, and recall all settings, faders, and pot positions for every DAW session. With this unrestricted workflow, engineers can gain the sonic advantages of analog without having to worry about losing their console settings and wasting valuable studio time.
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 8424 24-channel Analog Mixing Console with 1073OPX Octal Preamp Features:
- Includes 1073OPX Octal 8-channel mic/line/DI preamp rackmount unit
- Legendary 80 series Neve sound in a compact in-line console
- Large-format console, center section
- Snapshot system to save/load all console settings across multiple sessions
- 500 Series slots for internal expansion options
- Classic 1073 preamps and DI inputs with smart routing for recording in the studio or control room
- Proprietary Neve Marinair transformers on Mix, AFL, and CUE bus
- 24 mono channels with source selections and 100mm faders
- 2 inputs per channel: seamlessly switch from Mix to Record inputs at the push of a button
- 24 channel direct outputs
- 4 groups with 100mm faders
- 3 Mono Auxiliary sends
- 1 Stereo Cue send
- 2 Stereo Reverb returns
- Marinair transformer coupled Stereo Mix bus
- 2 x 1073 mic/line preamplifiers (plus 8 more in the included 1073OPX)
- 2 hi-Z DI inputs
- 2 500 Series slots
- 4 mono, 1 stereo 2-band shelving EQ
- 1 Stereo Width control
- 2 stereo external inputs
- 3 loudspeaker outputs
- 2 engineer’s headphone outputs
- 30 balanced inserts on Channels, Groups, and Stereo mix
- 48 input capability
- 8 stage LED channel input meters
- Assignable backlit VU meters
- Global channel A/B input switch
- Oscillator
- Smart routing
- Comprehensive connectivity on console rear
- Internal power supply
