AMS Neve 2264ALB Mono Limiter/Compressor Module – 500-Series AMS Neve

The AMS Neve 2264ALB is a VPN-compliant, 500-series version of the legendary 2264A console compressor with added features including signal-presence indicator and slow attack option

The Neve 2264A rapidly became a legend among top producers and engineers. An improved version of the 2254/R featuring advanced circuit design and more precise response curves, the 2264A offered the advantages of a modular design that could fit in an 80-series console or compatible rack over the rectangular cuboid that was the original 2254. The AMS Neve 2264ALB goes a step further in convenience and accessibility thanks to its 500-series format, which enables any 500 user to stuff their lunchbox with Neve. In fact, with a 2-way INS Link cable, you can pair the 2264ALB with a 1073LB preamp, or configure an entire Neve channel strip by adding the 1073LBEQ with a 3-way link cable. Plus, you can put the EQ ahead of, or after the compressor. The 2264ALB is a true studio workhorse. It sounds great on acoustic and electric guitar, piano, synthesizers, and vocals, as well as drum bus or overall mix if you’re lucky enough to own a pair. It offers up the smooth, creamy sound and girth that made its forebears the icons they were and still remain. 

AMS Neve 2264ALB Mono Limiter/Compressor-Just the Facts:

• Classic mono Limiter/Compressor, available in a 500-series format
• Transformer-coupled circuits used in input, bridge-driver, sidechain, and output stages
• Independent limiter and compressor in/out selectors
• Bypass switch connects input terminals directly to output terminals
• Slow Attack switch changes between classic 2264A attack settings and new Slow Attack setting for buss compression work
• Digital LED meter with approximate PPM ballistics indicates 0dB to 20dB of gain reduction
• Audio Processing Insert design allows the audio to/from the 2264ALB module to be inserted into the audio path of an existing 1073LB module (modules must be fitted in the same 500-series rack)
• Fully screened module, packaged in Mu-metal case helps eliminate stray electromagnetic fields from 500-series rack PSU or other module types

AMS Neve 2264ALB Mono Limiter/Compressor-Under the Hood

Crafted in England by Neve engineers, the 2264ALB retains the original 2264A’s unique sonic characteristics by using the same architecture, matching components and original hand-wound transformers and adds new features: a Signal Presence indicator LED and a Slow Attack option. And it delivers it in a modern and portable 500 form-factor which professional producers and engineers have come to rely on.

Simply install into an empty slot in your compatible 500-series rack, connect your line level signals and inject the legendary Neve dynamic sound into your audio creations. Plus, you can have a complete channel strip with the incredible Neve 1073LB microphone preamp module and 1073LBEQ. All you need is a 3-way INS Link cable and Bob’s your uncle. The 2264ALB module can be inserted between the input and output stages of the 1073LB module, creating an all-new Neve classic audio path (modules must be fitted in the same 500-series rack).

Compressor/Limiter

The 2264ALB has two chains controlling the level control element; one for compression the other for limiting.

Limiter

This 2264ALB has a limiting attack time of 4msec. This slow attack time is used on program material of moderately percussive nature, such as a solo piano. With this attack time, a very narrow dynamic range can be achieved by feeding high levels into the limiter while using a low limit level. A fast attack time is desirable for example when the unit is used for driving a transmitter (Fast attack times should be used with care when recording). The limiting threshold s can be varied between +4dBm and +15dBm. A range of recovery times for the limiting action is provided by the Limit Recovery control, which may be selected according to the nature of the program. The Auto position is used where automatic corrective action is preferred. This provides a composite control with rapid response to isolated peaks and a slower recovery after prolonged high levels.

Compressor

There are five preset ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 6:1. The control characteristic is shaped so the onset of compression is smooth and progressive, the true ratio is reached with around 6dB above the threshold. The threshold point may be varied in from -20dBm to +10dBm giving a wide range of effects. Low ratios operated from a low threshold will preserve the impression of dynamic range while enabling the operator to achieve a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio when recording. A high ratio operated from a high threshold gives a partial limiting action. A high Ratio with a high Threshold will behave as a partial limiter.

When the threshold is below line level, the gain control provides up to 20dB of makeup to restore the mean program level. When both of the Limit and Compress switches are set to IN, the sidechains controlling limiting and compressing will be operative. Under these conditions, the compressor is effective below +8dBm only, because, at this point, the limiting action will take over complete control.

VPR-Alliance compliant

The 500-series, which has taken the industry by storm, began with API founder Saul Walker and his innovative modular console designs. API founded the VPR Alliance, the industry standard for 500-series modules, to ensure compatibility among all manufacturers off 500-series modules. This SSL module has been specifically designed to operate in an API 500-series power rack such as the API lunchbox® or its equivalent.

If you’ve been missing out on classic Neve compression due to the lack of a vintage 80-series console, your time has come. Add a pair of 2264ALB Limiter/Compressors to your lunchbox and crunch away. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Studio Specialist.

Specifications

• Input: 10,000 ohm, bridging, balanced, and earth-free.
• Output: Balanced and earth-free.
• Maximum output into 600 ohms: 26dBm
• Gain: Nominally 0dBm, compress and Limit thresholds are defined in relation to the output level when terminated to 600 ohm
• Bypass switch: In the bypass position, the output terminals are connected to the input terminals directly
• Control Voltage Linking Switch: Enables the control voltage to be derived either internally or can be externally connected to the Lunchbox™ pin 6 bus
• Noise (Measured between 20Hz and 20kHz): RMS output noise does not exceed -75dBm with no gain make up, or -55dBm with 20dB of gain make up applied (only when Compress is selected)
• Frequency Response: Relative to 1kHz, response is within +0, -0.5dB over range of 20Hz to 20kHz
• Distortion (Measured at 1kHz, distortion does not exceed the following):
• COMPRESS & LIMIT switched OUT, output level at +9dBm: 0.05%
• COMPRESS switched IN, ratio 6:1, recovery 800ms, output level +9dBm: 0.2%
• LIMIT switched IN, recovery 800ms, input level +20dBm, threshold +4dBm: 0.4%

Parameters

• Limit Threshold: Variable from +4dBm to +15dBm
• Limit Ratio: Not less than 100:1
• Limit Attack Time: 4ms, measured by increasing the input level 10dB, and measuring the time taken for the output level to decay 1dB above the limit threshold level
• Limit Recovery Time: 50ms / 100ms / 200ms / 800ms / Auto 1 (100ms/2 sec) / Auto 2 (50ms/5 sec)
• Compression Ratio: 1.5:1 / 2:1 / 3:1 / 4:1 / 6:1
• Compression Threshold: Variable from -20dBm to +10dBm
• Compressor Attack Time: 3ms (switchable to 10ms), measured by increasing the input level 10dB, and measuring the time taken for the output level to decay to 1db above the limit threshold level
• Compressor Recovery Time: 100ms / 400ms / 800ms / 1.5 sec / Auto 1 (100ms/2 sec) / Auto 2 (50ms/5 sec)
• Gain Make Up: 0 to 20dB extra gain in 2dB steps when Compress is selected

Other

• Meter: Indicates 0 to 20dB of gain reduction with approximate PPM ballistics