AMS Neve 8051 Surround Compressor AMS Neve

The AMS Neve 8051 is a 5.1 multi-channel analog compressor handmade in the UK with six transformer-balanced audio paths, two side chains, and a key input

Built for 5.1 surround mixing, the AMS Neve 8051 is based on six 2254 compression circuits, using the same feedback topology as the legendary 33609 stereo compressor. The 8051 also shares the same transformers, diode-bridge gain control, and discrete power amplifiers in the audio path. A powerful tool for surround mixing and mastering, the AMS Neve 8051 features flexible sidechain routing, trimming, and filtering-and of course, the classic and unmistakable Neve sound.

AMS Neve 8051 Surround Compressor-Just the Facts

• Hand-built, hand-wired analog compressor for surround mixing
• Six transformer-balanced audio paths
• Ideal surround broadcast or mastering compressor
• Sidechain control trims and sidechain A/B bias control
• High- and low-pass filter
• Electronically balanced key input and LFE filter inputs
• All other inputs transformer-balanced with 3.6k-ohm input impedance
• All outputs electronically balanced, post output transformers
• Control Voltage I/O provided for linking multiple units or linking to the 33609 stereo compressor

PAD For the Record-The original or prototype of the 2254 limiter/compressor was reputedly designed by David Rees, a design engineer who worked in tandem with Rupert Neve in the late ’60s. A former employee of the BBC, Rees’ original model, which laid the groundwork for the Neve 2253, was components wired inside a wooden box. By 1969, the 2253 evolved into the Neve 2254, a non-rackmountable rectangular cuboid, which also became the standard 2-bus compressor for the 80-series consoles. The 2254 itself evolved into the Neve 33609 compressor. Working closely with Rupert Neve, the original 33609 was designed in the 70s by Geoff Tanner, founder of Aurora Audio and acknowledged expert on all things vintage Neve.

AMS Neve 8051 Surround Compressor-Under the Hood

Most compressors apply gain reduction based entirely on the signal level at their inputs. A level detector examines the input and drives an output VCA that is assumed to have a complimentary response (a “feed-forward” system). The 8051 uses a feedback topology, monitoring the output of each gain cell and continually adjusting the control voltage returned to give the required gain reduction. This means that the control-voltage linking has to follow sidechain linking to maintain a closed loop. Once this feedback is in place, the sidechain output can be linked to other channels using the 8051’s unlit CV link buttons. These channels then follow the same dynamic envelope as the SC Linked channels, but without their audio content affecting the compression. A channel may also have control voltage linked from both sidechains. In this case, the sidechain providing the most gain reduction at any moment controls the channel, and the greater of the two gain makeup settings will be applied.

Whether you’re mixing or mastering in 5.1 surround, there’s no better choice than the AMS Neve 8051 Surround Compressor if smooth, rich Neve sound is what you’re after on your masters. For more information, call or chat online with your PAD Studio Specialist today.

Specifications

I/O

• The key input and LFE filter inputs are electronically balanced with an input impedance of 10k ohms. All other inputs are transformer balanced with 3.6kohms input impedances
• All outputs are electronically balanced post the output transformers, with maximum output of +26dBu into 600 ohms. The unit is calibrated for bridging loads greater than 10k ohms
• Control Voltage I/O is provided for linking multiple units, or linking to 33609 compressors; connection is by 15-pin D-Type
  

Audio Performance

• Equivalent input noise (20kHz band): < -78dBu
• THD+N (for 20dBu input @1kHz): < 0.03%
• Maximum Output Level: > 26dBu into 600 ohms
• Inter-channel Crosstalk: < -80dB at 15kHz
• Frequency Response ±0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz

Control

• LFE filter: 12dB/octave low-pass, -3dB frequency selectable to 80Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz
• Sidechain and key filters: 12dB/octave high-pass, -3dB frequency selectable to 80Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz
• Threshold: -20dBu to +16dBu master control, with ±15dB trims on all channels
• Make-up gain: -10dB to +20dB.
• Ratio: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, MAX (~8:1)
• Attack: 2ms, 4ms, 6ms, 8ms and 16ms
• Release: 100ms, 200ms, 400ms, 800ms, 1.5s and 3s
• Output Level Trim: 0dB to -5.5dB pad, in 0.25dB steps

Power Requirements

Rated voltage: 100-250V AC

• Rated frequency: 47-63Hz
• Rated current: .25A at 250V

Primary protection fuse

• Operating Voltage: 250/110V
• Fuse rating and type: T1.6A/T1.6A A/S ceramic
• Location: Rear panel IEC mains connector

Physical

• Height: 5-1/4″ (135 mm)
• Depth: 20″ (500 mm)
• Width: 19″ 483 mm)
• Weight: 23 lb. (10.5kg)