Custom Series 75 Custom Series 75

Custom Series 75 – like a vintage Neve on steroids

With the release of the 1073 mic preamp/EQ in 1970, and the 1081 released in 1973, Neve’s classic circuitry has consolidated their position in the professional audio industry. Since then, a desire for ”˜cleaner’ recordings using modern circuitry has resulted in classic circuitry becoming an option – but not the only option.

The development of technology and the digital world cannot be ignored.

With these two mindsets clear, the Custom Series 75 has achieved a world first, the combination of classic circuitry and modern circuitry in one console.

The classic Neve circuitry has been painstakingly re-created, keeping faithful to the original whilst taking advantage of modern assembly methods. The original circuits have only been changed where justified by an improvement in reliability or performance. Rather than running the length of the console, the voltage summing busses are a mere 150mm long and they are now balanced, resulting in lower noise and less crosstalk. Other “charming quirks” of the original circuits such as the level onto busses varying as more busses are assigned from a channel, have been overcome. Improved BA338 amplifying stages and legendary BA283 output stages combined with classic Neve LO1166 output transformers, sound warm, defined and punchy.

Stereo busses are implemented in both classic (voltage summing) and modern (current summing) technology and the feed to these can be selected on a per-channel basis. The 2 busses are combined at the master fader then passed via (patchable) 2254 compressors and an insert, to the stereo outputs. There are both modern (transformerless) and classic (transformer) outputs, providing maximum flexibility of sonic “flavour”�. Naturally the AFL busses are also replicated for correct Solo monitoring. The eight Group outputs use classic circuitry, with the added bonus of Stem outputs, inserts and 8 dedicated faders to feed groups or playback to the stereo busses. A 32 channel console can mix a total of 80 inputs to stereo.

The 2081 inline channel module features a blend of the best features of Neve’s legendary 1073 and 1081 modules. The mic preamp and 4 band EQ is straight from the 1081, while the output amp is based on the 1970”²s BA283, single ended, class A circuitry with a gapped core transformer, as used in the 1073 and 2254. Five auxiliary sends, fader swap and a choice of either classic or modern channel output circuitry are provided.

Master SectionTwo 2254 compressors, four stereo reverb returns, eight recallable scenes, monitoring of up to 12 sources simultaneously and comprehensive 7.1 monitoring are just some of the features found in the master section.

Available in a 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56 or 64 module chassis, the Series 75 is flexible and able to suit a variety of studio applications from broadcast to music and even film production.

Designed specifically for longevity, gold plated switches and connectors have been used for all audio circuits, and all parts have been selected on their projected availability many years from now. All capacitors in the signal path are polypropylene film or Rubycon ZLH series electrolytic, chosen for superb sonic performance and long life. Ergonomic design allowing the engineer to reach any parameter on the board from a seated position (up to 32 Channels) make this console a workstation that is comfortable for long hours, flexible for countless practical and creative applications, and unbeatable for sonic character or transparency!