AMS Neve 88R LB Mic Preamp

Neve® Console Pedigree

The 88R console has paved the way for top-flight studio recording and mixing for the past two decades, used as a critical component to produce countless hits and film scores. The 88RLB uses the 88R console preamp circuitry and components to give studios of all sizes access to world-class Neve® recording quality.

Marinair® Transformer Preamp

Like the 88RS console preamp, the 88RLB uses a custom specification Marinair® transformer to balance the microphone input stage; this delivers subtle warmth and tonality to signals while retaining transparency across a wide frequency bandwidth.

High Gain - Pristine Output

The microphone preamp produces up to 70dBu of microphone gain fed through the transformer-balanced input; the signal then flows through an electronically-balanced output stage ensuring ultimate transparency when connecting to audio interfaces, analogue outboard gear, or tape machines.

Mic/Line/D.I

Three inputs, using combined connections, provide an ideal platform for recording any instrument – dynamic, condenser, or ribbon microphones, line-level devices such as synthesizers or drum machines, and a host of high impedance instruments.

Re-Gen Function

The Re-Gen function expands upon the 88RS console preamp capabilities, allowing line and DI signals to benefit from the Marinair® transformer colouration. This feature adds Neve® console sound to instruments or synthesizers at the push of a button.

Variable HPF

The 88RLB features the same variable high pass filter as the famous 88RS console. Sweeping from 31.5 to 315Hz is excellent for tuning out unwanted bass frequencies when recording higher register instruments.

Intelligent Switching

Intelligent switching stops the phantom power from the feeding line or DI signals at the front or rear; +48v is only fed to the microphone connection, with no danger of damaging sensitive analogue equipment. The 88RLB also features a -20dB PAD and 180-degree phase invert switch, which can be used on Mic, Line, or DI signals.

Front and Rear Inputs

The 88RLB can be integrated into your studio, patched, and ready to go via the rear inputs; the switchable front input can be used to record quickly by connecting directly into the front of the unit.

General Specification

• True Neve 88RS mic preamp in a 500-series format, with a transformer-coupled Mic input, electronically balanced Line and DI inputs, and Line output
• REGeneration feature allows Line and DI inputs to be fed through the Mic input transformer to inject the legendary Neve sound
• Sweepable high pass filter can be switched in or out
• Intelligent 48v phantom power function
• -20dB pad and phase reversal features for Mic, Line & DI inputs
• Signal Presence LED illuminates green from a level of -25dB and red from a level of +26dB Front combi-XLR connector for Mic input (XLR) and Line & DI inputs (1/4” TRS jack – LIFT switch eliminates potential ground loops when using unbalanced jack connectors in the front input
• Compatible 500-series rack/enclosure with Power Supply and line-level input/output connectors required, not supplied.

Audio Performance

• Mic Input – Transformer balanced and earth free
• Mic Impedance – 1.2kOhms
• Mic Gain Range – +20 to +70dB
• Mic Frequency Response – 20Hz to 20kHZ +/- 0.5dB @60dB gain
• Mic Distortion 40Hz-20kHz @ 60dB gain, – <0.025% @ +20dBu output with 80kHz bandwidth
• Mic EIN: Better than -126dBu @60dB gain
• Line Input- Electronically balanced,
• Line input impedance – >10kohms
• Line gain Range -20dB to +20dB
• Line frequency response – 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.25dB
• Line distortion 20Hz-20kHz @ unity gain – <0.0025% @ +20dBu output with 80kHz bandwidth
• Line Noise – <-87dBu 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth @ unity gain
• DI input – electronically balanced,
• DI input impedance  -> 500kohms
• DI gain range – 0dB to +50dB
• DI frequency response – 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.25dB
• DI distortion 20Hz-20kHz @ 0dB gain, – <0.0025% @ +20dBu output with 80kHz bandwidth
• DI noise – < -87dBu 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth @ minimum gain

Dimensions

• Height – 132mm (5.25 inches)
• Width – 38mm (1.5 inches)
• Depth – 145mm (5.75 inches)
• Weight – 0.5Kg (1.1 pounds)