TEST: Rupert Neve Design 5034 Newton Channel

 It is questionable whether there is a stronger name in the professional recording sector than that of Rupert Neve. He is considered the inventor of the mixing console and after his death at the age of 94 in 2021, he left behind a considerable number of trademark giants in sound technology, including names such as AMEK, AMS, Focusrite and Rupert Neve Design. The latter now offers a channel strip called Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel, which we have for testing.

The concept of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel

If you think of apples falling on British physicists when you hear the name, you are unfortunately on the wrong track. The name of the product is actually borrowed from the fact that Rupert Neve was born on July 31, 1926 in Newton Abbot, England. The channel strip offers the most important processing components of a channel strip in the form of preamp, EQ and compressor, plus a special control area called "texture", which is also known from other Rupert Neve Design products.

Anyone who has dealt with the upper performance class of channel strips, which are also manufactured outside of Asia, will quickly find that retail prices of around €4,000 are not uncommon. In this sense, the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel with a retail price of €2,429 must be described as a mid-price product, although the qualitative approach is significantly higher at first glance and listening impression. This makes it all the more curious when it comes to the final sound test.

The channel strip, designed and manufactured in the USA, sits in an anthracite-colored 1U housing, which can be described as very solid and, at almost 3.5 kg, pulls accordingly hard on the rack rails. Rubber feet were not included with the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel, the manufacturer firmly assumes that the product will be installed in a rack. On the top, the sheet metal was perforated above two areas in order to be able to transport the waste heat away, so when building it over it, care must be taken that the product above does not rest tightly on the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel and that there is sufficient air circulation.

The back of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel

Even if it should be a given in this price range, “finally a power socket again” was my first thought when I looked at the back of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel. It is actually unusual how often even established manufacturers in the mid-price range are now tending towards cheaper, external power supply solutions and leaving the user to solve the visually and haptically unpleasant “lump”. The manufacturer goes one step further and gives the product a recessed on/off switch, which is protected from accidental activation/deactivation by a plastic edge.

As the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel was designed as a mono channel, the number of inputs and outputs is limited to a manageable number. For the input area, the product offers a lockable XLR/TRS combo jack and a TRS line input. A high-impedance Hz input for the direct feed of an electric guitar or passive electric bass is not offered. A main out and a -6dB out, both in XLR, and a ground lift switch round off the overall impression.

The front of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel

The front of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel is very clearly designed and works according to the motto “everything you need and nothing you don’t need”. The four control areas have also been reduced to the bare minimum of control units required. From left to right:

MIC PRE: This is where the preamp section of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel is located, which is also the heart of the channel strip. The preamp can be adjusted in 6 dB increments up to 72 dB and should therefore provide sufficient level for even the quietest passive ribbon microphones. All other potentiometers have 31-way increments, including the trim potentiometer to the right, which has a setting of -6 to +6 dB. In addition to the standards such as illuminated phantom power (48V) and phase reversal switches, the section also offers a switchable high-pass filter, which ranges from 20 Hz to 250 Hz and should be particularly useful for vocal and guitar recordings.

EQUALIZER: The Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel offers a three-band EQ, which consists of two shelving and one semi-parametric midrange EQ. All bands can be adjusted by +/- 12 dB, with the midrange between 220 Hz and 7 kHz, the bass at either 60 Hz or 150 Hz and the treble at either 8 kHz or 16 kHz. Personally, I'm always a bit skeptical about 16 kHz, but this range allows for the legendary "air" that some engineers really appreciate precisely because of this coloration. Ultimately, everyone can do what they think is right.

COMPRESSOR: In the compressor range, the ratio range has been omitted, just like a Vari Mu compressor; only threshold (-30 dB to +20 dB), release (fast - slow) and a gain control (-6 dB to +20 dB) can be adjusted. However, the Pre EQ switch is interesting, as it puts the compressor before the EQ and thus offers a compression behavior that varies depending on the level.

The final part is the Texture control, which regulates the degree of harmonic overtones, which are preselected using the Silk switch. In the blue area, the device focuses more on the bass/low-mid range, while the red area focuses more on the classic mids. The Silk area can also be deactivated completely. Finally, two 8-digit LED chains show the compressor use and the output level.

Practice

In order to be able to assess the sound of the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel, you have to keep in mind Rupert Neve's formative phase, which was particularly associated with the equipment of the late sixties and early seventies. To put it briefly, almost every component of the recording equipment of the time always had a touch of distortion, often described as saturation, in the signal path, regardless of its input and output level. This basic sound could not be reduced below a certain level, at most it could be increased accordingly with a higher level. A large part of the legendary "warm" sound of the Neve products is therefore, simply put, distortion, which flatters the human ear.

Therefore, the preamp area and of course the Silk section in particular are designed to produce the same distortion in exactly the range and level that appeals to the human ear. We will therefore focus primarily on these distortions in the sound examples by turning up the preamp with the Mic Gain control and then adjusting it back down to an acceptable level with the Trim control.

In fact, the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel sounds excellent right from the first note. All components are very unobtrusive and yet effective, so that you quickly feel at home. The controls have a very pleasant feel and allow for fine adjustment, which you can easily follow with your fingers. I was surprised at how "tight" the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel sounds compared to other Neve products. The product has the classic British sound, but is not as "soft" in response as you might expect.

This is to be understood in an absolutely unbiased manner, as both approaches can offer their maximum quality depending on the area of ​​application. The Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel convinces me across the board, especially with percussive signals, as it cushions the impulse peaks very nicely without them losing too much of their power.

All in all, an outstanding channel strip, which, as the first processing stage of the signal path, processes almost every incoming signal perfectly before it is further processed in the respective DAW or similar.

Conclusion

With the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel, the biggest name in recording offers another highlight in the channel strip area. The product, which could almost be described as mid-price, impresses with its outstanding sound, clear concept, excellent workmanship and very good detailed solutions. In addition, the two SILK stages allow you to continuously adjust the saturation of your signal to the vintage sound compositions of days gone by, which, depending on the signal, represents a real enrichment in terms of sound.

If you are looking for a professional channel strip of the classic kind, you should take a look at the Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel!

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Additional Informations:

Rupert Neve is a name that resonates deeply within the world of audio engineering, synonymous with unparalleled quality and innovation in the realm of professional audio equipment. The journey of Rupert Neve Designs, from its inception to its current stature as a hallmark of excellence, is a rich tapestry of technological breakthroughs, dedicated craftsmanship, and visionary leadership. This article delves into the detailed history of Rupert Neve Designs, tracing the origins, key milestones, and enduring legacy of this iconic brand.

#### Early Beginnings: The Man Behind the Legend

The story of Rupert Neve Designs begins with its namesake, Rupert Neve, whose passion for audio engineering ignited at an early age. Born in 1926 in Newton Abbot, England, Neve's fascination with electronics began during World War II, when he served in the Royal Signals, working on radio communication. Post-war, his technical expertise and innovative mindset set the stage for his pioneering work in audio technology.

In the 1950s, Neve started his first company, CQ Audio, where he designed and built high-fidelity loudspeakers and amplifiers. This period was formative, allowing Neve to refine his understanding of sound reproduction and electronics. However, it was the subsequent venture into audio consoles that would cement his legacy.

#### The Birth of Neve Consoles

In 1961, Rupert Neve founded Neve Electronics, a company dedicated to designing and manufacturing audio consoles for the burgeoning recording industry. The 1960s and 70s were transformative years for music production, with studios seeking more sophisticated and reliable equipment to meet the demands of modern recording techniques. Neve's consoles quickly gained a reputation for their superior sound quality and robust construction.

The turning point came with the introduction of the Neve 80 Series consoles in the late 1960s. These consoles featured Class-A circuitry and custom transformers, delivering a warm, musical sound that became highly sought after by recording engineers and producers. The Neve 1073 preamp and equalizer module, in particular, became legendary for its rich, full-bodied tone and musicality, attributes that continue to be revered to this day.

#### Innovation and Expansion

The success of the 80 Series consoles propelled Neve Electronics into the forefront of the audio industry. Throughout the 1970s, the company continued to innovate, developing new technologies and expanding its product range. The introduction of the Neve 1081 and 1084 preamps, along with the development of advanced console automation systems, showcased Neve's commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology.

Neve's influence extended beyond the recording studio. His designs were adopted by broadcasting and film industries, further solidifying his reputation as a master audio engineer. The unique sonic characteristics of Neve's equipment made it a staple in top-tier studios around the world, contributing to countless iconic recordings and broadcasts.

#### Challenges and Resilience

Despite the company's success, the late 1970s brought significant challenges. Financial difficulties led to the sale of Neve Electronics to the Bonochord Group in 1975. Although Rupert Neve remained with the company for several years, he eventually left in 1977 to pursue new ventures. The departure marked the end of an era, but Neve's passion for audio engineering remained undiminished.

In the 1980s, Neve founded Focusrite, a new company dedicated to designing high-end audio equipment. The Focusrite Studio Console, introduced in 1989, was a masterpiece of engineering, featuring unparalleled sonic performance and cutting-edge technology. However, financial constraints led to the sale of Focusrite's assets, and Neve moved on to new projects.

#### The Emergence of Rupert Neve Designs

In 2005, Rupert Neve, together with his wife Evelyn and engineer Josh Thomas, founded Rupert Neve Designs. Based in Wimberley, Texas, the new company represented a return to Neve's roots: designing and manufacturing high-quality audio equipment with a focus on innovation and craftsmanship.

Rupert Neve Designs quickly gained acclaim for its products, which combined classic analog warmth with modern reliability and functionality. The company's flagship product, the Portico Series, introduced in 2006, featured a range of preamps, equalizers, and compressors that embodied Neve's design philosophy. The use of custom transformers and Class-A circuitry ensured that the signature Neve sound was faithfully preserved.

The success of the Portico Series was followed by the release of the 5088 Analog Mixing Console, a fully discrete, transformer-balanced console that became a benchmark for high-end analog mixing. The 5088's modular design and pristine audio quality made it a favorite among top engineers and producers, reaffirming Neve's status as a pioneer in audio engineering.

#### Continuing Innovation

Rupert Neve Designs continued to expand its product range, introducing new lines and technologies that catered to the evolving needs of audio professionals. The Shelford Series, launched in 2015, paid homage to Neve's classic designs while incorporating modern enhancements. The Shelford Channel, a channel strip combining preamp, EQ, and compressor, became a standout product, offering the coveted Neve sound in a versatile format.

In addition to analog gear, Rupert Neve Designs embraced digital innovation. The RNDI Active Transformer Direct Interface and the RNHP Precision Headphone Amplifier showcased the company's ability to blend analog warmth with digital precision, meeting the demands of contemporary recording and monitoring environments.

#### Legacy and Impact

Rupert Neve's impact on the audio industry is immeasurable. His designs have shaped the sound of countless recordings, from classic albums by The Beatles and Pink Floyd to modern hits by Adele and Foo Fighters. The enduring popularity of Neve consoles and modules speaks to the timeless quality and musicality of his work.

Beyond the products themselves, Neve's legacy is defined by his dedication to excellence and his unwavering commitment to the art of sound. His contributions have inspired generations of engineers and musicians, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the audio community.

#### The Passing of a Legend

On February 12, 2021, Rupert Neve passed away at the age of 94. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the countless recordings and engineers who continue to rely on his designs. Rupert Neve Designs, under the leadership of Josh Thomas and a dedicated team of engineers, continues to uphold Neve's vision, pushing the boundaries of audio technology while honoring the principles that defined his work.

#### Conclusion

The history of Rupert Neve Designs is a testament to the power of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion. From the early days of Neve Electronics to the modern era of Rupert Neve Designs, the company's journey reflects a deep commitment to audio excellence. Rupert Neve's contributions to the world of sound will continue to resonate for generations to come, inspiring new heights of creativity and innovation in the field of audio engineering.