TEST: Rupert Neve Design Master Bus Transformer

 Like so many other things in life, the polarization within the studio scene regarding hardware vs. software seems to be increasing hourly. At the moment, software is in the lead due to the significantly higher output of new apps or plug-ins, but the heavy analog powerhouses are stubbornly holding their own in the signal chain, especially in the professional sector, due to their consistently "better" sound. The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer is also one of these mastering powerhouses, which, as a bus channel strip, combines several processors in one product to give the final mix or a subgroup the final touch.

The construction of the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer

The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer comes in a 2U version and weighs quite a bit at just under 7 kg. Although this shouldn't really be a deciding factor when rack mounting, it should still be remembered that you may need to check the load on the rack rails a little due to the leverage effect. The product was designed exclusively for rack use, which is evident from the fact that no rubber feet or other materials were included with the product.

The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer is, as expected, completely stereo. On the back we find two TRS-XLR combo sockets, right / left, plus the corresponding outputs and a ground lift switch. The on-off switch is beautifully embedded in a plastic frame so that it cannot be accidentally switched on or off, but can only be deactivated or activated with a little sensitivity in the truest sense of the word. Finally, we find a cold device socket below the power switch.

The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer was designed to give the mix more character, color and "enhancement", for which the product has an input and output section, several equalizers, a compressor, a stereo widener and a harmonic generator. It therefore differs in several ways from the MBC (Master Bus Compressor) or the MBP (Master Bus Processor), which influence the signal in a more traditional way.

As with almost all Rupert Neve Designs products, the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer is based on the predominant use of transformers, which are an important part of the sound shaping of the product, as they ensure the appropriate depth, saturation and coloration of the signal. Several of these elements are used in the various stages of the product and are thus once again responsible for the typical Rupert Neve sound, which has become a kind of benchmark in certain areas of signal processing for decades.

The individual stages of the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer

All controls in the following stages are also rastered and run with an excellent feel. The individual stages of the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer are divided as follows:

INPUT: The input area is divided into a push button and two rotary controls. The red knob is the input control, which allows an amplification of minus 12 dB to plus 12 dB, a value which makes sense considering the line signal, while the black knob enables a high-pass filter, which starts between 15 and 100 Hz and is switched via the colored push button. This section also has two LEDs which visually display the input level of the signal. Since the product is often driven into saturation, it is not surprising that no LED chains were used, but only individual LEDs, which visually display the subtle overdriving of the signal using a somewhat coarser resolution, but which is certainly partly intended.

EQUALIZER: The next level is an equalizer, which consists of two shelving areas with 3 Oct. range each, one for the bass and one for the treble range. This is more of an approach that is familiar from the sound control of earlier stereo systems, where the upper and lower frequency ranges can also be adjusted to personal taste or the speakers used using a simple shelving sound control. The equalizers have a frequency range of 30 Hz to 240 Hz in the bass range and 3 kHz to 24 kHz in the treble range. Both equalizers can be operated with plus and minus 9 dB, and a separate push button switches this level on individually if required.

COLOR COMP: The next stage, known as Color Comp, has two functions. You can use it as a regular compressor, but you also have the option of coloring the signal using the stage due to the way the compressor works optically. The stage has two push buttons, one to activate/deactivate the compressor and a ratio switch, which works with two presets, high and low. This section also has five controls, two of which should be relatively familiar with threshold and release, and another make-up gain control, which increases the signal by up to 20 dB. Quite unusual, however, is a high-pass filter in the sidechain area, which works between 20 and 350 Hz, and especially a blend control, which can be used to implement parallel compression from 0 to 100%. Another LED shows how much the signal is reduced depending on the gain setting.

WIDTH: The next stage deals with the stereo widening of the incoming signal.
Two controls allow you to set the intensity of the stereo widening and the frequency range to which the stereo widening should apply. The frequency range is particularly important, as you like to keep the low bass frequencies in the center, while you only aim for stereo widening via the mid and high range. This stage can also be activated separately.

SUPER SILK: The last stage of the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer is also the most unusual stage, or rather it refers to other products that have already been released under the Rupert Neve Designs label. It is the Super Silk stage, in which a total of four processors work. All four deal more or less with harmonic distortions, which can be individually mixed into the original signal. We have the Blue control, which deals with the bass and low-mid range, and we have the Red control, which deals with the high mids and highs. There is also a separate Harmonics control, which generally regulates the saturation. We also have a separate on/off switch for the stage and we have a so-called Zener Drive, which is a kind of booster for harmonic distortion and thus refers even more to the typical 70s sound that Rupert Neve made so famous.

The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer in practice

The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer is indeed something for connoisseurs in the best sense of the word. Of course, it is possible to use extreme settings, especially in the area of ​​saturation, to conjure up strong sound effects on the incoming signal, so that you really notice a striking effect. Especially in combination with the compressors and the Super Silk stage, a great murmur goes through the room as soon as you work intensively with the controls. However, this effect is significantly reduced if you pull the incoming signal to 0 dB via normalization and actually only allow the sound effect to come into play.

However, you notice how much the product leaves its mark on the sound the moment you jump back from the last sound file to the first sound file and you have the feeling that you have made some kind of connection error or that you have accidentally placed a paper napkin over the tweeters. The individual processing steps are extremely fine and subtle and enhance the signal enormously without being too pretentious. Everyone has to find out for themselves to what extent the classic British sound appeals to them. However, if you like the typical console sound of the 70s or 80s, the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bass Transformer is a very good tool for implementing your personal sound ideas.

A truly outstanding product.

Conclusion

With the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer, the successor company to the console pope has once again offered an excellent tool for individual stereo signal processing.

The product, which is manufactured in the USA, is excellently crafted and offers a classic British sound in various processing stages. In total or in bus operation, a real asset for every incoming signal.

Definitely try it out!

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Additional Informations:

When it comes to achieving pristine audio quality in a recording studio, the microphone channel strip is an indispensable piece of equipment. This versatile device combines several audio processing elements into a single unit, providing comprehensive control over the sound of the incoming microphone signal. Among the myriad options available, the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip stands out for its blend of traditional analog warmth and modern digital precision. In this article, we delve into the advantages and disadvantages of using an Outgear Microphone Channel Strip, offering an in-depth analysis to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your recording setup.

#### The Anatomy of a Channel Strip

Before we delve into the specifics of the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip, it's important to understand what a channel strip entails. Typically, a channel strip includes a microphone preamplifier, an equalizer (EQ), a compressor, and sometimes additional features like de-essers, limiters, and noise gates. This all-in-one approach allows engineers to shape the sound comprehensively before it reaches the recording medium, whether that's an analog tape machine or a digital audio workstation (DAW).

#### Advantages of the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip

**1. Exceptional Sound Quality**

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in an Outgear Microphone Channel Strip is its superior sound quality. The preamp section is designed with high-grade components that provide a clean and transparent amplification of the microphone signal. This ensures that even the most subtle nuances of the vocal or instrument performance are captured with fidelity. The analog circuitry imbues the signal with a warmth and depth that is highly prized in professional recording circles.

**2. Comprehensive Control**

The Outgear Channel Strip offers a comprehensive suite of controls that allow for precise shaping of the audio signal. The EQ section typically features multiple bands with adjustable frequency, gain, and bandwidth (Q), enabling fine-tuned sculpting of the sound. The compressor section includes threshold, ratio, attack, release, and makeup gain controls, providing the flexibility to handle everything from subtle dynamic smoothing to aggressive peak limiting.

**3. Integration of Analog and Digital Technologies**

Another significant advantage of the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip is its seamless integration of analog and digital technologies. While the preamp and EQ sections are purely analog, some models include digital processing features such as recallable settings and USB connectivity for integration with a DAW. This hybrid approach allows users to enjoy the best of both worlds: the sonic character of analog gear and the convenience of digital control.

**4. Versatility**

Versatility is a hallmark of the Outgear Channel Strip. Whether you're recording vocals, acoustic instruments, electric guitars, or even drums, this channel strip can handle it all. The robust construction and high-quality components ensure reliable performance across a wide range of applications. Additionally, the unit often includes various input and output options, making it adaptable to different studio configurations.

**5. Built-in Enhancements**

Many Outgear Channel Strips come equipped with built-in enhancements such as a de-esser for taming sibilance in vocal recordings, a high-pass filter for removing unwanted low-frequency rumble, and a noise gate for reducing background noise. These features enhance the functionality of the channel strip, providing additional tools for achieving a polished and professional sound.

#### Disadvantages of the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip

**1. Price**

One of the most significant drawbacks of the Outgear Microphone Channel Strip is its price. High-quality components and meticulous engineering come at a cost, making this channel strip a substantial investment. While the price is justified by the performance and features offered, it may be prohibitive for hobbyists or those just starting in the recording industry.

**2. Learning Curve**

The comprehensive control offered by the Outgear Channel Strip can also be a double-edged sword. For those new to audio engineering, the multitude of knobs, switches, and settings can be overwhelming. Mastering the use of each section (preamp, EQ, compressor) and understanding how they interact requires a significant amount of time and experience. This learning curve can be daunting for beginners, potentially leading to suboptimal use of the equipment.

**3. Size and Portability**

The Outgear Channel Strip, like many high-end audio processors, tends to be bulky and heavy. This can be an issue for studios with limited space or for engineers who need to transport their gear frequently. While the robust construction is an asset in terms of durability, it does pose challenges in terms of portability and setup flexibility.

**4. Maintenance**

With its complex analog circuitry, the Outgear Channel Strip requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Components such as tubes (if applicable), capacitors, and switches can wear out over time and may need replacement. Additionally, analog gear is more susceptible to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes, which can affect performance and longevity.

**5. Limited Digital Features**

While the integration of analog and digital technologies is an advantage, it also highlights a potential limitation. The digital features offered by the Outgear Channel Strip are often less comprehensive than those found in fully digital alternatives. For instance, advanced digital processors may offer extensive automation, detailed visual feedback, and more complex signal processing capabilities. Users who prioritize these digital features might find the Outgear's digital integration somewhat limited.

#### Conclusion

The Outgear Microphone Channel Strip is a powerful tool that brings together the best aspects of analog warmth and digital precision. Its exceptional sound quality, comprehensive control, and versatile features make it a valuable asset in any professional recording studio. However, its high price, steep learning curve, and maintenance requirements may pose challenges for some users. For those who can navigate these challenges, the Outgear Channel Strip offers an unparalleled level of audio control and enhancement, making it a worthy investment for achieving top-tier recordings.

In the end, the choice to invest in an Outgear Microphone Channel Strip depends on your specific needs, experience level, and budget. By weighing the pros and cons outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your recording goals and ensures the best possible results for your projects.