For those of us in the professional recording industry, the mere mention of Rupert Neve elicits a sense of awe and respect. Renowned for his legendary contributions to the world of audio engineering, Rupert's circuit designs have become synonymous with unparalleled sound quality and innovation.

The Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console builds on these time-tested philosophies. Drawing inspiration from his iconic 80 Series consoles, the 5088 delivers legendary sonic character with custom high voltage, discrete op-amp cards, and custom transformers on every input and output. The resulting console provides extended headroom, dynamic range and frequency response, and extremely low noise and distortion.

In our latest video, Vintage King's Stephen Handy chats with Chris Dauray from Rupert Neve Designs for an in-depth discussion on the iconic 5088 console. Continue on after the video to learn more about the console and the latest updates for Spring 2025.

 

Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Console

At its core, the 5088 is an expandable 16-channel line mixer with 8 group buses, 8 auxiliary sends, 4 stereo effects returns, and a stereo output bus. Available in 8, 16, 32, 28, 64, and 80-channel configurations, each 5088 console is built to spec for each engineer. 

Thanks to its modular design, channel strips and processing modules like preamps, EQs, and dynamics can be added or removed as needed. Learn more about the different modules available with the RND 5088 in our Buyer’s Guide.

While Rupert’s classic channel strips are a key part of this console’s sound, the true heart of the 5088 lies under the hood.

Single-Sided Fully Discrete Amplification

Designed especially for the 5088 console, RND’s all-new, fully discrete analog architecture represents a culmination of Rupert’s vast knowledge of analog circuitry. Custom high-voltage op-amps completely eliminate crossover distortion, resulting in extended headroom, dynamic range, and frequency response.

Custom Audio Transformers 

Transformers have always been a huge part of the Rupert Neve sound. In fact, every audio transformer used in a Rupert Neve Designs product is designed and manufactured for that specific circuit. When it comes to the 5088 console, RND included custom transformers on every input and output to recreate the sweet, musical tonality found in Rupert’s beloved vintage designs. 

Unparalleled Dynamic Range

These custom op-amps and audio transformers work together to produce a 10 dB greater dynamic range than any of Rupert’s previous designs. While it may not seem like much, those extra 10 dB extend downward to capture the quietest signals—those typically lost in the noise floor—resulting in a more complete listening experience.

New Updates For 2025

Rupert Neve Designs recently announced that the 5088 will receive several new modules, features, and amenities in Spring 2025. Continue below to learn more about these updates.

5053 Transformer-Gain Mic Pre & Inductor EQ: This new module for the console’s penthouse delivers a sonic character resembling Rupert Neve’s classic console designs. It features an additional custom RND transformer, which provides the first 15dB of mic pre gain into the input stage. The input section is now nearly identical to the best-selling Shelford Channel.

5022 Dual Mic Pre: This new penthouse module expands the number of available inputs by offering two Class-A, electronically balanced mic preamps. Each module features two variable high-pass filters and a dedicated variable Silk/Texture control for each input.

Stereo Input Channel: This module now includes direct outputs for both the left and right channels.

Mono Input Channel: Input functionality remains the same, but the labeling on each module has been updated to Tape, Line, and Line 2.

SwiftMix™ 2.0: All new 5088s are shipping with the latest version of Rupert Neve Designs’ moving fader automation system. The new system includes motorized, touch-sensitive, high-resolution faders available in mono or stereo configurations, support for up to 64 channels of automation, and updated software featuring a control plug-in that allows automation data to be stored within your DAW session.

Schedule A Demo

If you're located in LA, Vintage King Los Angeles is one of the only places on the West Coast where you can demo the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 with the new updates for 2025. Visit our showroom page to sign up for a demo. 

Not in Los Angeles? No problem! You can schedule a virtual demo session from anywhere in the world. Fill out the form on our blog to schedule a virtual demo today or visit the following links to schedule a demo appointment at one of our showroom locations.