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The Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console just got a few exciting new updates, making this modern classic even more versatile and adaptable. With two new Shelford modules to choose from, an updated SwiftMix 2.0 system with improved motorized faders, and revised input channel modules, the slogan “Everything you need and nothing you don’t” now rings truer than ever.
We’ve already updated our 5088 Buyer's Guide to include these new features and options, but we wanted to dig a little deeper, so we asked Rupert Neve Designs for a breakdown of the 5088 updates.
The “penthouse” of the RND 5088 is a modular zone that can be configured to house vertical Shelford and Portico modules, 500 Series processors, and even horizontal 19” rack gear. Adding to the roster of Neve vertical modules like the 5052 Mic Pre/Inductor EQ and 5051 Inductor EQ/Compressor, RND recently introduced two new options for the 5088’s penthouse section:
5053 Transformer-Gain Mic Pre + Inductor EQ
The new 5053 channel strip builds on the existing 5052 with the addition of a custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer stage. This premium input transformer provides the first 15 dB of gain to the preamp, giving everything a slightly warmer, more colorful sound and making the 5053 virtually identical in tone to the full-size Shelford Channel.
“The 5052 Penthouse Module actually predates the rack-mount Shelford Channel. At the time, Rupert and his engineering team were chasing maximum clarity and headroom with electronically-balanced mic pre designs. The Shelford Channel was the first mic pre we ever designed that more closely resembles Rupert’s vintage mic pres (1073, 1081, etc), specifically because there is a bespoke stepped transformer in the Shelford Channel mic pre that handles the first 15 dB of gain while also introducing some extra harmonic content, getting clients even closer to that highly coveted vintage sound."
"The Shelford Channel has become so popular over the years that we decided to give 5088 clients the exact same mic pre in our Penthouse Module format. Other than that, the rest of the circuit design in the 5052 and 5053 modules is identical. Also, keep in mind that fitting another custom transformer into the 5053 wasn’t an easy task. So we decided to remove the 5052’s extra I/O—mic pre out, EQ in—in order to sneak in the 5053’s additional custom input transformer."
"In short, the 5052 has a slightly more transparent mic pre than the 5053 with an extra I/O option, while the 5053 prioritizes classic harmonics over everything else, getting clients that much closer to the vintage Rupert Neve Sound while maintaining all the modern benefits the 5088 offers.”
5022 Dual Mic Pre
The 5022 Dual Mic Pre maximizes the input density of your console by providing two Class A microphone preamps with variable Silk saturation in a single vertical module. When paired with the 5088’s optional stereo input module, the 5022 makes it possible to fit up to 32 microphone channels (without EQ) into each 16-slot frame.
“The 5022 is simply a way for 5088 clients to maximize their input count in a smaller frame size. The 5022 features two of our fully Class A mic pres with independently controlled SILK circuits. We know space can be limited in control rooms, especially these days, so we wanted to give clients the option to keep things more compact if necessary. That's why we also added stereo direct outs to our 552 stereo input module—for example, having 16x 5022s with 16x 552 stereo input modules offers clients a really powerful 32-channel solution in a 16-channel footprint, or 8x mono and 8x stereo provides 24 inputs in the same frame size."
The 5088 has also seen a major upgrade to the optional SwiftMix moving fader automation system, including new hardware, software, and a streamlined workflow where all automation data is now conveniently saved with each DAW session. These high-resolution, 100 mm touch-sensitive faders feature 10-bit resolution and come in mono and stereo configurations to match your console configuration. On the software side, SwiftMix 2.0 now supports up to 64 channels of automation, and all automation data is now stored within your DAW sessions for seamless session recall (thanks to a control plugin that replaces the MC5 Master Control Module).
“Ultimately, we needed to upgrade our SwiftMix automation system to be more compatible with modern studios and also be more scalable to support larger 5088 configurations. Our original system was limited to 32 faders and relied heavily on the HUI protocol. Our new system feels like the best of both worlds, providing support for 64 faders and a console automation system that doesn’t rely on HUI but still integrates seamlessly with the DAW. Now all automation data saves directly with the DAW session, but the HUI limitations are gone.”
"We did manage to double the resolution of each fader from 9-bit to 10-bit, which means we now have 1024 steps along the fader instead of 512. This allows for more precise, subtle mix moves to be read/written than ever before. And as we mentioned above, we also support 64 fader systems now, which was a big demand from our client base."
Lastly, RND has made a couple of subtle but important changes to the 5088’s input channel modules. Discrete outputs on the stereo input module and clearer labeling on the mono module provide a smoother and more flexible workflow, and the corresponding I/O labeling on the rear panel has also been updated to reflect these changes.
Clearer Labeling on Mono Input Channels
The “BUSS” input on the 5088’s mono input channels has been relabeled “LINE 2” for clarity. The input selector now reads “TAPE/LINE/LINE 2” instead of “TAPE/LINE/BUSS.”
Discrete Left/Right Outputs on Stereo Input Channels
The 5088’s stereo input channels now feature discrete direct outputs for the left and right channels, giving them greater flexibility to be used as dual-mono channels if necessary.
“We 100% made this change because of client feedback. These days, being able to print stereo stems and mix them down is a crucial part of people’s workflow, and we felt we needed to support that. We’ve been seeing more 5088 configurations using stereo channels lately, and this update makes those stereo channels significantly more flexible."
"Most importantly, we want existing and potential 5088 clients to understand how committed we are to this wholly unique platform. At this point, the 5088 has been commercially available for much longer than any of Rupert’s other console designs. After 15+ years, it keeps putting huge smiles on our clients’ faces. These upgrades prove that the 5088 is a product that already has and will continue to stand the test of time, which was always the goal. This is not a console with planned obsolescence built in—this is a design that will continue to perform at the highest level for decades to come.”
The Neve 5088 is the pinnacle of Rupert Neve’s dedication to analog console design, and these latest updates make it more flexible than ever. Whether you want to populate your desk with a variety of channel strips and outboard gear for mixing or stock it with dual mic pres for maximum I/O density, the 5088 can do it all.
If you’re interested in a custom-configured 5088 for your studio, read our 5088 Buyer's Guide to learn about everything this impressive console can do. And remember, our Audio Consultants are always on hand to help you get the best value on the console of your dreams.
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