Rupert Neve 5088 16-Channel Analog Mixing Console Base Configuration - Shelford Finish

At its core, the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 is an expandable 16 channel line mixer that provides 8 group busses, 8 auxiliary sends, 4 stereo effects returns and a stereo output buss. That basic functionality of input and output routing, meters and faders provides the foundation upon which you can build a console to satisfy your own particular requirements; adding microphone preamplifiers, equalization and dynamics processing – or even more input channels – to suit your facility's needs. And as your studio grows, your 5088 can grow with it. Add stereo input modules, automation, more mic preamps or processing, a producer panel or other custom metalwork…the sky's the limit.

MAIN FRAMES AND EXPANDERS

The 5088 is available with channel counts in multiples of 16 (e.g. 16, 32, 48, and beyond) as well as in a smaller 8 channel frame. The additional 16 channel expander chassis share the same form factor and lock into the sides of the master 5088 frame. Multiple expansion chassis may be added depending on the required channel count. Internal, group, solo, aux and master busses are linked through ribbon cables.

INPUT MODULES

MONO INPUT CHANNELS

Beyond its exceptional sound quality, the 5088 channel strip is designed to effectively handle multiple normalled sources, creating master, group and aux mixes with great efficiency. With 8 auxes, 8 "Groups", "Solo", "Mute", "Send Follows Pan", "Aux to Group", a transformer-coupled direct out and optional motorized fader automation on each channel, even the most complex mixes are within reach. Starting in 2025, labels previously marked as TAPE, LINE, and BUSS inputs now read TAPE, LINE, and LINE 2. Functionality has not changed and is consistent with all previous 541 Mono Input Channel modules.

STEREO INPUT CHANNELS

In lieu of mono input channels with selectable Line 1/Line 2 Inputs, Stereo Input Channels can be fitted to increase the channel count without having to add an expansion chassis. The Stereo Module has all of the group sends, six auxes, individual trims and pans for each channel, plus direct outs for both the Left and Right channels, and a powerful stereo width control. This is an ideal upgrade for smaller consoles that will often be handling stereo stems from the DAW. As of 2025, the Stereo Input Channel Module now includes direct outs for both the Left and Right channels. The model number has also been updated from 551 to 552.

GROUP MODULES

With 4 pairs of FX returns and aux master controls, alongside high-quality 100mm faders, direct outs and transformer-coupled inserts for each of the 8 mix groups, the group master section provides the medium to control 4 stereo stem mixes while tying together an entire array of channel strips. If necessary, the insert returns and stereo FX returns can be used as an additional 16 inputs for summing.

MONITOR MASTER

The monitor master section has 6 source selections, 3 transformer-coupled speaker outputs, talkback, oscillator controls, 2 large VU meters, stereo inserts, stereo level, and control room master level: the iconic big red knob. As with all the other modules, anodized aluminum knobs provide the solid feel and response required for precise adjustments.

THE PENTHOUSE

The standard 16-channel master section penthouse has 25 slots for vertical modules: one above each channel, plus 9 above the group/master sections. Depending on a studio's needs, any combination of Shelford 5053 Transformer Gain Mic Pre + Inductor EQ, Shelford 5052 Mic Pre + Inductor EQ, 5051 Inductor EQ + Compressor, or 5022 Dual Mic Preamp modules can be added to the penthouse. For example, a studio exclusively doing mix work could configure a penthouse with only EQ/compressors and no mic preamps at all; or a small production room could short-load a console with preamps above the first 8 channels, and compressors above each of the groups. This approach allows you to avoid the large costs and redundancies found in nearly every other console.

• Shelford 5053 Transformer Gain Mic Pre/EQ: Building upon the massive success of both the 5052 and the Shelford Channel, the Shelford 5053 Penthouse module provides 5088 clients with a sonic imprint that more closely resembles Rupert Neve's iconic, vintage consoles. With an additional custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer – which specifically provides the first 15dB of mic pre gain – the 5053's input section is virtually identical to the wildly popular Shelford Channel, allowing the 5088 to achieve new levels of rich, vintage-style coloration.
• Shelford 5052 Mic Pre/EQ: The Shelford 5052 echoes the simple and definitive 1073 feature set with a mic preamp, high pass filter, and 3-band inductor EQ, plus modern capabilities like the variable Silk / Texture control and simultaneous pre / post "tape" operation. Utilizing Class A, discrete, ±24V topologies with custom-wound transformers and inductors, Rupert Neve designed the 5052 as a channel strip that captures the soul of his classic designs – without the previous compromises.
• 5022 Dual Mic Pre: The 5022 was designed to maximize the amount of inputs available in one 5088 Penthouse Module by providing two class-A, electronically balanced mic preamps, 2 variable high pass filters, and a variable Silk / Texture control for each input channel.
• Shelford 5051 EQ/Compressor: The 5051 combines a three-band Inductor EQ based on Rupert's vintage designs with the power & flexibility of the Portico II Compressor. With a fully-discrete class-A signal path and custom audio transformers and inductors, the 5051 delivers all the performance and musicality expected from a Rupert Neve design.

THE METERBRIDGE

As an option, any 5088 configuration may be outfitted with a VU meterbridge at an additional cost. The meterbridge features finely calibrated and extremely precise meters for all input and group channels, and can be secured either directly on top of a standard 5088 frame, or to the top of a penthouse rack.

SWIFTMIX 2.0 AUTOMATION

SwiftMix 2.0 is the latest version of RND's moving fader automation system. This system includes motorized, touch-sensitive and high resolution faders in both mono or stereo configurations, support for up to 64 channels of automation, and updated software, complete with a control plugin that allows all console automation data to be stored within each DAW session.

• 100mm motorized touch-sensitive faders control the 5088's superb all-analog signal path (no VCAs), with mono and stereo faders available
• Expanded channel count with up to 64 automated console channels currently supported
• Full 10-bit resolution for tracking subtle automation moves with precision
• All automation data contained in the DAW session with no outdated external computer to manage
• Simple setup with a single USB cable and the all-in-one installer for both the Injektor standalone control app and Mothership control plug-in
• MC5 Master Control Module discontinued