Rupert Neve Designs 5088 16-Channel Main Frame

Different from the inside-out
The circuit topology of the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 is unprecedented. With custom transformers coupling every input and output, (Even the inserts!) the sweet musical performance and bulletproof isolation expected from a Rupert Neve Design are assured. For signal amplification and control, all new, high voltage, discrete op-amp cards have been developed especially for the 5088 that eliminate crossover distortion while offering extended headroom, dynamic range, and frequency response.

Unrivaled Pedigree
The 5088 is a culmination of Mr. Rupert Neve’s vast analogue circuitry knowledge. As his first fully discrete mixing design in over 30 years, the 5088 incorporates and improves upon many of the same concepts, such as single-sided, fully discrete amplification, and complete transformer isolation, which made those original designs classic. Unlike many of those classics however, maintenance is no longer a full time job.

Sound without compromise
To stay current in the recording business you must be able to continuously adapt your environment to the needs at hand. Because the 5088 is completely modular, channels strips and Portico processing modules like EQ, Mic Preamplification and Compression can be added or removed to meet constantly changing demands and eliminate the massive redundancies of consoles from yesteryear.

The Input Channel
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.

The Group Channel
With 4 pairs of FX returns and aux master controls, along side 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.

The Monitor Master
The monitor master section has 6 source selections, 3 transformer coupled speaker outputs, talk back, oscillator controls, 2 VU meters, stereo inserts, stereo level and control room master level. Like the channel and group modules, anodized aluminum knobs provide the solid feel and response needed for precise adjustments.

Adapt and survive

Expansion Chassis
To increase the number of input channels, it is possible to add 5088-16 channel expansion chassis to the standard configuration. These additional chassis share the same form factor and lock into the sides of the master 5088 frame. Multiple expansion chassis may be added depending on what is required. Internal, group, solo, aux and master busses are linked through ribbon cables.

Penthouse Frame
To increase the feature set in each channel strip, one or two penthouse frames may be adjoined to a 5088 regardless of the number of input channels.

The standard master section penthouse has 25 slots for vertically configured Portico modules. Depending on a studio’s needs, any configuration of Mic Pre/EQ’s, Mic Pre/Compressors, Five Band EQ’s, Stereo Compressor’s, True Tape FX, and Stereo Field Editor modules can be added to the penthouse. For example, a studio doing exclusively mix work could configure a penthouse with 5-Band EQ’s on each input channel and then have a mixture of stereo compressors, Tape FX and Stereo Field Editors in the remaining slots since mic pre’s are unnecessary.

A studio that needs mic pre/compression/EQ on every input channel strip could integrate a double penthouse with mic pre/compressors and five band EQ’s, whereas a studio that has an existing large collection of high quality outboard equipment and doesn’t need the additional functionality can forgo the additional modules and penthouses.

Buss System
Once connected through a patchbay, the bussing systems in the Portico modules can be used to enhance workflow by creating normaled connections and multiple signals.

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

Automation
Martin Sound’s Flying Faders, and Tonelux’s Shadow Mix can be included in any 5088 configuration to ad moving fader automation and DAW control functionality.