Inspired by his sought-after vintage designs, the Rupert Neve Designs 551 Inductor EQ is Mr. Neve's first 500 Series EQ. Featuring Class A gain blocks, custom-wound inductors and transformers, and and a few modern updates, the 551 delivers the beefy lows, punchy midrange, and sweet highs of Rupert's classic inductor equalizers - in the convenient 500 Series format.
Pack your 500 Series rack with Classic Neve EQ
The Rupert Neve Designs 551 is a 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ inspired by classic Neve console equalizers. The low-frequency band is revered for its creamy, rich bass. Unlike Rupert's vintage designs, however, the 551's LF band may be used in either a peak or shelf mode to give you amazing control over the punch and girth of your low end. The 551's inductor midrange band is perfect for sweetening vocals and instruments while nudging them forward in your mix. For those problematic frequencies, the mid band's proportional-Q response is just what the doctor ordered. The high-frequency band is a hybrid vintage/modern design that blends classic inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to give you vintage sound with enhanced control.
Low-feedback, Class A discrete electronics make the difference
Rupert Neve Designs uses low-feedback, Class A discrete electronics in each EQ section of the 551, and these make a vital contribution to the equalizer's overall sound. And while these design elements are very much "vintage Neve," the 551 also leverages contemporary components and techniques that weren't possible back in the day, giving you the best of old and new.
The magical sound of Neve
Rupert Neve is an audio legend whose electronics designs defined the golden age of analog. Those of us who have had the privilege of working on a Neve 8078 or its predecessors can attest to the fact that Neve's Series 80 consoles were indeed the pinnacle of hand-wired analog mixing desks. Mr. Neve has remained at the forefront of audio-circuit innovation for over half a century, and his current company, Rupert Neve Designs, continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge products that sound incredible and intelligently address the challenges of the digital age. If you're still not quite sure what the fuss is all about, check out Dave Grohl's documentary, "Sound City."
Features
- 3-band, 500 Series EQ that delivers classic Neve sound
- 8k/16k HF peak/shelf
- Selectable MF boost/cut with Hi-Q
- Selectable peak/shelf LF boost/cut
- 80Hz highpass filter
