Neve Desktop Dynamics

Neve is expanding its range of desktop products with the introduction of the 88C – dual desktop dynamics. Featuring the powerful dynamics section from the flagship 88R console, the 88C delivers the iconic sound quality, versatile control, and legendary character, providing a professional, polished finish for studios of any size.

VCA Legacy

First introduced in the 1970s with the 50 Series consoles, Neve’s VCA compressors set a new standard for precise and versatile compression. This groundbreaking technology became a cornerstone of Neve consoles, featuring prominently in the legendary VR and 88R series. Now, the same engineering expertise behind these iconic designs has crafted the 88C, bringing the signature console sound to all studios, in a compact and accessible format.

Iconic Sound Quality

Building on this rich pedigree, the Neve 88R dynamics section has earned a reputation for its warm, smooth, and musical compression. Now reimagined in the 88C, it delivers the signature Neve sound with enhanced clarity and punch, all while maintaining the natural tone of your recordings.

Versatile Control

Equipped with adaptive attack, release, and ratio settings, the 88C mirrors the precision and versatility of the 88R dynamics section. These features allow for exceptional control over transient response and overall dynamics, making the 88C perfectly suited for a variety of musical genres and studio applications. Designed as a true workhorse, it delivers consistent performance in even the most demanding situations.

Legendary Character

The 88C captures the subtle yet distinctive character of the 88R’s dynamics processor, delivering a professional, polished finish to your tracks. This iconic sound, revered by many high-end studios such as Abbey Road, Air Studios, Fox and Capitol Studios, is now accessible to elevate mixes in any studio environment.

Desktop Design

The iconic 88R dynamics section is now reimagined in a dual, compact desktop format, powered via modern USB-C for ultimate portability. Offering Neve’s renowned console sound and professional-grade dynamics processing, the 88C brings studio-quality performance to home studios and smaller setups, all in a sleek, bus-powered design. The 88C is optimised to be the perfect partner for the 88M, or as a standalone desktop compressor.

The 88C is expertly designed in the UK by the renowned Neve engineering team and manufactured in their Burnley HQ alongside their latest 88R console builds.

Joe Heaton, Product Specialist at AMS Neve says, “The 88RS console channel strip compressor is simply the greatest sounding dynamics processor I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. However, due to the nature of the two-ton premier studio console, 88R analogue circuitry is simply out of reach for a huge number of Neve-aspiring producers.

We’re extremely proud to bring the 88R technology to the desktop format and have designed the 88C to be the ideal compressor for the immensely successful 88M, as well as a powerful standalone compressor for any studio.”

Key Feature Snapshot

• Two complete VCA compressors, derived from the 88R console channel strip.
• Compact, portable, rugged format: following on from the success of the 88M two channel mic preamp.
• USB-C bus power: powered directly from your laptop for ultimate portability – a world first.
• Professional balanced connections – all inputs and outputs are professionally balanced TRS connectors for simple integration into your studio.
• Optimised Gain Reduction: With a maximum +18 threshold and limiting capabilities, the 88C pairs perfectly with the Neve 88M for precise transient control.
• Comprehensive Metering: Three independent meters for input, gain reduction, and output, allowing precise tuning of your compression from input to output.
• Brick Wall Limiting: Ratios from 1:1 to full limiting, enabling tracking, mixing, or mastering with exceptional precision.
• Adaptive Attack Technology: Automatically responds to transients while preserving the character of your recordings.
• Auto Release: Triple time constant technology provides program-dependent auto-release, streamlining workflow and saving studio time.
• Automatic Anti-Breathe Technology: Prevents unwanted artifacts from sudden level drops, protecting the integrity of your recordings.
• True Bypass: Enables seamless A/B comparison for your mix by connecting the input directly to the output terminals, giving peace of mind when applying compression.
• Precision Dynamics: VCA feed-forward technology with continuously variable controls offers ultimate adaptability and precision in your studio.
• Mono/Dual/Stereo Linking: Each channel can operate individually or be linked via VCA bus, delivering the iconic Neve 88R sound at any point in the recording or mixing process.
• Variable Sidechain Filtering: Three additional sidechain filters fine-tune the compressors response, preventing over-compression and allowing you to focus the 88C onto the frequencies you want to enhance.

The 88C will be available to order from your local dealer, shipping straight away.