Following the Genesys Black console, AMS Neve has unveiled the Neve 8424 – a small-format console with a large-format performance based on the company’s 80-series console range.

The 8424 console is designed to meet the needs of hybrid studio working, where the speed of in-the-box workflow is enhanced with the sound quality of analogue outboard gear. Designed to be straightforward and accessible, the desk provides a centralised platform with extensive connectivity, an providing an ergonomic connection between the outboard analogue processing, analogue synths and instruments, and DAW workflow, software plug-ins and session recall.

Capitalising on Neve’s 60-year technical heritage and analogue circuit design, the British-designed 8424 fits many different applications, designed to appeal equally to music producers artists’ project studios, small professional recording studios and educational facilities. This compact, budget-conscious desk delivers everything needed to record, mix, monitor and master music quickly, marrying Neve’s sonic fingerprint with the speed and flexibility required for today’s connected workflows.

The 8424’s dual-input channel strip allows switching between recording and mixing inputs without additional patching. Simple input connectivity via 24 line-level inputs, dual 1073 preamps, and dual instrument DI channels accommodate all types of input, and allow performers to record directly from the control room, taking advantage of the 8424’s dual cue mix system with talkback/return talkback capability and dual headphone amplifiers.

The 8424 offers 24 DAW returns across 24 channel faders or, for larger DAW sessions, a 48-Mix mode that allows a total of 48 mono inputs with individual level and pan controls to be mixed through the 8424’s Marinair transformer-coupled stereo mix bus. Engineers can take advantage of the 8424’s mono and stereo aux buses to connect outboard units and route them back into the console’s two dedicated stereo reverb returns. Four mono groups with two-band shelving EQ, Inserts, and Direct Outs suit the console to stem mixing. The 8424 stereo mix bus gives true voltage mixing into Marinair transformers, as found in the Neve 80-series consoles, alongside additional features such as Stereo Insert, two-band shelving EQ and Neve’s proprietary Stereo Width control.

Each Channel, Group and Stereo Mix bus has its own switchable insert point, giving a level of connectivity to analogue outboard units only found on large-format consoles. Dual onboard 500 series slots allow engineers to customise the signal chain and build a modular hybrid recording system, all connected and centralized through the 8424 console.

The 8424’s onboard recall further integrates the console into the modern hybrid studio workflow. This unique feature enables this pure analogue console to save, load, and recall all settings, faders and pot positions for on a session-by-session basis. With this unrestricted workflow, engineers can take advantage of all analogue features without the added worry of losing console settings and wasting studio time.

‘Modern small studio hybrid setups often lack analogue metering, signal routing, talkback and accurate control room monitoring options, key features that only large-format studio consoles deliver,’ says AMS Neve Distribution Manager, David Walton. ‘Our engineers wanted to put these features back into the heart of the 8424 console, giving artists, producers and engineers the professional tools required to work faster, smarter and more effectively.’

Walton adds that by providing a central hub that brings various pieces of audio equipment together, combined with a high-channel analogue summing count, the 8424 console assists the modern studio workflow, giving users the capability of working on large sessions with an easy transition from working in-the-box. ‘In any configuration, the 8424 console offers an excellent studio control surface with comprehensive monitoring and signal routing capabilities. This eliminates the typical collection of awkwardly interfaced devices and puts a proper Neve console back in the heart of the studio.’

Key features:

• Two Inputs Per Channel.
• Third channel strip Input for dual-layer use.
• Marinair Transformers on Mix, AFL, Cue bus.
• Large-format console centre cection.
• Internal Snapshot system to Save/Load/Recall all console settings.
• 500 series slots for internal expansion options.
• 1073 preamps and DI inputs with Smart Routing.
• In-line console capability.
• 25-way D-Type and Balanced Jack Inputs on rear and on front.

More: www.ams-neve.com