Neve Microphone Preamps: Are
they the best Preamp Ever?
Read on for an overview of the Neve Microphone
Preamplifier
Introduced first in 1972 by Neve, the 1081 channel amplifier
was create with the purpose of providing the mic/line-amp and EQ sections in Series 80 Neve consoles such as the
8016, 8024, 8028, 8034, 8036, 8038, 8048 and 8078 split monitor consoles and the 8058, 8068 and 8088 in-line
monitor consoles.
Over thirty years later, projects that were partially or
fully recorded through these modules continue to dominate Billboard's charts. The 1081's availability continues to
decrease as its price increases as the years go by. However, AMS/Neve thankfully resumed the production of the 1081
module a few years ago using the original components and construction methods.
Neve originally claimed in its sales brochure that the 1081 provides not only wide range control of sensitivity and
effective high and low pass filters designed to separate unwanted signal outside the passband, but also provides
the operator a flexible tool with which he can create new sounds and control any part of the audio spectrum. The
curves and slopes have been carefully fitted to be musically related which enables the operator to exercise maximum
technical and artistic skill. Fully enclosed and fully screened with covers on both sides providing easy access,
the unit is made especially for the comfort of the operator.
Features
The 1081 Classic is available in a choice of two rugged metal housings which provide power supply, phantom power
switching and level controls for each module and connectors for balanced inputs (mic and line) and outputs, or it
is available as a stand-alone module. The AM3631 chassis has two modules mounted horizontally in a 3U, 19-inch
rackmounting unit. The AM3630 chassis has 8 modules vertically in a 7U, 19" rack-mounting frame. Both chassis
options have rear panel mounted XLRs for transformer balanced I/O; a 25-pin D-sub connector for solo and spare
switch contacts and unbalanced outputs; and an IEC connector for power. The 1081 Classic modules cost $4000/each,
the AM3631 is $2,500 and the AM3630 is $4,200.
The stand-alone 1081's front panel is 1.8 inches x 12 inches like the original. The modules are 12 inches deep and
weigh 6.6 pounds. The two-module AM3631 chassis is 5 inches high (3U) and weighs 37 pounds when fully loaded. The
eight-module AM3630 chassis is 12 inches high (7U) and weighs 101 pounds when fully loaded. The chassis' power
supply is a universal input type so no operating voltage setting is required.
The balanced 1081 Classic has a switchable microphone input impedance of 300 or 1200 ohms with an adjustable gain
of +80 to +10 dB in 5 dB steps. The line input impedance is 10k ohms bridging, with an adjustable gain of +20 to
-15 dB in 5 dB steps. The maximum output level is +26 dB into 600 ohms.
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