Hutch’s association with Manley Laboratories, Inc. began in the early 1990’s first as a Manley amplifier customer while chief tech at Electric Lady Studios and continued as a Manley dealer when he started Uptime Audio in New York City. In 1994 Manley Labs hired Hutch to rebuild a 1969 vintage Neve console. After that project was completed and commissioned, Hutch relocated to California to work at Manley Labs full time. In 1996 Hutch took over as Chief Designer at Manley Labs and has since then produced such industry standards as the Langevin HP-101 headphone mixer, the Manley Massive Passive Stereo EQ, Manley 16×2 Mixers, and the acclaimed Manley SLAM! Stereo Limiter.

“Hutch has always had one hero in this business, and that’s Rupert Neve. When Hutch was given the offer to mentor directly under Rupert at Rupert Neve Designs, I agreed with him that it was a wonderful opportunity for him that he could not pass up. We are truly happy for Hutch.”, says owner of Manley Labs, EveAnna Manley.

As Rupert Neve Designs has expanded in recent years it became apparent that a senior designer was needed to collaborate with Rupert to ensure the design torch would be carried into the next generation. There was always one name that came up again and again as the ideal candidate, and that of course, was Hutch. In his new position as Senior Design Engineer, Hutch will work alongside Rupert and the existing design team to help shape the future of recording studio electronics.

For Rupert Neve, the move is a tremendous opportunity. “For over the last twenty years I’ve seen Hutch become one of the world’s foremost audio circuit designers, and it is both a privilege and an honor to have him join our team of engineers. We share a design philosophy, and I’m excited to be working with him on the next ranges of gear from RND”

Engineering duties at Manley Labs will be continued by the rest of the team including veteran vacuum tube-man Mitch Margolis who has already created several Manley hifi models as well as several studio products for Groove Tubes. EveAnna continues, “Hutch’s departure has been completely amicable. Hutch and I will continue our professional relationship. He has simply begun a new journey through another open door.”

Since having commissioned the original Focusrite “Forte #002″ at Electric Lady Studios all those years ago, Hutch has always had an affinity for Rupert’s designs. Hutch states, “When I was working in studios making music, I always felt that Rupert did me a favor by providing great sounding, reliable equipment. Now have the opportunity to repay that favor, to assist him in developing innovative and inspired gear to continue his lineage for future generations.”

Lloyd produced, engineered, sang, and played all the guitars, bass and drums on “The Radiant Monkey,” then had a drummer learn and replace his original percussion tracks. “Out of 24 tracks all but five are through the 5012,” he reports.

He elaborates, “I recorded the new record with seven mics on the drums: two ribbons overhead, two ribbons in front, kick and snare, and a room mic. I used the 5012 for either the two overheads, which were Beyer 160s, or in front of the kit, where I used a stereo pair of the Royer 121 or the AEA R84–it switched, back and forth.” Apart from the bass, which was recorded direct, he continues, “Absolutely everything else went through the 5012–all the vocals, and all the guitars, which were usually recorded in a stereo pair with a Royer 121 and a Turner Model 500 cardioid.”

Lloyd maintained a short and clean path to the 24-track digital recorder in his private studio. “There are no effects whatsoever on any of the guitars. No fuzz boxes, no chorus, no echo, just guitar straight into an amp. And I hardly used EQ,” he reveals, adding, “But the 5012 has to have the greatest high pass filter. It’s an extremely pleasant sweep. I usually set it between 60 and 80Hz. You never hear it, but it’s taking away the vibrations that might be coming through the mic stand.”

Plus, he adds, “I started using the Silk button in and out, but it finally found its way in. Now it never comes off.” The Silk switch introduces the classic warmth and presence of Mr. Neve’s renowned audio circuit designs to the output signal.

Lloyd has picked up engineering techniques over the years from the likes of Andy Johns and has honed them over the course of his last few album projects. “I love engineering,” he comments. “You always let someone else do it and end up unsatisfied. Finally, I’m satisfied.” As a result, he says, “I think ‘The Radiant Monkey’ is the best thing I’ve ever done, short of being involved in ‘Marquee Moon.’” That album, Television’s debut release, is consistently included on lists of the best of the period and of all time by critics and listeners alike.

Regarding the 5042, he says, “I don’t mind crispness, but digital crispness is wearying to listen to. Mixing through the 5042 softens the entire soundscape. So the whole record is mixed through the 5042 and also a stereo tube compressor.”

Lloyd was an early adopter of the 5012, acquiring serial number 6. “I really liked it right away,” he recalls. “It has girth. If I had a 24-track board of nothing but 5012s I’d be happy. People argue that the older Neve stuff is better, but this new stuff is not only smaller but it’s a complete workhorse. If I’m doing two tracks at a time it’s the only thing I’m going to use.”

In addition to the new solo project, his first of all-new material since 2000’s “The Cover Doesn’t Matter,” Lloyd used the Portico 5012 when replacing guitar and vocal tracks on the recent deluxe reissue of his 1985 “Field of Fire” album. “I did almost a complete re-do; sometimes I kept only the drums and redid everything else. All the redone vocals and guitars went through the 5012.”

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

For further information on the Rupert Neve Designs Portico Series, please visit www.rupertneve.com.

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Media Contacts: Steve Harvey Media Medium Tel: (818) 909-9790 E-mail: mediamedium@yahoo.com

Rupert Neve Designs, 11 Flite Acres Road, Wimberly, TX 78676. Tel: (512) 847-3013 Fax: (512) 847-8869 E-mail: info@rupertneve.com

Scalable from a straightforward 16-channel mixer of the highest quality up to a fully featured, large format console, the 5088 combines timeless sound quality with an unmatched heritage. The real power of the 5088 lies in Rupert Neve�s all-new custom transformer and op-amp designs which produce 10dB greater dynamic range than any of his previous designs. The additional dynamic range is extended downwards to encompass the extremely small, often out-of-band signals, usually ignored that go to complete our listening perspective, making sounds warmer, sweeter and fuller.

Unlike previous console designs which require a massive upfront investment and include many redundant features, the 5088 allows engineers to use their existing outboard gear and adapt to the constantly changing music business. The standard 5088 configuration has 16 input channels, 8 group channels, 4 Stereo FX Returns and a comprehensive monitor section. To increase the number of total input modules, 16 channel expansion chassis may be joined seamlessly to the main frame to create a console with 32, 48, 64, or more channels. Individual channel strips may be customized as well, depending on the facilities needs, by incorporating one or two Penthouse frame extensions that utilize Portico Mic Pre, Compression, EQ and FX modules in the signal path.

The 5088 at SMPTE is a demonstration unit for Rupert Neve Designs exclusive Australian Distributor ATT Audio Controls and is the first to be shown publicly. So far over a dozen 5088 systems have been confirmed, with deliveries expected in August.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer

�The Rupert Neve Designs 5088 desk will be the centerpiece of our new demonstration studio and training facility,� said James Young, Managing Director of Sonic Distribution. �We are firm believers in letting our customers try equipment on a project before purchasing and look forward to providing them with the opportunity to work on the latest and greatest analogue mixing desk from Mr. Rupert Neve. The sound quality and performance of Mr. Neve�s audio designs are legendary and we expect the 5088 to become a modern classic.�

�Owners can custom configure the 5088 to include whatever combination of Rupert Neve Designs Portico mic preamp, EQ and dynamics processing modules works best for them,� added Mitch Carey, Sonic Distribution�s Communications Director. �As the studio grows, or if the focus of its work changes, the 5088 can be easily expanded or reconfigured accordingly, making the desk a timeless and future-proof investment.�

Mr. Rupert Neve was recently a guest of honor at the grand opening of the Sonic Distribution demonstration studio, along with some of the biggest names in pro audio, including producer, engineer and mixer Bob Clearmountain and the head of sE Electronics, Siwei Zou. The occasion also marked the start of Sonic Distribution�s sixth year in business.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

The depth control of the 5014 adjusts the spatial positioning of elements in the sound stage. A lead instrument or vocal can be placed up front in a mix and supporting instruments can be pushed back and adjust the placement of elements on the sound stage. In many cases, a center panned vocalist can be placed forward in a mix or virtually eliminated without adversely affecting the music bed.

The difference channel insert and eq creates new opportunities to manipulate stereo signals. In mastering use, lead vocals can be brought up or down in a mix, excessively sibilant overheads can be controlled, and mixes that were once beyond repair can be saved. As a creative tool the difference channel insert in on the 5014 are only limited by the users creativity.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

Tags: Stereo, Recording, Neve, Studio, Music

Built in Texas to ensure the highest quality construction, the 5016 represents two channels of uncompromising performance and unique features for only $1195 (U.S. list price).

The independent DI channel is transformer- coupled, incorporating selectable instrument or line level inputs, up to 30dB gain and a variable phase control that allows a direct input to be manually phase aligned in relation to the microphone signal. This is necessary because acoustically derived signals from a microphone can never be exactly phase-coherent when combined with signals from stringed instrument pickups or electronic keyboards. When the loudspeaker of a guitar amplifier is used with a microphone, further phase inconsistencies arise. When using the 5016 as both mic pre and DI, utilizing the new variable phase control can eliminate these phase anomalies. The 5016 also includes a traditional phase reverse switch. These features allow for unprecedented control and new creative options when recording musical instruments.

The preamp channel of the 5016 is identical to the 5012�s renowned preamp and is designed for a wide variety of sources ranging from vocals to percussive instruments. The 5016 allows gain control from +72dB to -6dB and is provided on a rotary switch with 0dB to 66dB of gain in 6dB steps, and an associated Trim control, offering +/- 6dB of continuously variable adjustment. A fully swept High Pass Filter at 12dB per octave covering the frequency range of 20Hz to 250Hz is also provided and the �Silk� switch provides the classic warmth and presence of Mr. Neve�s renowned audio circuit designs. Switches for mute, phase reverse and 48V phantom power are also included on the front panel.

The 5016 can be ordered in either vertical or horizontal configurations and is designed to be used either out on the cutting room floor, or enclosed in a standard 19�-inch rack frame. As a tool to shape and sweeten instrument or vocal sounds, the Portico 5016 is a tremendous addition to studios of all levels and an extraordinary value for under $1200.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

For further information on the Rupert Neve Designs Portico Series, please visit www.rupertneve.com.

The Rupert Neve Designs 5088, which made its debut at the 121st AES Convention, represents a return to mixing console design and manufacturing for Mr. Rupert Neve, a pioneer of analogue audio designs who created his first circuits 65 years ago and produced his first mixing desk in 1961. The fully discrete 5088 incorporates custom designed input and output transformers, a hallmark of Mr. Neve’s mixing consoles over the years, and is expandable in 16-channel sections (allowing for 32, 48, 64 or more channels).

The 5088 mixing console joins Mr. Rupert Neve’s range of rack-mountable Portico� modules, which include standalone microphone preamplification, equalization, filtering, dynamics control, tape emulation and stereo field editing. With the forthcoming 5088’s assignment, mixing and monitoring capabilities, these individual building blocks in the Portico Range may be combined with existing high quality and vintage input modules to create a fully integrated modular console system.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

Tags: audio, studio, neve, recording, music, AES

The entirely discrete 5088 console incorporates custom designed input and output transformers, a hallmark of Mr. Rupert Neve�s mixing consoles over the years. The 5088 has 16 Mono and 4 Stereo Effects Returns, and is expandable in 16-channel sections (allowing for configurations of 32, 48, 64, 80 �channels etc).

All input modules offer buss/line/tape input selections, transformer-coupled direct outputs which can be configured pre or post fader, eight mix busses, eight auxiliary sends, and 100mm faders with solo/mute capability.

The monitor/master section includes four stereo effects returns, switch able selection of three control room monitor outputs, six monitor sources, AFL/PFL/SIP solo modes, as well as comprehensive talkback and oscillator functions, and a100mm stereo master fader.

Metering is accomplished with two master VU or an optional meter bridge. There is also the option of configuring the 5088 with moving fader automation systems.

Orders for the new Rupert Neve Designs 5088 mixing console are currently being confirmed for delivery in early 2007. Please contact us directly for pricing on custom configurations, integrating Portico Modules and automation options.

The 5088 mixing console joins Mr. Rupert Neve�s range of rack-mountable Portico(tm) modules, which include standalone microphone preamplification, equalization, filtering, dynamics control and tape emulation. With the forthcoming 5088�s assignment, mixing and monitoring capabilities, these individual building blocks in the Portico Range may be combined to with existing high quality and vintage input modules to create a fully integrated modular console system.

Many of Mr. Rupert Neve�s previous designs, including the Neve 80 Series Consoles (8048, 8068, 8078 etc), the 1073 and 1081 modules as well as the original Focusrite ISA series hardware have become some of the most highly prized analogue recording equipment in the business. Rupert Neve Designs Inc., established in 2004, continues to add to that legacy, manufacturing products that embody the principles of very high musical quality that have become synonymous with Mr. Rupert Neve’s name over the years. Early in October of this year, Mr. Rupert Neve will introduce his first new analogue modular mixing console design � the fully discrete, transformer-balanced 5088 � since his return to manufacturing.

The current Portico range manufactured by Rupert Neve Designs Inc. includes the 5012 Mic Preamp, 5032 Mic Pre/EQ, 5033 5-Band EQ, 5042 �True Tape� Emulation and Line Driver, and 5043 Compressor/Limiter. The company will shortly add the 5014 Stereofield Editor and the 5016 Mic Pre/DI to the range of half-rack-space units. The modular 5088 mixing console, available in spring 2007, offers buss/line/tape input selection, transformer-coupled direct outputs and a 100mm fader on each input, with 8 busses and 8 aux sends, and a comprehensive master/monitor section. The 5082 eight-channel vertical format mixer will also be added to the product line-up in 2007.

Born in Newton Abbot in the county of Devonshire in southwestern England, Mr. Rupert Neve�s early years were spent in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his father was an agent for the British and Foreign Bible Society. He began designing audio amplifiers and radio receivers from age 13, and, having returned to England in the late stages of WW II, volunteered to serve in His Majesty’s Royal Signals.

After the war he ran a public address and disc recording business in Plymouth, England, designing and building his own audio equipment, followed by several years of transformer design work for various manufacturers. He founded the Neve Companies in 1961, designing and manufacturing custom equipment for the recording, TV, film and broadcast industries worldwide, including the now legendary Neve consoles and module designs. In 1985, the Neve Companies were acquired by Siemens of Austria. Mr. Rupert Neve subsequently founded Focusrite and continued to design and manufacture consoles and modules. Since 1989, working under the ARN Consultants LLC moniker, Mr. Rupert Neve has put his audio design talents to work as a consultant for a number of U.K. and U.S. manufacturers, including Amek, Legendary Audio Masterpiece Mastering, Summit Audio and Taylor Guitars.

In 1989, Mr. Rupert Neve was inducted into the MIX Tech Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifetime contribution to excellence in recording and sound. In 1997 he was awarded a Technical GRAMMY by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for his contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording field and in the Millennium issue of the U.K. publication Studio Sound he was voted the #1 Audio Personality of the Century, ahead of Ray Dolby and Sir George Martin, by his peers.

Tags: Rupert, Neve, Audio, Studio, Recording,

Built on years of experience and design success, the 5033 represents the signature of excellence that has become synonymous with Mr. Rupert Neve’s name over the years. Whether you’re trying to beef up your low end, carefully carve your mid-range, or make your top end really shine, the 5033 promises to be a staple in your studio toolbox for years to come.

When equalization is required, the 5033 has five swept bands of EQ for the meticulous sculpting of audio signals. High and low shelving filters are engaged using the same push-button, and both are capable of boosting or cutting their respective ranges by 12 dB. The shelving filters range from 30 Hz to 300 Hz for the low shelf and 2.5 kHz to 25 kHz for the high shelf. The three mid-band filters are also capable of +/- 12 dB of gain and have an additional fully variable “Q” control from a broad 0.7 and narrow 5.

Each fully parametric band can be separately engaged and is continuously variable throughout its filter range. The Low-Mid Frequency (LMF) band is continuously variable from 50 Hz to 400 Hz, the Mid Frequency (MF) band is continuously variable from 330 Hz to 2.5 kHz, and the High-Mid Frequency (HMF) range is continuously variable from 2 kHz to 16 kHz. To minimize the signal path and allow for critical A-B listening, there are also five separate filter bypasses.

The 5033 also has a high performance, transformer coupled line driver with continuously variable +/-12dB trim for optimal gain staging and level matching between processed and unprocessed signals. Like many of Mr. Rupert Neve’s classic modules, the line driving circuit adds sweetness, warmth and presence that can greatly benefit signals that are somewhat brittle and lifeless.

Owned exclusively by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.