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Channel Strip

Neve 88RS

Universal Audio

Where to get itAvailable from Universal Audiouaudio.com

The Neve 88RS by Universal Audio is an end-to-end circuit model of the legendary Neve 88RS channel strip from the large-format analog console of the same name. It captures the authentic sound of the hardware's transformer-based mic preamp, four-band EQ, dynamics processors, and output amplifier stage with full modeling of nonlinearities and filter interactions. Designed for tracking and mixing, it includes Unison technology for Apollo interface integration and artist presets from prominent producers.

Written from the manual and checked against it. How we check

Key Features

01Transformer-based mic preamp modeling with variable input impedance (Unison)
02Four-band Formant Spectrum EQ with parametric midrange bands (800 Hz–9 kHz, 120 Hz–2 kHz) and switchable shelving/Hi-Q modes on high and low bands
03Gate/expander with 1:2 expansion ratio, hysteresis up to 25 dB, and threshold range of -25 dB to +15 dB (or -25 dB to -65 dB with -40 dB mode)
04Limiter/compressor with continuously variable 1:1 to infinity:1 ratio, triple time-constant auto-release, and hard/soft knee modes
0512 dB per octave high and low cut filters (7.5–18 kHz, 31.5–315 Hz)
06Sidechain EQ for frequency-dependent dynamics processing and de-essing
07Unison gain staging control with Apollo hardware panel integration
08Pre-dynamics signal routing option to place EQ before dynamics

Things to Try

  • 01Set the high-cut filter to 12 kHz to tame sibilance while preserving clarity
  • 02Use sidechain EQ to de-ess: boost the midrange band around 4–5 kHz on the sidechain and trigger the compressor, then listen by disengaging SC-EQ to verify the EQ'd signal
  • 03Route line-level signals through the mic input for creative distortion coloration, as documented in the hardware equivalent
  • 04Enable the silence detector by using slow release times on snare; the compressor will hold gain reduction across multiple hits rather than releasing between them, reducing distortion

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Neve 88RS by Universal Audio | Plugin Library