Essential Information About the Neve 88R LBC Compressor
- True 88RS VCA Circuit: the dynamics of the legendary 88RS console, uncompromisingly transposed into the 500 format.
- Auto Make-Up Gain: a ?one-knob? adjustment that maintains perfect gain structure in an instant.
- Group Linkage: multiple modules can share a common sidechain for coherent bus compression.
- Console-Level Performance: over +27 dBu headroom, dynamic range >114 dB, and ultra-low distortion.
The 88RS Sound, Now in 500 Format
Directly derived from the architecture of the 88RS console, the 88R LBC condenses a reference VCA compressor into a compact and VPR-compliant module. Designed and calibrated with the same level of precision as the large Neve channel strips, it offers exceptional headroom and adjustment accuracy worthy of a console environment. Handmade in England, it naturally integrates into any high-end 500 rack.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Ideal for sound engineers and producers seeking
musical and transparent control, the 88R LBC excels on vocals, drums, acoustic instruments, synths, and mix buses. Its group linkage facilitates stereo and stem work both in studio and live settings, while its auto make-up gain accelerates modern workflows from tracking to finishing.
Features and Innovations
The 88R LBC relies on a
precision VCA topology to deliver accurate, punchy compression without unwanted coloration. The
Auto Make-Up Gain circuit intelligently compensates level changes during threshold and ratio adjustments, ensuring immediate gain consistency. The
variable sidechain filter (Off/80/125/300 Hz) allows low-frequency energy to pass when desired, while the
group link enables multiple modules to share the same sidechain while maintaining individual settings. The
dual-circuit adaptive attack and
intelligent release with triple time constants provide a natural response on all sources.
Ratios from 1.5:1 up to limiter mode and
precise metering via dual LED bargraphs (input/output and gain reduction) complete a package designed for the most demanding sessions.
Technical Specifications
Format and Construction
- Type: true Neve 88RS VCA compressor
- Format: 500 series (VPR Alliance compatible)
- Manufacturing: assembled and calibrated in England
Audio Performance
- Headroom: +27.9 dBu at 1 kHz (0.1% THD)
- THD+N: less than 0.008%
- Noise Floor: ?89 dBu (below ?117 dBu in bypass)
- Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB
- Dynamic Range: greater than 114 dB
- Gain Reduction: up to 50 dB
Control and Processing
- Ratios: variable from 1.5:1 up to limiter mode
- Sidechain: selectable filter Off / 80 Hz / 125 Hz / 300 Hz
- Auto Make-Up Gain: automatic gain compensation
- Dual-circuit adaptive attack and intelligent release with triple time constants
- Group Linkage: multi-module connection with shared sidechain (depending on 500 rack configuration)
- Metering: dual LED indicators for input/output and gain reduction
Integration & Impedances
- Input / Output Impedance: approx. 24 kOhms / 50 Ohms
Power Supply
- Consumption: less than 100 mA RMS / less than 120 mA peak
Dimensions & Weight
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 132 × 38 × 145 mm (5.25 × 1.5 × 5.75 in)
- Weight: 0.455 kg (1 lb)
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