Essential Information About the Neve 33609N Stereo Compressor
- Reference compression and limiting for recording, mastering, post-production, and broadcast, with instantly recognizable musicality.
- Authentic Neve sound thanks to hand-wired transformers and a discrete output stage, delivering a slightly warmer color and natural bus "glue."
- Controlled transparency: even at extreme settings, both compression and limiting remain surprisingly smooth.
- Modernized workflow with independent compressor/limiter sidechains, improved internal/external I/O switching, and moving coil gain reduction metering.
A Neve Classic, Refined for Today's Studios
For over three decades, the 33609 has established itself as a standard on stereo buses and broadcast chains. In its 33609N version, it retains the original's sonic signature while incorporating switching improvements. The result: the historic character of the 33609 enriched with more flexible ergonomics for modern environments, without compromising quality.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
The 33609N is aimed at engineers seeking elegant dynamic control on stereo buses, subgroups, or stems, as well as mastering studios and demanding broadcast chains. Its smooth response allows tightening a mix, stabilizing a voiceover, or homogenizing music to picture, while preserving impact and depth. Ideal when a coherent, musical, and broadcast-ready treatment is desired.
Operation and Controls
Compressor Section
The compressor section offers a selection of ratios from 1.5:1 to 6:1, with independent threshold, attack, and recovery controls. The behavior remains fluid, making the 33609N formidable for "gluing" a mix without squashing it. The make-up gain control, positioned before the limiter section, allows regaining lost level while maintaining headroom for peaks.
Limiter Section
Fully independent, the limiter section provides discreet and musically neutral level protection. Separate threshold, attack, and recovery settings facilitate adaptation to a wide range of sources, from drums to broadcast buses.
Metering and Integration
Overall gain reduction is displayed on a moving coil meter for clear visual feedback. Improved internal/external I/O switching simplifies integrating the 33609N into sophisticated analog or hybrid setups.
Technical Specifications
Dynamic Processing
- Stereo compressor and stereo limiter with independent sections.
- Neve hand-wired transformers for a warm sonic signature.
- Discrete output stage preserving the spirit of the original model.
- Compression renowned for its smoothness and transparency, even at aggressive settings.
Controls and Settings
- Independent threshold, attack, and recovery controls for both compressor and limiter.
- Compression ratios from 1.5:1 to 6:1.
- Make-up gain control placed before the limiter section.
Switching and Integration
- Improved internal and external I/O switching for flexible insertion in the signal chain.
- Separate compressor and limiter sidechains for precise dynamic behavior control.
Metering
- Gain reduction indication via moving coil meter.
Construction
- Hand assembly according to the original 33609 specifications.
- Proven design, intended for recording, mastering, post-production, and broadcast.
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