Is Chandler the only company that makes Neve style compressors?

[audiomichael]

Aside from AMS Neve and Chandler's LTD-2 are there any other Neve style compressors out there. It seems that with the popularity of the 2254, and 64's and 33609's that there'd be a bunch of clones out there. The Daking compressor has a 33609 release time (but does it take on the Neve characteristic?), and even the chameleon Distressor doesn't have a Neve setting!

[seawell]

Vintech 609CA

http://www.vintech-audio.com/compressor%20page.html

I haven't heard one but it is supposed to be based on the Neve 33609

[Kenny Gioia]

I believe the Daking does fall into the Neve category.

Not quite the 2254 but definitely the 33609.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by audiomichael

Aside from AMS Neve and Chandler's LTD-2 are there any other Neve style compressors out there. It seems that with the popularity of the 2254, and 64's and 33609's that there'd be a bunch of clones out there. The Daking compressor has a 33609 release time (but does it take on the Neve characteristic?), and even the chameleon Distressor doesn't have a Neve setting!

A big part of the Neve compressor sound is the sidechain.

On the 2254 its a 1272.

Its a big part of its sound.

Just running your audio through it without compression makes the tracks sound big.

What i've noticed when recapping Neve compressors as opposed to the modules is that one little cap change makes a big difference in its sound.

These things were designed in a certain way where the components are really interdependent.

You can't just replace an older cap with a newer more modern cap and expect better results.

Actually it makes the sound worse.

You have to replace them with the exact caps that were used.

To go to to such detail gets expensive and time consuming.

But that's what it takes to get the sound right.

A lot of the newer clones just don't go to that route.

They add new features and such but the mojo is gone.

That's why i like the AMS reissues.

You open it up and its matched part for part with the originals.

With an improved power supply it just sounds fantastic.

As i have stated the to my ears the reissueJD is the best 33609 made yet(or that i've heard).

Yeah its not cheap...but its a Neve.

[84K]

A big part of the Neve sound (most of what makes it) is in the transformers. More so then, say API. Many of these Neve clone companies (not all, but many) use cheaper transformers and that is the big difference in sound. Usually when you hear someone say, "it looks like a Neve, but it sounds cleaner" is really because it is Neve specs with weaker iron (transformers). So, many Neve clones get there own unique sound based on the transformer they use. Many, like I said (usually the less colored ones) use the cheap heap.

Recently, Chandler was kind enough to use our vintage matched original Neve 2254 transformers and make us a pair of LTD-2 with them. This has the Sterling Sound mods. It sound every bit as good as our original 2254s! Blown Away! They did a wonderful job with it!!!

P.S. Please keep in mind that we supplied the rare matched transformers pairs, and they do not offer this as a service.

The sound is unreal.

[audiomichael]

So you are saying that the SSL, 1176, & API compressors (for example) are easier sounds to capture/replicate because exact parts aren't as essential?

Or perhaps, Neve parts are just harder to find?

[84K]

Originally Posted by audiomichael

So you are saying that the SSL, 1176, & API compressors (for example) are easier sounds to capture/replicate because exact parts aren't as essential?

Or perhaps, Neve parts are just harder to find?

Not exactly, I am saying: Every box has its parts. Some parts in the design will play a great role in the tonal character, shaping, and effect of the box. In the Neve design, transformers play a big part in the sound... Whereas, API gets its recognisable sound more from its op-amps. In recreating, the parts are very important to the design. Some parts more then others, but that depends on the design being copied as they vary.

[gainreduction]

www.vintagedesign.se

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by gainreduction

www.vintagedesign.se

Well..have you heard them?

stike

[gainreduction]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

Well..have you heard them?

stike

Haven't tried the compressor yet.., I have pre's and eq's from vintagedesign and they are very well built. The transformers are St' Ives. I know the guy making them and I know he has put a LOT of effort in these.

i'm not interested in a Neve vs Clone debate, the question was if chandler is the only company cloning Neve comps and I'm just passing on the info of another company making them. Peace.

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

Thrill....

So how close do the 33314's come to the mojo of the 33609 etc.. what can i expect in terms of likeness? as there are some in my coming future.

Only really dealt with 2264e (which simply are my desert island comp!) and 32254 which are nice.. 2 in series on a vocal and it JUST dont move from the centre image and stays there upfront and out there like a mofo!!!#

Cheers
Wiggy

[absrec]

Originally Posted by Wiggy Neve Slut

So how close do the 33314's come to the mojo of the 33609 etc.. what can i expect in terms of likeness? as there are some in my coming future.

Apparently, the 33609 is just two 33314 cards in a 19" rack unit. I'm actually on the hunt for a pair of 33314s. The 33314 is also the same as the 32264. The difference in all of these units I've found, is the enclosure.

P.S. As far as the 33609s go, I've heard the 'C' model is the one to get.

[brianroth]

Approx. 15 years ago, I ran across:

http://www.shep.co.uk/shep.htm

when a client needed some additional compressor modules for the master/outboard section of his "new" Neve 8068 desk.

Beyond that, I haven''t run across any Shep modules since.

However, I see their mailing address is still the same (Long Barn, North End....)...grin. THAT certainly stayed with me.

Bri

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by Wiggy Neve Slut

Thrill....

So how close do the 33314's come to the mojo of the 33609 etc.. what can i expect in terms of likeness? as there are some in my coming future.

Only really dealt with 2264e (which simply are my desert island comp!) and 32254 which are nice.. 2 in series on a vocal and it JUST dont move from the centre image and stays there upfront and out there like a mofo!!!#

Cheers
Wiggy

The mojo is similar.

The only issue is the output transformers.

The 33314's i've used had 640's which changes the sound completely.

With the 640 the sound is much thinner than usual.

Its useful but not as "Neve" like.

You can buy Geoff Tanner's mod and i think it become a Class A stage(which i've never heard).

On the recapping issue my personal opinionis you have to use the original caps(i think they are phillips).

All the other caps i've tried change the sound too much.

Compressors are very picky devices compared to micpre's.

You just develop a certain interaction with the release and attack times.

The caps play a big part in this(of course).

Once you change that man all hell breaks lose.

The 2264's,32264a's,33609's and 33314's to my ears all have the same character.

The only difference i've ever heard is in the hi's(32264a compared to 33609).

But that can be for a couple of reasons.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by absrec

P.S. As far as the 33609s go, I've heard the 'C' model is the one to get.

Uh...no.


In my opinon the original with the silver knobs(if you are a vintage guy) or the new 33609JD version.

[TonyBelmont]

Geoff T. is working on a compressor that should be really cool.....

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by TonyBelmont

Geoff T. is working on a compressor that should be really cool.....

Yeah i know i spoke to him about it years ago.

He is also developing a standalone EQ.

I am curious to hear what they will sound like.

[echorec]

Originally Posted by thethrillfactor

The mojo is similar.

The only issue is the output transformers.

The 33314's i've used had 640's which changes the sound completely.

With the 640 the sound is much thinner than usual.

The 640 is an amplifier board with ICs. The 440 is the discrete version. It is very easy to replace a 640 with a 440 inside a 33314 or a later 33609 and the 440 amps are pretty easy to find on ebay etc

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by echorec

The 640 is an amplifier board with ICs. The 440 is the discrete version. It is very easy to replace a 640 with a 440 inside a 33314 or a later 33609 and the 440 amps are pretty easy to find on ebay etc

Yes agreed.

The 440 makes it AB.

I would love to hear Geoff mod that makes it class A.

The 2254 is by far my favorite Neve compressor module.

I heard a rumor the AMS would be reissuing them as well.

The 33609/c has the 640.

The only issue with the 33314 is there are no meters.

You will have to jimmy rig something unless you buy the Vintage King racks.

[PRINCE JAMAL]

33314 WITH VU METER

[PRINCE JAMAL]

INSIDE 33314B AND 2264

[djbrough]

www.seventhcircleaudio.com

The N72 is a Neve 1072. Same components and circuitry. $500.00 price tag assemble. The sound float is supposed to be great.

[TonyBelmont]

Originally Posted by djbrough

www.seventhcircleaudio.com

The N72 is a Neve 1072. Same components and circuitry. $500.00 price tag assemble. The sound float is supposed to be great.

You mean a 1272 right?

[djbrough]

Neve 1272 is correct. My fingers are too fast for their own good.

[geoffdake]

Our compressor is not a copy of a Neve design, although one of the preset release times emulates a 33609. The amplifiers and method of limiting are completely different. Give one a spin.

Geoff