Neve 88C – Desktop VCA Compressor
Neve 88C is a dual-channel stereo VCA compressor designed to deliver the classic Neve sound quality in a compact desktop format. Perfect for home and project studios, the 88C is inspired by the dynamic section of the legendary Neve 88R console.
The Neve 88C ensures warm, musical, and smooth compression, with a maximum threshold of +18 and a limiter function. Equipped with attack, release, and ratio controls, it allows precise customization of transient response and overall dynamics for both recording and mixing.
Originally introduced with the Neve Series 50 consoles of the ’70s, Neve’s VCA compressor technology set new standards of quality. The Neve 88C continues this tradition, offering a rich and detailed sound experience in a compact and versatile format, powered by USB-C.
Developed by Neve’s renowned engineering team and manufactured in the UK, the Neve 88C is built to last with a robust and elegant design. The 88C pairs perfectly with the Neve 88M for precise transient control in recording, yet is equally powerful as a standalone desktop compressor.
Key Features
- Dual VCA compressors derived from the 88R console’s channel strip.
- Compact, portable, and robust format.
- Powered via USB-C.
- Professional balanced connections: all inputs and outputs are balanced TRS.
- Optimized gain reduction: With a maximum threshold of +18 and limiter function, the Neve 88C pairs perfectly with the Neve 88M for precise transient control.
- Comprehensive metering: Three independent meters for input, gain reduction, and output allow for precise compression tuning from input to output.
- Brick-wall limiter: Ratio from 1:1 to limiter, suitable for tracking, mixing, or mastering with exceptional precision.
- Adaptive Attack Technology: Automatically responds to transients while preserving the character of the recordings.
- Automatic release: Triple time constant technology provides program-dependent automatic release, optimizing workflow and saving studio time.
- Automatic anti-breathing technology: Prevents unwanted artifacts from sudden level drops, protecting recording integrity.
- True Bypass: Allows A/B comparison.
- Feed-forward VCA technology: With continuously variable controls for maximum adaptability and precision in any situation.
- Mono/Dual Stereo: Each channel can operate individually or be used in stereo, delivering the characteristic Neve 88R sound at any stage of the recording or mixing process.
- Variable sidechain filters: Three additional sidechain filters refine the compressor’s response, preventing over-compression and allowing focused Neve 88C performance.