Rupert Neve 5024 Quad Microphone Preamplifier

Incorporating four channels of renowned preamplification, independent Silk controls, two channels of DI inputs, and an M-S Decoder into a 1U enclosure, the Rupert Neve 5024 is a workhorse equipped to enhance the front end performance of any digital or analog recording system.

In addition to 72dB of gain, the Rupert Neve 5024’s mic preamps include individually selectable phase, mute, phantom power, a selectable frequency high pass filter, custom transformers, and the Silk circuit which yields the rich warmth and presence of the renowned classic designs.

• Channels 1 & 2 of the 5024 feature a high-Z direct input designed for instrument level sources.
• Channels 3 & 4 feature an M-S switch, which enables built-in Mid-Side decoding without the use of external devices or console channels.

What is Silk?
One of the key features of the Rupert Neve 5024 is the Silk circuit, which adds a specified amount of musical, pleasing harmonic saturation to the unit’s output stage. So how does it work?

By reducing negative feedback across the output transformer and adjusting this feedback’s frequency response, engaging the Silk switch provides the sweet, musical saturation found in Rupert’s legendary vintage designs.

Is the preamp circuitry in the Rupert Neve 5024 the same as the Shelford Channel?
The Shelford Channel uses a direct-coupled transformer with gain for the mic preamp, which has some differing impedance and sonic characteristics as compared to the electronically balanced input found in the 5024.

However, the majority of harmonic content and sonic color associated with Rupert’s vintage modules actually comes from the output stage transformers, not the input stage – and this tonality can be added by engaging the Silk circuit on the 5024’s channels.

How should I use the M/S switch to handle mid/side recording?
For M/S, recording engineers typically use a cardioid pattern for the Mid channel and a Figure 8 pattern aimed side-to-side for the Side channel. The most predictable results generally happen when the two mics are placed in very close proximity to one another, and are of similar design – so often two identical mics that have switchable patterns or swappable capsules are employed.

With the Rupert Neve 5024, you have two options when recording in this mic configuration:

Don’t press the M/S button, and the Rupert Neve 5024 will output the raw Mid and Side signals from the Channels 3 & 4 outputs respectively. This is helpful if you wish to decode to Left and Right later on in the mix process. Note: with this configuration, you can also use the 5024 to do the decoding later, as it will accept line level signals into the mic XLR inputs if the Gain switch is in the zero position and phantom is turned off.

Press the M/S button, and the 5024 will decode the M/S signal and output Channel 3 as Left and Channel 4 as Right, with their respective Gain switches used to control the balance of Mid and Side in this stereo output configuration.