IS THIS THE BEST BUS COMPRESSOR EVER?
Neve 33609/N |
You probably never heard a 33609 directly because they're so pricey. There are cheaper bus compressors on the market which do sound good but do they do what the 33609 does? Read on and find out.
For the last year I've been on a heightened journey questing for amazing compression. This Neve piece is like having four processors in one box. Each channel can be used independently as a mono limiter/compressor. Full discrete controls using stepped switches are provided for both channels to support use as separate mono channels and allow precise repeatability for mastering applications.
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
I bought it! For me to fork over this kind of purchase price it had to be great, it is! This AMS-Neve product delivers the powerful polished mixes my ears have been craving. A parade of stereo Bus Comps have graced my studio in the last few months: API, Audio-Scape, DBX, Drawmer, Neve, SSL Bus+, Warm Audio Bus Comp and Waves (hardware L2) have all moved in for extended stay.
I'm using the incredible Coleman Audio TC-4 "Transfer Console" to switch the main bus comp in and out of the signal path. This box features four separate stereo balanced processor paths which are switched by relays, this allows processors to be switched in or out of the final stereo bus. The TC-4 sends the mix to a Tascam DA3000 for recording at 24-bit/192k.
Polished, cohesive and smooth are words I'd use to describe the finish the 33609 imparts to an already great mix. None of the other pieces sound like this or have this capability. The 33609 is so transparent it sneaks up on you, you're unaware of how much it's doing until you switch it out of the circuit.
I've been a big fan of the API 2500 for several years, it's quirky to adjust but delivers bold and robust mixes thanks to discrete op-amps and beefy transformer outputs. The Neve 33609 has dethroned my API 2500 for delivering robust polished mixes.
A LIMITER AND SEPARATE COMPRESSOR WITH FULL CONTROLS ON EACH CHANNEL
The line input feeds the limiter, which feeds the compressor stage which feeds the line output. The limiter and the compressor each have their own in/out switch.
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The limiter section provides simplified controls that offer sophisticated results.
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The compressor section offers unique control functions to provide dynamic performance.
The rotary controls are stepped switches so settings can be precisely matched.
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EPILOGUE
If you can afford this pricey stereo processor and you have need of the function it delivers then by all means give it a try. It can pull a mix together like nothing else.
Good Music To You!
©2023 Mark King, It's not ok to copy or quote without written permission. Thanks.