The 8424 measures: 3.8 W X 2.78 D X 1.2 H-feet making it the perfect size for a person to sit in front of and easily reach and control up a total of 48 channels either while tracking or mixing to its analog summing bus. It has a dual-input channel strip architecture that enables easily switching between recording and mixing modes without necessitating any re-patching of input signals.

There are 24 line-level inputs, a pair of onboard 1073® preamps, and dual Instrument DI channels always at the ready for instant recording whether direct in the control room or out in the studio room. I liked the 8424's center section with its dual-cue mix system with dual headphone amplifiers, talkback/return talkback, and multiple monitor speaker selection.

When in mix mode, you can have 24 DAW channels play across 24 100-mm channel faders and also use the 24 inline monitor pots for a total of 48 mono inputs to mix. The dual-input modules each have individual level and pan controls. Each channel, group and stereo mix bus has its own switchable insert point(s) just as is standard in large-format consoles.

You get Marinair® transformers (from the Neve 80-series consoles) on the stereo mix bus, plus the AFL and cue buses. There is the ability to connect the mono and stereo aux buses to outboard reverbs, delays--any line level effect boxes and then route them back into the console's two dedicated stereo reverb returns.

If you're asked to produce stems of your stereo mix, there are four mono groups with 2-band shelving EQs, inserts, and direct outputs. Also included as standard kit are stereo bus insert points, two-band shelving EQ, and Neve's own stereo width module. I thought it clever that there are two onboard 500 series slots included--ready to accept any 500 module(s) of your choice to be used as inserts.

The Neve 8424 has a Recall system that stores and recalls snap shots of all settings, faders, and control pot positions for each session. Couple the console's recall with your DAW automation and there is no reason why resetting a cool mix you had last week will take not much longer than booting up your computer and DAW session.

The Neve 8424 console sells for $24,950 MSRP with upgrade/options such as factory-fitted 2264ALB compressors, 1073LBEQs, a console stand for the 8424 to free-stand, various loudspeaker shelves and a console dust cover.