|
|
Neve 88M Dual Mic Preamp & USB Audio Interface
Gear Lust Web Site |
Go To The Music Connection "New Toys" Directory |
 |
| Neve 88M Dual Mic Preamp & USB Audio Interface |
AMS Neve Limited now has their own audio interface called the Neve 88M; it is the most professional-level featured desktop USB 3.0 interface I've seen anywhere. Pro features start with Marinair input transformers as used in the 88R studio consoles for the XLR Combo jack's mic, line and DI inputs.
The 88M is built like a tank in a 3 H, 7.2 W X 8 D-inches cabinet with both mic and headphone connections right on the front panel. I liked the push-button mic gain control to toggle between XLR mic, Line level or high impedance DI inputs. +48-voly phantom power is a separate push button and there is a signal present/level tri-colored LED to show relative recoding levels with hot, and close to clip input levels clearly indicated.
Monitoring facilities are excellent with both easy-to-reach front-panel volume and loud stereo headphone level controls. There is plenty of level output (up to 18dBu balanced outs) coming from the TRS balanced monitor out jacks to drive any powered monitors to full level.
There are four monitoring modes selectable by pushing in the headphone level control. These monitoring facilities make the 88M cover any audio system requirements with/without a connected DAW--even live presentations.
First monitoring mode is Dir mode the routes the input channels' audio directly (without using a DAW) for monitoring then the Mix mode blends the inputs/mics signals with a stereo backing track also without any latency. The 3rd stereo mode is called DAW and is the way I use the AMS/Neve 88M with Pro Tools since I like to hear what I'm recording along with my monitor mix and all effects. You would use a low latency setting in your DAW. Lastly, Mono Mix is a direct feed of both input channels in mono on top of a stereo DAW mix feed.
The 88M's utilitarian features continue with balanced line level (+18dBu) Send/Return insert jacks on the rear panel for both Ch1 and Ch2. It is awesome to use my UA 1176LN limiter on any recording or even a Zoom call easily. There are also ADAT Lightpipe TOSLINK connectors to send and receive up to 8 digital line sources--making the 88M able to handle up to 10 inputs and outputs simultaneously all with the unit acting as master clock up to 192kHz rates if required.
I think it is a no-brainer to have the portable 88M when you want a professional interface that will handle just about ANY situation that a full-on pro recording studio facility could---and it is portable and self-powered! Highly recommended. The ultimate in USB 3.0 interfaces sells for $1,245 MSRP.
Back To Home Page |
Top |