AMS/Neve BCM10/2 MK 2 16 Channel Analog Console

AMS/Neve BCM10/2 MK 2 16 Channel Analog Console

Designed in 1969, the classic BCM10’s class-A design, transformer balanced topology delivered ultimate audio performance throughout the golden era of studio recording. The modern BCM10/2 MkII introduces routing & monitoring options for use in today’s studios, with multiple configurations to allow any artist, producer and engineer to harness the iconic Neve^®sound.

Class-A Topology

80 Series Modules
The BCM10/2 MkII 80-series module slots can house the classic hand-built 1073^®, 1084 preamps or the modern 1073N, each with class A topology and Marinair^® Transformers.

1073 Modules
All module options feature the world-famous 1073^® preamp, capable of producing up to 80dB of mic gain by layering transistor gain stages on top of each other. This unique design lets you dial in the precise gain levels via the 5dB switch and, if required, drive the preamp to produce subtle harmonic saturation.

Marinair Transformers
The BCM’s 1073^®, 1084, or 1073N modules use exclusive Marinair^® specification transformers to balance the microphone input, line input and output stage, helping to create the unique character of this classic console.

Inductor Based EQ
The three-band EQ from the 1073^®, 1084 or 1073N uses exclusive, hand-wound inductors to produce musical, sound sculpting results. This equaliser, complimented with a choke-coupled high pass filter, gives complete control over the frequency spectrum.

Switchable HPF
The famous 1073 18dB/octave high pass filter is ideal for cutting out unwanted low frequencies and delivering complete control over the frequency spectrum, with 1084 modules installed, frequency control is enhanced with the addition of a switchable low pass filter.

1073/1084 EQ
For those looking for further EQ control, the 1084 modules use the same preamp design as the 1073^® but feature an expanded EQ palette with selectable high-frequency bands, low pass filter and mid-band Hi-Q setting.

Modern Bussing & Connectivity

1252 Module
The new 1252 channel routing module handles channel bussing and routing, featuring modern switching options for current studio needs.

Switchable insert
Each channel features a switchable, balanced insert, perfect for connecting to a patch bay or directly into outboard processors.

Direct outputs
For tracking or stem mixing, each channel has a direct output with up to +10dB in hand, switchable to pre or post the insert point.

Dual path mixing
One of the modern additions to the classic BCM is the simple input feature. This additional transformer-balanced line input transforms the console into an in-line mixer and doubles the consoles channel count when mixing large sessions.

Aux and Cue Sends
The modern BCM10/2 Mk II busing system expands upon the capabilities of the original console with four mono pre/post fader aux sends and a stereo cue send, perfect for connecting to outboard FX and performer headphone systems.

P&G Faders
Smooth action P&G faders complimented with 7-stage LED metering deliver a precise visual overview of levels when tracking or mixing.

The BCM10/2 MkII uses voltage mixing across its mix busses; this classic architecture reduces the mix bus gain to be reamplified through the 1272’s to line level. This process creates a ‘pleasant analogue hue compared to modern, transparent, current mixing and forms part of the BCM’s unique sonic character.

Class-A Topology

Voltage Mixing

The BCM10/2 MkII uses voltage mixing across its mix busses; this classic architecture reduces the mix bus gain to be reamplified through the 1272’s to line level. This process creates a ‘pleasant analogue hue compared to modern, transparent, current mixing and forms part of the BCM’s unique sonic character.

1272 Modules

The classic Neve^® 1272 line amplifier modules have been given new life in the modern BCM10 console. Every 1272 works across its associated mix bus to reamplify the signal similarly to vintage Neve preamps, boosting it through Marinair Transformers.

Class A Discrete

The modern BCM 10/2 MkII uses class-A discrete architecture throughout. Neve^® engineers painstakingly revived the original circuits to preserve the classic Neve console character.

Transformer Balanced Design

In addition to the Marinair transformers found in the channel modules, almost every input and output to the console is transformer-balanced, including the 1952 A&B line inputs, channel simple inputs, mix bus channel inputs, reverb returns and each 1272 module input & output. In total, a ten-channel BCM10/2 MkII uses 104 Marinair specification transformers!

External PSU

In the BCM10/2 MkII, everything is discrete, including the power supply. The quiet running, external 3U 19″ rackmount PSU module can be housed in the control room or a service room, keeping the analogue and power cables separate.

Cherry Oak Finish

The BCM10/2 MkII is classic through and through. The console’s side trim and speaker shelf styling use genuine cherry oak sourced from the local area, less than 20 miles from Neve^® HQ.

Mix Processing & Routing

Mix Bus Inserts

The BCM10/2 MkII includes two stereo mix bus inserts, ideal for custom bus processing final signals, and the IMR blend allows for parallel processing with single-knob controls.

500 Series Slots

To further enhance the mix bus processing capabilities of the BCM10/2 MkII, two VPR alliance specification 500 series slots are included, allowing for any 500 series processor to be applied across the mix bus.

Dual DI Inputs

Dual DI inputs with cue send, AFL, and solo isolation can bring additional signals from external mixers into the BCM mix bus or connect an external mixer into the performer cue mix systems.

Dual Reverb Returns

Dual reverb returns with stereo width, cue send, AFL, and solo isolation are dedicated systems for connecting outboard FX processors back into the console.

Mute Groups and Smart Switching

Global controls for aux on/off & pre/post fade state make session routing simple, plus two independent cut groups for tracking or mixing.

Solo System

Three professional destructive and non-destructive solo modes – solo-in-place, after-fader-listen, and pre-fader-listen are perfect tools for tracking, mixing and overdubbing.

Powerful Monitor Controls

Stepped Monitor Control
The stepped, triple-gang, gold-plated monitor switch delivers accurate levels for its many possible outputs, including signal blending options and internal and external signal sources. Additional monitor controls – mono sum, individual speaker cuts and variable speaker dim are powerful tools for modern professionals.

5.1 Monitor
The BCM10/2 MkII powerful monitor section features three 5.1 external sources and three stereos. With 5.1 monitor outputs, the BCM can be the centre of any surround system without the need for external monitor controls.

Three Loudspeaker Outputs
The BCM10/2 MkII features three loudspeaker outputs, one complete 5.1 system and two stereo outputs; each output has independent trim controls for finely tuning your studio monitoring.

Headphone and SLS System
The SLS (studio loudspeaker system) and headphone output have independent source selections, level control and talkback facilities. These outputs can be used as named or as separate cue bus systems.

Talkback and Return Talkback
Talkback to cue, SLS and slate allow for seamless communication between engineer and artist, with a two-mode return talkback system for either two-way communication between artist and engineer or three-way between producer, artist and engineer.

Large VU Meters
The console centre’s large, backlit VU meters visually reference eleven selectable stereo mix bus signals. The VU meters feature -10dB attenuation allowing for accurate metering when pushing the console mix output.

General Specification

• Neve^® classic sound using Class A topology
• Console sizes: 10,16,24, 32 or 48 channels
• 1073N microphone preamp and EQ module in each channel
• Classic voltage mixing using 1272 balanced mixing topology
• 2x 500-series slots fitted with Neve 2264ALB compressors, patchable or selectable across the Mix Bus
• Direct outputs on every channel selectable pre or post channel insert
• Simple Input to each channel doubles the mix inputs when mixing and also allows monitor and cue mixes
• 4x Auxes, 1x Stereo Cue, 1x Stereo Main Mix Bus
• Stereo and 5.1 monitor with passive 24 position gold plated monitor level control
• 3x Stereo & 1x 5.1 selectable loudspeaker output sets
• Comprehensive Solo system with destructive and safe/isolate modes
• 2x Stereo reverb returns with width, mono and balance controls & 2x mono DI to bus inputs
• Main Mix output insertion selectable pre or post fade with IMR (Insert Mix Return) parallel processing controls
• 25-way D-sub connectivity for easy installation into home or studio environments

Audio Performance

Mic Input (Transformer-balanced) to Insert Send

• Headroom – >+28.5dBu @ 10kohms bridging (<0.5% THD+N)
• Frequency Response – Typically +/- 0.25dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Distortion (THD+N) – Typically 0.028% @ 1kHz (measured at +20dBu 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
• Noise (EIN) – <-126.0 dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter, 60dB gain, input terminated 150Ω R)

Line Input to Mix Output

• Headroom – >+28.5dBu @ 10kohms bridging (<0.5% THD+N)
• Frequency Response – Typically +/- 0.25dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
• Distortion (THD+N) – Typically 0.028% @ 1kHz (measured at +20dBu 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
• Noise (EIN) – <-126.0 dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter, 60dB gain, input terminated 150Ω R)
• Mix bus Noise – typically -86dBu 20Hz to 20kHz filter
• Output noise – typically -95dBu 20Hz to 20kHz filter

Dimensions

• Height (on stand) to top of speaker shelf – 998mm (39.2 inches)
• Height (on stand) to top of faders – 754mm (29.6 inches)
• Height (without stand) to top of speaker shelf – 455mm (17.9 inches)
• Height (without stand) to top of faders – 210mm (8.2 inches)
• Depth – 1096mm (43.1 inches)
• Width (10 channel console) – 878mm (34.5 inches)
• Width (16 channel console) – 1158mm (45.5 inches)
• Width (16 channel console with producers table) – 1900mm (74.8 inches)
• Width (24 channel console) – 1529mm (60.1 inches)
• Width (24 channel console with producers table) – 2271mm (89.4 inches)
• Width (32 channel console) – 1900mm (74.8 inches)