Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel Analog Console

Pure, Flexible, Elegant, and Powerful

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel is an expandable 32-channel line mixer that provides 8 group busses, 8 auxiliary sends, 4 stereo effects returns and a stereo output buss. That basic functionality of input and output routing, meters and faders provides a solid foundation on which you can build an analogue console to satisfy your own particular requirements, adding, for example, microphone preamplifiers, equalization and dynamics processing from the Portico line of modules – or even more input channels – to suit your facility’s needs.

Different from the Inside-Out

The circuit topology of the 5088 is unprecedented. With custom transformers coupling every single input and output (including the inserts), the sweet musical performance and bulletproof isolation expected from a Rupert Neve design are assured: there is not a single compromised signal path in the entire console. For signal amplification and control, all new, high voltage, discrete op-amp cards have been developed specifically for the 5088 that eliminate crossover distortion while offering extended headroom, dynamic range, and frequency response.

Unrivaled Pedigree

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel is a culmination of Mr. Rupert Neve’s vast analogue circuitry knowledge. As his first fully discrete mixing design in over 30 years, the 5088 incorporates and improves upon many of the same concepts, such as the single-sided, fully discrete amplification and complete transformer isolation that made his original designs so revered – except unlike many of those aging classics, maintenance is no longer a full time job.

Sound Without Compromise

To stay current in the recording business you must be able to continuously adapt your environment to the needs at hand. Because the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel is completely modular, channel strips and Portico processing modules like EQ, microphone preamplification and dynamics can be added or removed to meet constantly changing demands and eliminate the massive redundancies of consoles from yesteryear. If you don’t need it, your console doesn’t need it either.

The Input Channel

Beyond its exceptional sound quality, the 5088 channel strip is designed to effectively handle multiple normalled sources, creating master, group and aux mixes with great efficiency. With 8 auxes, 8 “Groups”, “Solo”, “Mute”, “Send Follows Pan”, “Aux to Group”, a transformer coupled direct out and optional motorized fader automation on each channel, even the most complex mixes are within reach.

The Stereo Input Channel

In lieu of mono input channels with selectable Line 1 / Line 2 Inputs, Stereo Input Channels can be fitted to increase the channel count without having to add an expansion chassis. The Stereo Module has all of the group sends, six auxes, stereo width control, and individual trims and pans for each channel.

The Group Channel

With 4 pairs of FX returns and aux master controls, alongside high-quality 100mm faders, direct outs and transformer-coupled inserts for each of the 8 mix groups, the group master section provides the medium to control 4 stereo stem mixes while tying together an entire array of channel strips. If necessary, the insert returns and stereo FX returns can be used as an additional 16 inputs for summing.

The Monitor Master

The monitor master section has 6 source selections, 3 transformer-coupled speaker outputs, talkback, oscillator controls, 2 VU meters, stereo inserts, stereo level and control room master level. As with the the channel and group modules, anodized aluminum knobs provide the solid feel and response needed for precise adjustments.

SwiftMix Automation

Built around state-of-the-art motorized faders and DAW control over ethernet, SwiftMix combines the accuracy and convenience of digital automation with the unrivaled analogue sound of the Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Console.

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel is an expandable 16-channel line mixer that provides 8 group busses, 8 auxiliary sends, 4 stereo effects returns and a stereo output buss. That basic functionality of input and output routing, meters and faders provides a solid foundation on which you can build an analogue console to satisfy your own particular requirements, adding, for example, microphone preamplifiers, equalization and dynamics processing from the Portico line of modules – or even more input channels – to suit your facility’s needs.

High voltage, discrete op-amp cards

The all-new, fully discrete analogue architecture in the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel represents a culmination of Rupert’s vast analogue circuitry knowledge. Custom, high voltage and discrete op-amp cards have been designed especially for the 5088 that eliminate crossover distortion entirely. The new op amp cards offer extended headroom, dynamic range, and frequency response while generating exceptionally low noise and distortion.

“The real power of the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel lies hidden within the discrete, single-sided circuit topology and transformer-coupled inputs and outputs that produce 10dB greater dynamic range than any of my previous designs. The dynamic range is actually extended downwards to encompass the extremely small, often out-of-band signals – usually ignored – that go to complete our listening perspective, making sounds warmer, sweeter and fuller, apparently affecting the low and mid frequencies.

The significance of this enormous dynamic range and the frequency response that extends comfortably towards 100kHz lies in the ability of the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel to source, retain and mix the microscopically tiny signals that are essential to retention and enhancement of the full soundscape.”

Transform your sound

As a staunch advocate of transformer-based designs, Rupert has included custom-designed transformers on every single input and output of the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5088 32-Channel, electrically isolating the console with a true floating ground while also imparting the sweet sound quality of his classic, sought-after designs.

“Transformers are the reason why my original Consoles are still re-used, re-cycled and re-configured so successfully. From the earliest days all my designs, both inputs and outputs, were transformer-coupled. An audio transformer cannot be entirely successful without including the electronic circuit in the design because it works as an integrated package.

The value of a transformer, correctly used, lies in the total galvanic isolation it provides, giving freedom from ground loops and RF interference. Even microscopic levels of interfering signals cause loss of musicality and introduce unpredictable harshness and loss of definition.

Of course, transformers that are not correctly configured for a particular application can introduce astonishing results! Audio transformer design is almost as much an art as a science…which may be why many circuit designers avoid them.”

Completely Modular Design

The modular channel architecture of the 5088 means dependability, expandability, and flexibility. The system’s modularity ensures easy maintenance and repair. It also allows custom configurations to be created with a larger input channel count, as well as the addition of Portico signal processing modules.

As your studio grows, your 5088 can also grow with the addition of more input channels. If the focus of your work changes over time or your audio systems evolve, you can adapt to meet the new challenges by reconfiguring the console accordingly.

The 5088 is a fundamentally different console philosophy, very carefully thought-out so that you don’t have to waste money paying for functionality that you will never use. Instead of adding bells and whistles, Rupert and his team have focused on designing the most efficient, direct, and sweetest-sounding audio paths through a console that integrates seamlessly with any outboard gear in the world.

Configuration:

The 5088 is available with channel counts in multiples of 16 (i.e. 16, 32, 48, and beyond) as well as in a special 8 Channel Frame.

The 5088 is available in standard (light blue) and Shelford (dark grey blue) finishes.

Expansion Chassis

To increase the number of input channels, it is possible to add 5088-16 channel expansion chassis to the standard configuration. These additional chassis share the same form factor and lock into the sides of the master 5088 frame. Multiple expansion chassis may be added depending on what is required. Internal, group, solo, aux and master busses are linked through ribbon cables.

Penthouse Frame

To increase the feature set in each channel strip a penthouse frame may be adjoined to a 5088 regardless of the number of input channels.

The standard 16-channel master section penthouse has 25 slots for vertically configured Portico modules. Depending on a studio’s needs, any combination of Mic Pre/EQs, Mic Pre/Compressors, Five Band EQs, Stereo Compressors, True Tape FX, and other modules can be added to the penthouse. For example, a studio doing exclusively mix work could configure a penthouse with 5-Band EQs on each input channel and then have a mixture of stereo compressors, Tape FX and more in the remaining slots. This approach allows you to avoid the large costs and redundancies found in the consoles of yesteryear.

A studio that needs mic pre/compression/EQ on every input channel could integrate apenthouse with mic pre/eqs and dual mono / stereo compressors above the monitor/ group section, whereas a studio that has an existing large collection of high quality outboard equipment and doesn’t need the additional functionality can forgo the additional modules and penthouses entirely in favor of a line-only desk.

The Meterbridge

As an option, any 5088 configuration may be outfitted with a VU meterbridge at an additional cost. The meterbridge features finely calibrated and extremely precise meters for all input and group channels. The meter bridge can be secured to either the top of a standard 5088 frame or the top of a penthouse rack.

Automation

Rupert Neve Designs’ own SwiftMix can be included in any 5088 configuration to add moving fader automation and DAW control functionality.

The 5088 is available with channel counts in multiples of 16 (i.e. 16, 32, 48, and beyond) as well as in a special 8 Channel Frame.

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Weight	200 lbs
Variations:	With SwiftMix Automation, Without SwiftMix Automation

Audio Connections

Channel Strip Modules (16+ total)

• 2 x XLR-F, 1 x XLR-M, 1 x TRS

Group Channel Modules (4 total)

• 3 x TRS, 2 x XLR-M

Master Monitor (1 Total)

• 6 x XLR-F, 9 x XLR M, 5 x TRS

Dimensions

8 Channel Master

• Width: 76 cm
• Depth: 74.4 cm
• Height: 27.2 cm

8 Channel Master with Penthouse and Meterbridge

• Width: 76 cm, 29.9 inches
• Depth: 105 cm, 41.33 inches
• Height: 58.2 cm, 22.9 inches

16 Channel Master

• Width: 116.8 cm, 45.9 inches
• Depth: 74.4 cm, 29.3 inches
• Height: 27.2 cm, 10.7 inches
• Weight: 235 lbs, 106.5kg

16 Channel Master with Penthouse and Meterbridge

• Width: 116.8 cm, 45.9 inches
• Depth: 105 cm, 41.33 inches
• Height: 58.2 cm, 22.9 inches
• Weight (loaded): 485 lbs, 219kg (approx.)

16 Channel Expansion Sections (multiple may be added)

• Width: 73 cm, 28.7 inches
• Depth: 74.4 cm, 29.3 inches
• Height: 27.2 cm, 10.7 inches

16 Channel Expansion Sections with Penthouse and Meterbridge (multiple may be added)

• Width: 73 cm, 28.7 inches
• Depth: 105 cm, 41.33 inches
• Height: 58.2 cm, 22.9 inches

32 Channel with Penthouse and Meterbridge

• Width: 189.8 cm, 74.7 inches
• Depth: 105 cm, 41.33 inches
• Height: 58.2 cm, 22.9 inches
• Weight (loaded): 785 lbs, 356kg (approx.)

48 Channel with Penthouse and Meterbridge

• Width: 262.8 cm, 103.5 inches
• Depth: 105 cm, 41.33 inches
• Height: 58.2 cm, 22.9 inches
• Weight (loaded): 1085 lbs, 492kg (approx.)

Power Consumption

• 16 channel master: 825 watts
• 16 Channel Expander: 575 watts
• Portico Modules: about 10 watts each