Neve have announced the 88M, their first dual microphone preamp and USB audio interface. Featuring the same Marinair transformers as their flagship large-format 88RS consoles, the 88M offers to bring the legendary sound of facilities such as AIR, Abbey Road and Capitol Studios to home and portable recording setups.
The 24-bit/192kHz bus-powered 10x10 audio interface is housed in a robust shell, and the 88M has been designed with home, project and location setups in mind. Each of the two channels will accept microphone, line, or DI inputs via Neutrik XLR/TRS combo sockets on the front panel. Both are equipped with a gain control and a switch to engage +48V phantom power. The remaining section of the front panel houses a large monitor level control, and a quarter-inch headphone output socket with its own dedicated volume pot.
The rear panel features ADAT In and Out optical connections, a USB 3.0 connector, plus main left/right quarter-inch balanced jack outputs, along with balanced send/return jack connections on each channel for connecting outboard units.
Neve say that as with all of their equipment, sound quality takes the ultimate priority, and that the 88M has been built using superior analogue and digital components throughout. On-board converters are described as “mastering-grade”, although specifications are not currently available.
Neve 88M Dual Mic Preamp & USB Audio Interface
The 88M is available to order now, with pricing rumoured to be around £1079 inc VAT.
