Neve unveil the 88R LBC

Published 11/11/25

88RS compressor/limiter joins 500-series line-up

Neve’s 500-series line-up offers a convenient way to access the company’s legendary preamp, EQ and compressor designs — along with a recreation of Advanced Music System's iconic RMX16 reverb — with one of the preamp options in question being the 88RLB, a unit that is derived from Neve’s flagship 88RS console. The company’s latest announcement brings another 88RS-based module to the table, and this time, it’s the console’s channel compressor and limiter section.

Console-Style Compression

The 88R LBC promises to bring the unmistakable sound, precision and power of Neve’s renowned large-format console into the hands of engineers with less space (or a lower budget!). Housed in a single-slot module, the latest offering boasts simple operation due to its Auto Make-Up Gain function, which automatically adjusts the output level as threshold and ratio settings change. It also features the same VCA bus-linking system as the console itself, allowing multiple 88R LBC units to be linked together to form true compression groups (within a compatible 500-series chassis). The method allows each unit to retain its own independent controls while sharing a common side-chain, enabling natural and cohesive group compression with per-channel refinement.

As you’d expect, the modules technical specifications are impressive. There’s over 27dBU of headroom and dynamic range measurements are quoted at 114dB, while distortion figures come in at just 0.008% — all of this is achieved with a current draw below 100mA. Front-panel controls are provided for threshold, ratio, release and make-up gain, while a set of toggle switches and buttons offer access to automatic release times, the gain-matching functionality, fast attack, bypass and linking of multiple units. A selectable side-chain filter (Off, 80Hz, 125Hz or 300Hz) then offers flexible control over the compressor’s low-frequency response and sensitivity.

Additional Highlights

Along with the its key features, the new 88R LBC also benefits from the following:

Adaptive Attack & Intelligent Auto Release: Dual-circuit adaptive attack and triple-time-constant auto release deliver smooth, musical control across all sources.
Powerful Transient Control: Variable ratios from 1.5:1 up to full limiting and 50dB of available gain reduction.
Precision Metering: Dual LED meters clearly display both input/output and gain reduction.
Hand-Crafted in England: Built and assembled by hand in Burnley, England, using premium-grade components and Neve’s renowned engineering standards.