Neve 51 vs. Studiomaster Part 2, Recording 'We Can Get Together'

Описание: Neve 51 vs. Studiomaster - The Clash of the 80s IC consoles

A revolution in the electrical world occurred in the 1970s with the invention of the silicon chip. This began a path forward for integrated circuit design (ICs), including high performance operational amplifiers (op-amps). New op-amps including the NE5534 replaced heavy and expensive transformers of the 1970s recording consoles, and in 1980 Neve introduced the 51series consoles using the NE5534 (see the part 1 view in this series to learn more).

The Studiomaster 16 into 4 - was a 1979 release all IC based design. It was advertised in Australia in Sonics Magazine and was aimed at the home recording engineer - a magazine I read cover to cover in my teens.

In this video we run the Studiomaster 16 into 4 through the ringer, testing its channel bandwidth, EQs and headroom with an entire band recording of 'We Can Get Together' - a cover of the 1980 released song by The Flowers/Icehouse.

The outcome has produced a rich, characterful recording that somewhat timestamps the sound, with a thick, warm depth in-part similar to a Neve. The benefits of this console over a Neve 51 series IC include its lower current draw and therefore lower operating temperatures, aiding in the extension of its service lifespan.