Rupert Neve Newton Channel: So Close to Perfect
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2023
- Contact:
Email: info@thecabinrecordiings.com
Instagram: musicinthecabin
Gear Used:
Rupert Neve Newton:
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Neumann U67 Re-issue:
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Neumann NDH 20 Headphones:
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Josephson C42:
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AKG D112:
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Shure Beta 57:
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Join me as I explore the Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel Strip in this comprehensive review. I'll walk you through its powerful mic pre, robust EQ, and unique compressor section, including the famous Rupert Neve silk circuit. Throughout the video, we'll dive into its sonic capabilities, discuss potential improvements for better flexibility and usability, and make a comparison to the iconic Shelford.
During the review, I'll point out a couple of areas where the Newton Channel Strip could benefit from enhancements. While it delivers impressive sonic performance, I believe that, given its premium price point, it should offer more flexibility. The front connectivity lacks a dedicated line input, and having only one combo XLR jack might require some fumbling at the back for connections.
Moreover, the compression controls could be enhanced with features like a variable attack time pot and a blend control for parallel compression. Additionally, sidechain filter options would open up even more creative possibilities.
Despite these points, the Newton's headroom, openness, and punchiness are undeniable, making it a worthy addition to any studio setup.
Don't miss the audio examples of different silk circuit settings on the stereo Master bus, which demonstrate the device's sonic prowess. If you're considering the Rupert Neve Newton Channel Strip, this review will provide a comprehensive look at its strengths and potential areas for improvement.
#recordingstudio #musicproduction #audiogear #gearreview #studiotour #rupertnevedesign #review #studio #songwriter #songwriting #mixing - Hudba
Just in case you all are wondering, not even family get the songs no matter how much we beg 😂 can’t wait for this album ❤
😂❤️ thank you Mike.
this whole experience is butter on a hot biscuit . so smooth. the studio design, the video framing, color grading, quality, the song.... BUTTER!!!
Thank you Marcus!! :D
So true
You really set the bar high for demo videos/songs. Incredible.
Thank you so much Kevin! :)
Vocals just float over a silky bed of instruments. Giving me some Wilco vibes, great demo again Alec!
Thanks so much Jeremy. :)
Another fantastic video and I love the additions of answering questions! Really helpful to hear your thoughts on Shelford vs Newton 👍
Thanks Daniel! :)
Loved your video, music, explanations and comments about Neve 1073, great stuff!
Thank you so much! :D
Confession: Didn't come here for the Neve review. Came for the song, and it didn't disappoint!
Thank you! :)
I had missed that the Newton doesn't implement parallel compression, thanks for highlighting that! And thanks for the review and the song! 😊
Thanks Axel! :)
To me this sounds better than your shelford channel demo. Thanks for the demo!
Glad you like it! It’s a great sounding unit for sure. :)
It’s been a long time since I watched the full “demo” without skimming - really great song & performance man!
Thanks so much!! :D
Great video, and DUDE that song is super nice!
Thank you so much Noah! :)
What a beautiful song!
Thank you so much Paul! :)
Red Silk sounds fantastic!
Very useful indeed! :)
brother, the song writing and elements chosen in this is incredible, subscribed for that. Channel strip is sick, with a moment of clarity though lets be real most of the songs we all produced will be played through some kids shitty bluetooth speaker, so most important thing to me is clarity going in and a reliable compressor to not clip my interface. the negative 6db is a nice touch.
Thanks so much! :)
really loved listen to the song! thx.
Thank you so much! :)
Fantastic job as always! Maybe, this Newton one is reflecting the late Rupert's preference that he had in his late career more than Shelford, which means the sound having vast headroom, frequency response and clarity rather than old school sound.
Perhaps! :) it’s a great sounding unit for sure.
very nice song and recording.
Thank you so much! :)
Great song, Alec 👌
Thanks so much Richard! :)
What a great songwriter you are ❤
Thanks very kind, thanks Joel. :)
The music is actually really good!
Thanks, that’s actually really kind. :)
Sweeeet! Thanks man : )
Thank you! :D
@@alecbrits I really like the Newtons but i have a Shelford so can't really have both and the DI is important to me especially for Bass or if not the Shelford the DI of the 6176 is great too. have you tried the 4-710d out Alec?
I’m sorry, but this channel deserve to be a million follower channel. You opened my ears, my knowledge and my bank account is empty now…. But thx for this channel, I bought it stay home, I don’t sell anymore things that I don’t need.
Thanks for the very kind words! :)
Bro. The music. Forget the gear. The music rocks! Earned a sub just for the song.
Thanks so much James! :)
Looking through the specs and resources on the website the Newton is 3 of the RND 500 series modules in a 1U Rack the 511 preamp with a higher impedance of 8900 ohms, 543 VCA compressor, and cut down 551 EQ. Its a good business decision since to buy the same setup as mono in the 500 series you could buy 2 of the Newton Channel Strips. But I agree RND need to modernize with some creature comforts like a front facing DI or just placing the inputs on combo jacks on the front since these will sit in racks most of the time.
Thanks for your input! :) that’s very true.
first time viewer of the channel, came for the review, stayed for the ridiculously amazing song. you could've recorded this on a potato and would still be amazing. Gained a Sub from me for the song and the good video quality. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the extremely kind words Carlos! :)
Another great review Alec, I look forward to your content. Although it's obviously a great unit, for me, those important and lacking elements that you describe and the rear power button would be something I could maybe live with, if I was in the market for this sort of device. Unfortunately, it's price tag just means I wouldn't even consider buying one of these, especially when looking at the competition.
Thanks for the very kind words! :)
I really enjoyed the song
Thanks so much! :)
Great review! What you would like to have with the extra inputs and so on is pretty much what differentiates this from the Shelford channel, which is double the price. I think what you get for this price point is amazing, as far as Rupert Neve Design standards go.
The circuits between the two devices are quite different from one another. :) if I could have the tone of this box, and the functionality of the shelford that would be my perfect channel strip.
Damn dude. Song brought a tear to my eye...... This is more of a tracking channel strip. They are likely using TLA "transformer like amplifier" to get the saturation and drive characteristics. This saves iron costs and is much more tunable. Shelford channel strip is very, very expensive
Thank you so much! That’s exactly what they are doing. :) great sounding unit for sure.
This is some beautifully composed music like where can I find your projects
Love the song!!!! Also the review. The Newton does sound much wider and airy than the shelford.
Thanks so much! :) it’s a great sounding unit for sure.
Dude you have to put this music out. Love your channel
Thanks so much Steve. :)
Legend
Thank you Theo! :)
Hey Alec, very nice song and review. I have a question, can you get close to the Silk effect using the Cranborne Audio Harmonic EQ? I know these are based on different approaches, but listening the the comparison at the end of the video did make me wonder, Cheers Paul
Thanks so much Paul! :) I guess I’m some ways yes you could indeed do it with the Carnaby EQ’s, I’m not sure how subtle the effect would be in comparison to the RND silk circuit, but I think it would be an interesting thing to test out! :)
Great song
Thanks Charlie! :)
Glad I saw this before going all in on the Newtons. As expensive as they are, I'll definitely stick with the Shelfords.
Glad this video helped!
Nooooo, go listen before you make that decision. For the half the price of the Shelford they are amazing
Would like a demo of the Drawmer 1977 channel strip. Thanks for the the demo of the Newton.
Sure thing! :) I’m pretty curious about the Drawmer stuff.
A comparison between Newton and shelford back to back would be awesome
Would be fun to make for sure! :)
Thank you just ordered mine
Awesome! :) congratulations on your purchase.
@@alecbrits yes sir ty
This song is my favorite of yours. It is a GREAT! song.
It would be interesting to see how the Portico II channel strip compares to this. The Older Portico II strip has a different pre than the 511's, 517's and higher voltage. The EQ and VCA compressor on the Port II strip seems to be extremely flexible. I talked to RND and they said they had to discontinue that one because the cost of making the piece was very high so they moved to other options instead of raising the price that would exceed the Shelford. I think the Newton and Port II would be very close ,sonically even though they are build different but I think going for the same type of sound. It's like an updated version of the Port II but also less expensive. Not only in cost but production wise. The Port II strip is still arguably the peak of RND if you want clean open sound. I love mine. I have 2 but also 2 shelfords. 2 BAE 1073's and 2 LA-610's. I will someday sell the LA 610's save up some more money and hopefully get 8 strips of Newtons for consistent drum tracking. I'm starting to lean towards getting all the same strips for tracking for a console type sound. It might just be in my head that it's more cohesive using the same pres, eq's and compressors. I'd still mix in the port II's and Shelfords. Then maybe I could have them all going through the same ADC's Burl ADC's (mothership?) into RME interface. I'll have to figure that out sometime. Right now I use the BURL B2 whenever I can. Maybe I can hit you up and we can set up a session to figure it out?
Thanks so much! :) sounds like you have an incredible setup. Also sounds like you are living towards a console workflow.
which interface did you use here?
and how is it compare to the 88m in your opinion?
I read some comments that this Song does not sound as good as the one you did on the Shelford.... I don't even want to address it but I guess I am. Sounded wonderful!! My favorite one so far as we all have an opinion. Sounded like a modern recording with good saturation. Maybe the Newton is not meant to have the DI in the front to force artist to make good decisions so they don't have to reach around back all the time. Personally I won't ever change my settings for my mic setup because I found THE vocal chain just for me. Anything else would have to go thru my other pres anyways. LOL. (gonna buy another Newton for that too) Again, great song, great performance and a great Channel Strip. Doesn't have to be a Shelford.
The Newton sounds great! Congratulations on your purchase. :)
Good review Alec and I have the same concerns as you. I don't know why they didn't put a DI on the front? I want to get it because to me it's a step up from the 1073, but on the other hand I just may wait and get the Shelford!
Thanks so much! :) yeah, it all comes down to workflow for sure. If you don’t need the DI all the time, or if you already have a good DI, then you are set and ready to go.
Alec, i would join your Patreon channel for access to multitracks and Q&A with you about gear and song composition. You make songs look so easy…plus you are a gear expert.
Thanks so much! :) I’ve definitely gotta get that on the go.
All music videos should be like this...
Thank you! :)
Hi Alec; thank you for your reviews.
I currently have an Avalon 737 which I’m using it for my podcast and audio book project.
I’m thinking to add that Neve sound to my home studio too.
Which one do you suggest to go for?
8801
Newton
Or
Shelford channel?
I appreciate to have your opinion 🙏
Thank you again for your reviews and encouraging songs / videos.
The shelford is a great option out of those three :)
I have a question about the Newton channel strip. I understand that the Newton is a "modern sounding" devise. However, does the Newton retain any of the "classic Neve" sound feel? Please allow me elaborate... If you where to compare the Newton strip back to back, with say an audent (which I believe, is generally called a transparent preamp), would the Newton recording sound (somewhat) warmer & fuller? Or would both tracks have a "similar" uncolored feel/sound? Thanks
The Newton feels more open and forgiving in the upper mid range than the Audient. When you add in the flexibility of the silk circuit, it allows you to achieve more harmonically rich tones. It’s nothing like the old neves, for that you would be looking towards the Shelfords.
@@alecbrits thanks for the reply. I suppose that in some ways the relaxed upper mids is sort off a classic Neve thing. (Im always looking for the bright side, lol)
do you prefer the Shelford? If you got a choice between the 2. im debating on this or maybe the Shelford 5052. I have a Audient id 44 that I use and want to get my first real Hardward preamp.Or im thinking on the portico 5024 quad pre but having that compressor and eq option on the newton and Shelford is nice. I like stuff like bon over, Mac DeMarco, ben Howard. matt corby . curious for your opinion.
Sonically they are quite different. I quite like the sonics of the Newton and the functionality of the Shelfords.
The records you are referencing are quite vibey, so if you are set on one of the two options, I would lean towards the shelford.
I dont use di i had the neve 1073spx but felt the Phoenix ascent 1 was better than the neve but this with the red silk i feel ill get the sound i always wanted on my vocals i could never get that air like ur track had
Nice
Thanks! :)
Alec would you rather have the Newton Channel or a 1073SPX? Can you utilize all the inputs and outputs on the back side. Meaning can you rack the unit use XLR and not have to worry about going back behind and removing the XLR to get a 1/4 phone jack in there? Please advise.
I’d take the Newton everyday of the week over the SPX. I prefer the tone and reliability that can be achieved with the Newtons, as well as having compression on board. By using a DI box, you can get everything you need. :)
@@alecbrits Thank you so much for your definitive answer. I have been going over this looking at reviews without a solid conclusion. Thanks for pushing me over the edge.
Alec, I almost forgot to thank you for your wonderful song. One more question. Is it really worth it to move up from the Newton to the Shelford?
Thank you so much! As I said in the video, they are very different sounding units. One does not sound better than the other in my opinion. I prefer the tone of the Newtons personally, but the functionality and flexibitlty of the shelford makes it more likely to get used everyday for my personal needs.
i have a question. I track my bamboo flute via SM58 and UAD apollo. Thats all. The recordings when compressed has noise issues and are very sterile. Do you think an upgraded mic pre like the ones you review can take the recordings to better levels or its just not worth upgrading for this very reason?
I would try out a condenser mic and see if that helps. :) companies like Lewitt or Neumann are great places to start.
@@alecbritsThanks mate for your repeated replies to my questions in past too. Yes i have condenser mic too, with a 14 db noise threshold. But its a condenser non the less. I muted my recorded flute channel from my sample based composition, and it all sounded much better, cleaner since these sample libraries are recorded with decent gear perhaps. Thats where i started to look into my tracking issues. Especially close mic flute recordings, since it has air noise too to add to the issue. I will look into a low noise condenser from Lewitt. Might help. Thanks for your reply.
In your experience, which Rupert Neve is the best preamp/channel strip for all kind of sources/instruments, including vocals?
You can go wrong with either the Shelford or the Newton. Personally I lean towards the Shelford, only because that’s more of how I like to hear eq and compression, but either will do well.
Well the answer i need to know
Thanks for the question mate! :)
That’s awesome I’ve got one newton unit but how to connect it to Apollo x8 interface?
It’s gotta be connected via the line input on your interface. :)
@@alecbrits just one line huh?
To be clear from line output to line input?
@@saruman4935 indeed!
@@alecbrits ok thank you so much
A variable compressor bypass would've been be a great additional option, but the lack of a high-z DI simply doesn't make sense, and is a huge minus for me - otherwise, I'd been tempted to try the Newton with my Rhodes: it's EQ section would come in handy.
If using a DI box is no issue, then I’m sure the roses would sound gorgeous through the Newton. 👌🏽
@@alecbritsThanks a lot, Alex! I found my Rhodes to be very picky with the first input stage - from all the external DI boxes I tested over the years, Radial Pro48 is the best, but still can't beat the Avalon M5 I'm currently using: external DI boxes tend to be not as transient-friendly as the ones included in high-end preamps. So my alternative would rather be a separate EQ unit, paired with the excellent M5 DI (currently, I EQ in my DAW).
I´m totally down with the idea to pay for your multitracks as I love mixing and you also provide detailed information about the mics you used. So much to learn from mixing them and experiment with different tools and approaches.
Awesome, thank you! I’ll start work on that then. :)
Agreed! I have suggested to Alec before to release multitracks for a song or 2 and do a re mix contest. Gets exposure and engagement w his audience. You never know where that leads.
@@snoopywalker1881 l like the approach of a Patreon, it seems more personal and hands on. It allows for a solid community to build up and to discuss mixes, video concepts and general ideas.
@@alecbrits I never did Patreon. If I remember correctly it´s a kind of subscription. I´m not a fan of this although I like the ability to discuss mixing approaches and so on. Feedback on mixes is very valuable to make progress, even in details. Nevertheless I would prefer to buy them individually but that´s up on you of course.
@@ronson795 agreed, that’s why I offer consultations too. That allows someone to book me one on one for an hour or two to discuss their mixes, techniques and anything else they would want to ask me about.
I already have one and thinking of buying another unit in order to use them for mixbus duties ? Is it worth it … buying the RND MBT would be wayyy more expensive…
Depends on your use cases really, it’s not a unit I would lean towards for mix buss duties, but rather for events in a mix I’d like to highlight within the mix. :) that’s a personal preference there.
Thank you for your comment Alec! I’ll go ahead since I need 2 units of the same preamp for tracking stereo sources … I’ll try that on my mixbus as well. Eq and silk are perfectly fine for mixbus duties and the compressor might be good if it’ll react similar to a ssl bus comp (Newton attack is 20ms (soft knee) and release is variable. Ratio is 2:1 which could be good…well, let’s see …😊
Have you tried the Heritage Audio Britstrip?
Not yet! Would love to though.
Newton vs Brit Strip. Same price range but lot's of different features but the same target?
I think tonal taste comes into play there. Either will be solid choices, but they sound very different from one another. :)
This song brooooo
Thank you Scott, you absolute legend of a human. 🚀
At the ending demo, is it using on Mix bus?
Yes. That’s the whole mix flowing through the Newtons. :)
@@alecbrits wow, do you think is good for mix bus?
@@FlavorMind I think they sounded good, but did not have the subtlety I would want on the master buss. Something like the Rupert Neve MBP would be better for my personal use. :)
What do you think is more superior the newton or Shelford
Sonically they are equal. I think the work flow and tone come down to what makes sense to you. :)
Thank you for your insightful review as always. Based on your comments, it sounds great, but it should have additional features at its higher price point. I recently purchased the AMS Neve 8801 which is a cleaner 1073 but it does have an input transformer so I would think it has a little more color than the Newton. I agree not having a DI in the front is a minus. No HP or LP filter and limited high and low EQ high bands to work with. This means many of your tracks will have the same freq' boosts which can make them compete more to be heard as they won't have their own space. Then with no attack time adjustment is just another reason why I personally would not purchase this unit. I would mention all these features are on the AMS Neve 8801. Lastly we don't have any info that Rupert Neve provided input on this project before he passed.
Thanks for your input. :)
I used to write reviews of audio gear in magazines. It's fun checking out gear. There are so many companies who make great gear. After a while, you realize it's more about the song than the gear. No one listening to your music cares if you used a UAD 1073 or real one. The joy of gear is mainly for us audio engineers. You get to a point where you just pick the selected audio gear you like the most and work with it. The other high end gear you end up appreciating from the sidelines.
You will find upgrading your kitchen, going on that special vacation, or getting the car you want is more important than just getting another mic or compressor. 😊
Man I want two of these bad boys, but would have to come out of retirement, go back to work or get Lucky at the casino or wait for some stocks to rocket…..I just would like the pre and both red and blue silk circuits in a twin unit in one space. I’ll use other things for eq and compression.
I understand! I’m in the same boat here.
Wow! dude your good….
Thank you so much! :)
⚡️⚡️⚡️
🚀🚀🚀
how does it compare to 1073 ?
I’ve answered this in the video. :)
Um, patch bay?
Asking for a lot from a strip at half the price on the shelford my friend
As I said in the video, it’s a great unit. At this price point, it’s completion offers more functionality. Sonically it’s worth every penny. Functionally, it has the opportunity to be better.
now i have to screen record the song to jam it 😅❤️🔥😮💨🔥🔥🔥🫶
Hahaha :) enjoy it.
You have the same comments as I have on this unit, and I think on a 2k unit they did cut some corners I do not understand, like come on Rupert Neve Designs a combo jack on the back, no DI in on the front....!
Yeah, its not easy building to a price point.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Newton. I appreciate its tone sculpting and all the features that I do get, but when I first heard my voice through my 1073 SPX (and my secret weapon mic), it is the first time in my life after thousands of dollars that I said "that is my voice...my true, actual voice in real life".
It’s great when you find your chain that works for your voice. I’m sure there will be a lot people who will say the same about the Newton. :)
@@alecbrits Yeah. That's just my impression as a guy with a baritone voice who wants the u47 sound (with detailed, rich mid-range). Just got a u47 FET Collector's to run into my 1073!
+1 for the Patreon multitracks
Awesome, thank you. I’ll work on that.
Well this song is great, could have used an ART pre amp and would have sounded awesome. Haha. Nice video
Thanks so much! :)
Красиво ) Спасибо!
Thank you so much! :)
what's the name of the song? love the song but please don't put that api on the bus was better without it
It’s a song that I have written. :) I quite like the sound of the API, thanks for your input though.
Red Silk was very attractive…
It’s such a good circuit. :) big fan of the silk options.
At that price I want a variable attack and front Di. Epic fail imo. There’s no compressor that has a set attack that works imo. Even the 2A/3A is program dependent. You’re better off building a RND channel strip by buying modules on Reverb imo.
Thanks for your input Chris! :)
Wish it had a line level 😪 swear
It can be used at line level, just does not have a dedicated line in. :)
@@alecbrits oh ok thanks highly appreciate you 💜
RND has no better demo online!
Thanks Allan. :)
The song and arrangement is already top notch. Pricey gears and plugins are just tools to bring out the desired sonic character and flavour.
But many are usually thinking in the opposite direction, in the sense that pricey gears and plugins are indispensable to get a great song when in fact the song writing, performance, instrumentation and arrangement are no where near the mark. However hard someone try to fix the song with gears and plugins, it will never sound good or pleasant. We all have seen and heard lots of demos and product reviews of plugins and gears done with songs/music that sucks.
In your demos, the song writing, instrumentation, arrangement,....are well thought of. Your songs will always sound good with any descent gear and plugins and minimal tweaking. Obviously, great gears and plugins will give the extra edge.
Consider adding mallets to your songs. It will add another dimension to the instrumentation.
Thank you so much for the input. :)
sounds a bit muffled
Thanks for your input. :)
Your like Phil Collins not a male model but f$#k he’s talented.
Thank you, I think? :)
@@alecbrits What I’m saying is that you have so much talent the world needs to hear so release a single or album and I’ll buy it right away. I believe your the most talented person who’s crossed you studio. I predicted Brian Adams success before anyone knew him so I know what I’m talking about not to sound big headed. I humbly enter this comment. Cheers mate.
@@oceansiderecordingstudio thanks for clarifying mate. :) I’m working on it!
Love your videos! But you should drop all of this and be releasing records instead and make shitloads of money! I do appreciate you either way. But really. Your songs and talent. Should be the headliner.
Thanks so much! :) I think I’d like to do both.
Of all of your performances, I liked this one the least. Not saying that it was bad, but in comparison to any other, I think it was lacking in something...clarity, perhaps?🤔 I think the Newton Channel is the culprit, as we all know that your performances are legendary!😌 Quite disappointed in the new RND offering...🙄
Interesting. :) I felt the opposite in this one, but thanks for the feedback.
@@alecbrits What i meant by "clarity" is how instruments sounded; they all felt less defined in the song...whatever that means. I think your voice was also affected by the same issue, albeit to a lesser degree perhaps