In a Neve preamp circuit, the gain knob comes _after_ the transformer. You're actually driving the preamp gain stages really hard, and that's what's giving you all those delicious harmonics and compression effects! Hitting that DI really hard sounded sick! Rock on.
My Audient ID44 continues to be a great investment, and also has inserts on the first two channels, and for about half the price has 4 mic pres, and up to 20x24 channels. The Neve sound is nice, but I see little reason to spend the extra $$$ over the Audient
The problem with neve is that most people expect the guitar to sound straight out of the box like classic rock and 80s metal. Problem is, they're missing 3 layers of tape. Tracking tape -> Mix tape -> Master tape. It smooths the highs so much depending on the bias. Digital recording gives you the raw highs that we are just not used to hearing from records. From Hendrix to Slayer, all the guitarists we worship are on tape.
Issues are revealed in the specs: DI minimum gain = +13dB, Mic minimum gain = +21dB !!!! This will not be suitable for loud sources or most DI needs, unfortunately. Too many products seem to only be tested with vintage Strats and SM7Bs...
With the gain pot fully closed the 88m has 6db of free gain. I've measured it multiple times and unlike Glenn, I've not had the same experience with the DI. It's hot but if I run my Fishman Fluences or active pickups, I use a DI box, it's not a drama. The 88m is a professional grade tool, many of the all in one features of lesser quality sounding interfaces are things a professional studio has, like a DI box. On passive pickups, the DI sounds fantastic. It's pretty remarkable how much Neve is on offer for the price in truth. The efficiency of the conversion, adats in and out plus inserts, there is very little to not like about this box. It sounds amazing
@@gmichaelhall According to the manual the minimum gain is +21dB (+21dB to +68dB is the gain range), which is why Glenn still experienced clipping when connecting the DI. Most units have minimum gain of +10dB or less on the mic input, so the Neve has 11dB more gain at its lowest position, which is surprising for a device of this quality.
@@MattHepworth I do understand and appreciate that, but I find it a bit remiss and to an extent lazy to hone in on this single minor issue that impacts less than even a minority of users, especially for an unboxing video. If the "review" included testing the units full potential, I could see the inclusion of the DI matter, but it's not a balanced or even very professional approach to assessing the box, imo. It seems that Glenn honed in on a minor detail and used that to peddle his signature OTT rant schtick. It was unnecessary and entirely unfair to do that to AMS NEVE for the sake of a signature rant. There is little to no justifying this type of lazy incompetent incomplete review, particularly of a product that has so much on offer and is of such obvious quality and value for money. I'm happy to be alone in my opinion but that's how I see the rushed one dimensional assessment where 50% of the video is about a relatively minor detail. I for one really like the DI sound, even my Fishman Fluences sound great, and I do have a volume pot on my guitars I can always turn it down on the way in. Kind regards ✌️🎶🎶
@@gmichaelhall I think videos tend to grab for headlines. CZcams/Google encourages it. A two channel pre/interface of this caliber with a small gain range is a curious design. Likely done to minimize noise within the "normal" gain range. Hopefully, Neve will revise the input range here due to user feedback, like they did when they revised the output range on the 1073LB (doubled the range). My experience with them as a company is they do listen.
@@MattHepworth I've used the 88m for a few months and I've not had any problems with the gain structure thus far. Matter of fact, the 88m has performed admirably on every front. I was an early adopter for the 88m and Neve have been very helpful and inquisitive about my thoughts and opinions about the box, you're absolutely correct about Neve. Top shelf company that obviously listens to its clients. I have been told by Neve that they are looking at a future remote firmware update to address a few topics regarding the gain. I doubt it will be far away and I'm not entirely sure if I'll install it yet. Neve tends to get right on top of these things so I wouldn't let any catastrophiser rant hold me back on at least trying the 88m. It's a spectacular sounding very simple interface to use and love!
For anyone that's interested in outboard gear and don't mind having a bit bigger of a unit - the behringer umc404hd has channel inserts - you just need Y cables! edit: the umc204hd also has this functionality so if size is an issue that's also an option!
Damnit!! I was salivating at the thought of the unit… before the “Pad-issue” reared its ugly head.. My basses are pretty darn hot, in terms of output, so this interface (sadly) is a no go at the moment. Sounded AMAZING on your voice, though!!
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
The manual has the specs for the DI input's maximum headroom which is 5dBu (about 1.3V). Very easy to clip with pickups, which can typically put out just over 3V. If you are recording guitar DI's, always cheap those specs. 12dBu minimum is what you should aim for (higher=more headroom). Its very useful to know this value, and then you can get the most out of amp sim plugins by adjusting the input level to their internal operating level. FWIW the Kemper's default DI setting is 5dBu. There is a setting called "clean sens" that allows you to increase the headroom that will help to avoid clipping the converters (the sound remains the same as itll compensate after the A/D).
Behringer's U-PHORIA UMC204HD and UMC404HD also have channel inserts... and Midi in/out sockets. UMC1820HD have ADAT socket but no channel inserts. Uphoria lineup is criminally underrated; cheap, good sound, tons of features and stable drivers (finnaly).
@@morphine0000 yes, they have real drivers. Unlike the um2 (Only this one doesn' t come with dedicated drivers) , the others have a solid performance even in low latency settings (buffer size 64). I ' m not longer using the umc 404hd but my experience was great.
I've been using a Universal Audio Volt 276 & I love it! The 1176-style compression in it sounds great, it's simple to use and it's built extremely well.
@@JV-rx3ov I think the Neve is too limited for its price. 2x Golden Age Premier PRE-73 + an ID44 would be a way better choice imo. That's 2 Neve + 4 Audient peamps, 20x24 channels (vs 10x10 on the Neve).
@@joolm4976 I got one last week and it's BEAUTIFUL! It's not emulated, it's the REAL THING. 88RLBs are £750 a piece, ok this doesn't have the pad, polarity flip etc but that can be done in the box easily enough. This thing sounds AMAZING!!
Awesome. I have that same drawmer compressor too. Crazy bang for the buck esp on bass. Looks like Neve has a boomer testing issue with that DI headroom. They should learn and send out proto units to channels like yours before release. Inserts are great though and neve by far is a constant in my fav rock albums. I use old Chameleon Labs 1073 clones but wish I could afford the originals.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
@@ET2carbon Yeah but that's probably a vst style console sim. If you have heard the satisfaction of the Neve pre distortion/excitement when you crank it, you can't go back to VST land. I talk about why here czcams.com/video/7L9RcbZYaz0/video.html
with analog units you can get pretty hard with your distortion without ever getting concerned about high CPU usage, latency, or aliasing (digital sounding distortion).
@@CIRCLEOFTONE console sim? I mean Rupert Neve did the console transformers circuitry . With built-in digital signal processing (DSP), UR-C interfaces provide zero latency monitoring with effects for every DAW, including straightforward control of all routings and settings. Powered by Yamaha’s custom-designed SSP3 DSP chip,
Audients interfaces id22 and id44 have had inserts since Audient has existed. It’s a major selling point. Their preamps sound excellent, Apollos sound strident in comparison, and are transformer (jfet) balanced as well. They also have Adat/toslink connectivity for expansion, individual input pads, hpfs, 48vPP, programmable monitor controller and button functions. Heck, the id44 (with 4 combijack inputs) has 2 pairs of balanced line outs for monitoring and outboard mixing, and two separate headphone outs with individual volume dials - all for less than half the price of this Neve unit. It borders on disingenuous to say to your audience you haven’t seen inserts on an interface before, Audient has been making interfaces for years and you somehow missed it? Particularly when the feature set goes far and away beyond the Neve.
Thanks for pointing this out. Audient does well thought out products. The inserts can bypass the mic pres which is a great feature when out boarding to other mic pres/EQs/Comps. The only miss on the ASP880 is not having an ADAT in. The impedance switch on every channel is a rare sighting.
I'll keep my UAD Twin for that money. It can take anything you throw at it, and has oodles of Unison inserts like compressors, limiters, preamps etc that you can run going into it. Been using it for voice-over and singing, and having a singer go into an Avalon and then an LA-2A before it even hits the DAW is amazing. I even give the singer a no-latency Lexicon 480 reverb in their headphones as well - no outboard needed.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces. It's has direct DSP like what you're yl talking about for direct zero latency in the monitoring [headphones on singer] path.
@@ET2carbon Do you work for them or something? BTW, the Steinberg interfaces don't have the send/return inserts so they actually are not the same thing anyway.
@@electricwhiterabbit no I don't. But I have the Rackmount interface and the mobile. I waited a long time to upgrade interfaces because I didn't see many of the things I looked for so when that came out I was excited.
@@electricwhiterabbit the insert to me doesn't affect anything because I record the interface as tape recorders. I playback out through a large console where I have 8 bus and 32 channel inserts and full analog path to recording the 8 busses into 4 tape recorders timecode synchronized. Then for mastering I play back the 4 stereo tracks into 2 summing mixers to the final recorder in DSD format. But if you compare just the input path I think the steinberg is better. Again they are Neve pres certified and paired with the yamaha processing
@@ET2carbon wow you’ve told just about every person on CZcams that exists about this interface and you’ve also given them false information… it’s a 24 bit interface on usb 2.0 there’s nothing special about it. It’s a $350 interface. Apollos are far superior,
Thanks for the review Glenn! I totally forgot about this unit, really impressed with it's sound quality. Too bad they didn't put a pad on the inputs. I'll probably wait to see if Neve releases another one before I get one.
I think it’s worth a wait. The pros don’t really outweigh the limitations and issues in any way - for example if you look at MOTU Ultralite MK5 - you have an insane amount of pristine input and outputs and a mixing software to patch it up any way you want for almost half the price. If you wanted to have the analogue sauce into your sound it can be achieved in so many ways that is not dependent on the channel insert of this interface. Neve is a huge brand so it feels tempting but if you look at what you’re actually getting its just not worth it.
I've got a 1st gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 for about 10 years, and this thing has PAD -10dB button on each channel. It can handle EMGs and 5-string bass with active pickups. It also has RCA outputs, so I can connect it even to someone's portable JBL speaker at a party. No plans for an upgrade right now :P
No pad on the 2i2 sadly, I run any hot guitars/basses through an MXR bass comp to tame it enough to stop clipping but it means extra setup time. Shame this has the same issue.
Used a 2i4 Gen 1, to make a lot of music! Great little box! Graduated to an Apollo Twin a couple of years ago. You can make actual records with the Twin.
Hahaha, I think u have just explained compression to me and some of its uses, without even meaning to. Damn I'd love to spend a month in your studio with you, just watching. While I adore all metal/rock music, I mainly make electronic/synth based (and terribly at that), but dang it, I think I could learn a massive amount from you. Best video of the year for me!!!
The Presonus Quantum 2626 also has inserts on channels 1&2 , its considerably cheaper and thunderbolt with 8 mic/line inputs channels a lot of bang for your buck.
If your input signal us too hot just use an XLR-Pad adaptor, this will give you the level reduction you need, though i agree this surely should have been an integral feature of the 88M in the first place especially given the price!
I took a look at that thing a few weeks ago when I was looking for a little interface to take on vacation. As soon as I saw the price tag I made the decision to buy the SSL 2+ instead.
Hi Glenn! If it hasn't been recommended yet - check out the Audient ID22 interface. It's got two onboard pres with inserts on each, expandable via ADAT, and has a pad on each input.
@@roycekillz2404 anyone watching that wants to learn what interface to buy and why should care because it'd save them money. It's a pretty glaring omission
Audients interfaces do, and far more useful features than this thing for half the price. The preamps are fantastic too, capable of driving my SM7B quietly and tastefully. I have an ADL600 that I use (into the insert returns, bypassing the preamps and straight to the A/D) mainly because I have it, but I could happily live without it. They are transformer balanced - mains powered, not bus - and the best interface preamps on the market.
I use JHS’s 1073 and origin’s 1176 clones on my board and I’m super happy with them. I’d be keen to throw those in the channel inserts and have the stones to mix to mono!Such a shame about the lack of headroom on the DIs though, that’s basically unusable even with an external box in between. Also, cheers for Extinction Level Event. I’ve been replacing all my instances of superior drummer since ELE cuts through the bullshit and the mix in a really satisfying way. Nice work, Glenn!
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
Shouting with Glenn at the beginning of the latest videos is going to be a wonderful diaphragmatic warmup. Thank you Glenn for being an awesomely inspirational content creator!!!
Believe it or not, some of the cheap Behringer stuff has inserts too. I used to have a 404hd and all 4 mic pres have a TRS insert on the back. I used to track everything with a Behringer 2 channel dynamics processor to gate and compress for guitars and voiceover.
The behringer umc22 is also terrible. I made the mistake of buying it while trying to start recording. It consistently sounds like the static noise in between radio stations. I tried get a new cable, still had that awful noise. I googled the issue and apparently it's very common and is because of the Midas preamp. Worst 100$ I've spent
Yamaha did a signature Rupert Neve edition interface with Steinberg you could try. I don't know the specs on your 2 channel but the steinberg units are 32bit which gives more headroom, and they have a 2 or 8 Channel to choose from. And they run on usb-c.
@@Espresso101 yeah I looked it up. Sorry it is 2 and 4. I got confused because I have the 8 channel usb-c 32bit. It's UR-22c & UR-816c. It's weird how they didn't carry over the Neve qualification into the 32-bit models. I think they came first then the C models released maybe a years after. Maybe they'll update a fresh release like what XBOX does after they release the first model of a new system then they add colors and they become slimmer.
@@brianvillage5 Sorry for being a year behind, but the connection used does not define the protocol supported. You can find USB-C cables that are spec'd for USB2.0 just as you can find USB-A & USB-B cables that are for USB3.1. Equally so; Thunderbolt cables now use a USB-C connection and are spec'd for both Thunderbolt and USB protocols but a USB-C cable spec'd for only the USB3.1 protocol cannot handle Thunderbolt. To be fair to you, the UR-RT in question does not use a USB-C connector at this time, but a device with USB-C connectors can still make use of this device with the appropriate adapter or cable.
The bheringer euphoria 204hd has inserts, I know there’s no comparison hahahaha but if you need that at a lower price point that’s an option. Keep on rocking everyone!
Well, Glenn, even the cheap-ass (but really good) Behringer UMC204HD has two inserts using Y-cable. Hell, the ancient Alesis IO/2 even had these. And yes, the cheap-ass Behringer doesn't clip on hot DI guitar signal, be it high output passive pickups or active bass pickups. This issue is actually a deal-breaker for a premium priced interface. You can get the UMC204HD and a Focusrite ISA One or ISA Two preamp for a VERY similar price.
for just 50 more you can get the focusrite scarlett 18i20 and 2 octopres or 1 octopre comp. so up to 24 inputs or 16 inputs, 8 with compressor. useless piece of shit that neve is.
The less high frequency and gain on the mic channel, when a guitar is plugged in, is due to an impedance mismatch. Guitars don't like being plugged into a low impedance input.
GLENNNNNN! Surely a slightly hot DI is better than a frumpy, flat, frigid one! If your input is high, use an inline 10dB pad or something. I'd rather attenuate than amp! Especially when you consider how fucking fierce that sounded through your compressor.
those adapters for the XLR cables are massive,and must put some stress on the 1/4" jacks. I'd be putting some support under those behemoths to avoid repairs.
Some other interfaces that have channel inserts are the small Behringer UMC ones. I've got a UMC404HD, that means 4 channels, and they all have inserts. The thing is that I don't know anything about the quality of the preamps, though they are supposed to sound good because Behringer claims these units have MIDAS preamps. I can't give an opinion if the inserts work well with outboard gear because I'm broke hah
The UA Apollo twin has the same issue with the instrument input. Turns out the minimum gain setting on those interfaces is +10 dB and the pad is bypassed when you plug into the instrument input. Plugging into a Countryman Type 10 DI with a -15dB pad solved my problems. Lowering your pickups is also another viable option.
If this thing is gonna clip by plugging a guitar into it, then it doesn’t function as expected. Thanks for the warning Glenn. Too bad you couldn’t just come out and say this thing is useless for the average guy who wants a two channel interface. There I said it for you. You’re welcome. Warning stay away from this product!
forgive the dumb question, but whats the reason you cant turn the guitar down at its volume knob? ive never noticed a tone difference doing that. what am i missing?
There actually generally is a tone difference - as you turn the volume knob down, high end drops off. A treble bleed circuit can minimize this, but many guitars don’t have that. Plus, if an interface won’t work for the signal level you are using, it isn’t the right product for that application.
Proviso - with an active gtr/bass there prob wont be any difference (and heck you NEED to turn THOSE down) And if it was my 40.oo Interface I've used for 12 years, I'd just wire a pad switch in - for a grand though ... Hmmmm Drilling holes in it prob voids the warranty ? ;)
You just save me a lot of money today Glenn. I am was heading out to buy one (all I use is the DI for electric guitar) and this won't work for me! Thanks man!!
I found that if you have pre amp in guitar or active pu "EMGs"you can select line input. This cuts clipping and sounds great! I don't need to pad most of time. It worked great with my Focus 2i4 sec gen. and my Behringer UMC404HD and UMC has inserts for all four channels. Z.K.
The inserts/loops are fantastic. It is something the has been missing from just about every other I/O from the last 20 years. It’s a simple analog loop, so why did it take this long? 😂 Thanks to Neve you can use your other hardware, but also other pre-amps in front of the AD converters.
I’m not turned off by the PAD issue at all. You got some really great sounds out of that thing. It would be nice to have a DI that wasn’t completely fucked, but I record real amps. Those tones are crazy though. The 88M sounds great.
I already know i will be blasted, but this Behringer UMC 204 HD is incredible and it has those rare inserts you speak of. I think I paid 90 bucks for it.
Antelope isn't as reliable. I gave them a chance with the ZenGo, despite the fact I know they experimented reliability issues in the past. 2 weeks later the screen had a lot of dead pixels. I received a new one from warranty. Sold the new one to a friend, he's now waiting for his new one too because the motherboard died. Do we had 2 lemons, maybe.. It's sad, a beautiful and really good sounding interface but I wouldn't recommend. I paid twice the price for an RME Babyface Pro FS but it's a long term investment.
Maybe a IK Multimedia Z Tone DI (not the pedal version) would do the trick as it has a -20dB pad onboard? I know it kind of defeats the 88M portability purpose, but at least it would give more tone shaping and routing options, and it's not that big of a box either. But I agree with you, kind of baffling companies with so much money involved in R&D can't get products right. Makes me appreciate companies like Elektron, Source Audio, Strymon, Chase Bliss, Dave Smith and others who put extra care and don't rush products on the production line.
This only happened for me. Because I was the only student. Who didn't take the broadcasting course. And went on the air. Within two weeks of high school starting. When it would take all others, half a year. I got my license in one week! woo hoo! Yeah baby! Rock 'n' roll is here to stay! And I'm playing it. But that wasn't good enough for me! I wanted to record that stuff! Just like my daddy was doing for, United Sound Systems and Motown Studios. Playing his violin. With all the other old Jewish Detroit Symphony musicians. That played on all of those countless Motown and Stax hit records! And I was that, 7-year-old kid. Sitting in the corner of the control room. My daddy got me permission to do from the producer and engineer. And I watched. And I listened. And I knew at 7 years of age. What I was going to do for the rest of my professional career and life. At 7 years of age. Not many others have had these kinds of advantages and exposure. To the overall recording and broadcasting industry. Which as a kid. A little kid. I thought the engineers had to know how to do it all? How stupid was I? If I became the very best at all of that? And I did! And I am! And I've made history. And I have 4 major music award nominations for best engineered category. And no college degree! Who needs a fucking college degree? When you are 7 years old and looking at a 14 input custom made console in the house. Along with a brand-new, 1 inch, 8 track, Ampex, AG-440-A, recorder. And I'm staring at it at 7 years of age. And then the, Ampex and Scully 2 track, machines. Right next to it. In metal equipment racks mounted vertically. Which, to this seven-year-old. Looks rather awkward to use that way. Why were they not lying flat? Like that one Ampex 300-1. They have in the front voiceover studio? With a General Electric, radio console. To record voiceover commercials with. That my father used mostly. With his announcers. For his advertising agency. When he wasn't recording Motown or Stax violin tracks. And schlepping his kid along on a Saturday afternoon. To get me out of mother's hair. And a brief respite. With my younger brother Danny. Who was no problem at all unlike myself. So some people are born and bred. To become, music recording, commercial recording and broadcast engineers. When later. Dad closed up his advertising agency. And I went to work for a multimillion dollar advertising agency. In charge of all audio and video production. Then onward to, working for and/or designing and building, sizable recording studios. And then going to work for, rock 'n' roll radio stations followed by NBC-TV. Over just my past, 42 years. Mostly making, rock 'n' roll, jazz, gospel and operatic recordings. After having cut, tens of thousands of national commercials. And winding up at the top of the heap. Of Audio Engineers, Maintenance Engineers and studio designers. All without college. Through a free learning institution. That every city has. Called a Library. Where learning is all free! It's free! And will tell you everything you need to know. If you can read? More than Dick and Jane. Maybe? And you'll be good to go. No killing of some poor little innocent sheep. So you can scribble something on its hide. How stupid is that? Really stupid. And poor little sheep. Better to have been a sweater from grandma. As it would provide more protection from the freezing cold. Of Detroit and Windsor Ontario, Canada. As Glenn well knows. And why he stays holed up in his garage! Where, it's a tiny bit warmer. For icy cold, Metal Rock! And likely why. Where he is no longer pursuing, Los Angeles. Being an illegal immigrant and such. Taking jobs and food out of American lives! And had to go back to the bitter cold of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Because the Metal all melted in Los Angeles! And so did Glenn's fat, came back! To, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Where he likes freezing his ass off! Right Glenn? No it was culture shock for Glenn in Los Angeles. To discover. An entire city filled with people. All believing they should be movie stars! And where Glenn's sort of stuck out like a sore, Canadian thumb. Frozen and gangrenous from the cold. And ready to fall off. That won't make guitar playing any easier for Glenn. Glenn only left Los Angeles. Because he was scared by a little virus. And he's a great big dude. Full of metal. And truly missed assembling Canadian Chryslers. And also wanted to share, Los Angeles germs. In Windsor, Ontario, Canada. And in fact all of his clients with, Covid-19. When they already had the, brand-new, 2021 model. They no longer needed the 2019 variety. Of last year's models. Of viruses. And Glenn wanted to take them home. You have for his studio also. As his recordings of metal are so infectious! And we all want to catch that drift. (Continued in next post)
This could have been the killer product in a long run. The lack of a pad really breaks the business. As an electronics engineer myself I know the feeling too good when you're done with a product and the first customer shows you the obvious problem... I hope that the guys at Neve come up with a clever solution and fix the issue in a Mk2 of the product very soon. I mean a switchable pad is not the most difficult thing to do but I sure know the implications at the back of the product.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
I’m no less interested in this than I was before, in spite of the DI being a bit too hot. A 4 channel version of this would be awesome, too. Definitely expect them to address the DI in future revisions/variants though, as it is clearly a dealbreaker issue for a lot of folks.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
They could have put an output level knob on there. Concentric to the gain knob. Seems like a no-brainer. Of course then they'd have to charge $3000, but it'd be totally worth it because, Neve, right?
It would be interesting to compare this to My Steinberg UR-RT4 which also has Neve transformers inside it. And since mine only cost half the price of the 88M is it really worth the extra doh vs a similar unit with 4 channels (and seperate inserts) + midi? How i wonder ;)
I guess they figured if you can afford that interface, you can afford an external DI box, or that you'd have a patch cable for the inserts. Cute. In all fairness, my Behringer UMC404HD has inserts, but they need a TRS to dual TS breakout adapter or cable to work. It doesn't have the pad issue, has pad buttons on the inputs, et al, but then again it also doesn't have lightpipe or the fancy transformers.
@@christophpawlowskimusic213 This is the second time that these scammers have done this. I wish that Glenn would do something to stop this crap. They are using his good name and logo to push a scam. Love or hate Glenn’s opinion, he is far from a scammer. He is an honest dude that has put in a lot of hard work to get where he is. I would hate for him to lose what he has worked hard for, all because of some lazy scammers.
I think it would be funny for glen to do his really long "aaaaaaaaalllllllright" intro, but he does it so long that his face turns red and he passes out. And the rest of the video is just him unconscious on the floor for a few minutes
So, what's the point of such absurdly expensive stuff (AMS Neve 1073OPX and this one) if preamps and converters are like 1% of the sound comapared to the sources, speakers and microphones that make all of the job ?
Kind of funny how Glenn's speech switches to radio broadcaster mode once the compressor is enabled xD
Home Service radio broadcaster mode? (It is a British product, after all)
Radio broadcaster mode is compression. Compressors were invented for radio.
it's amazing. I would love to have a Glenn hosted talk radio in GTA 6.
In a Neve preamp circuit, the gain knob comes _after_ the transformer. You're actually driving the preamp gain stages really hard, and that's what's giving you all those delicious harmonics and compression effects! Hitting that DI really hard sounded sick! Rock on.
My Audient ID44 continues to be a great investment, and also has inserts on the first two channels, and for about half the price has 4 mic pres, and up to 20x24 channels. The Neve sound is nice, but I see little reason to spend the extra $$$ over the Audient
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
😎🤙 I'm happy with my ID44. It's great! 🙄☝️The Audient ID22 also has 2 mic pres and inserts and adat conection
OMG, when you cranked the gain and it started distorting, that's the sound I want for my voiceovers. I love it
The problem with neve is that most people expect the guitar to sound straight out of the box like classic rock and 80s metal. Problem is, they're missing 3 layers of tape. Tracking tape -> Mix tape -> Master tape. It smooths the highs so much depending on the bias. Digital recording gives you the raw highs that we are just not used to hearing from records. From Hendrix to Slayer, all the guitarists we worship are on tape.
pure bullshit.
3x Hi End tape stuff don't reduce the highs that much.
@@Byron101_ Nobody says it reduces the highs. I call BS on you having ever tried 3x tape
Everything was tape before 92 . It's why those records sound so good.
You can’t use a tape plugin?
Issues are revealed in the specs: DI minimum gain = +13dB, Mic minimum gain = +21dB !!!! This will not be suitable for loud sources or most DI needs, unfortunately. Too many products seem to only be tested with vintage Strats and SM7Bs...
With the gain pot fully closed the 88m has 6db of free gain. I've measured it multiple times and unlike Glenn, I've not had the same experience with the DI. It's hot but if I run my Fishman Fluences or active pickups, I use a DI box, it's not a drama. The 88m is a professional grade tool, many of the all in one features of lesser quality sounding interfaces are things a professional studio has, like a DI box.
On passive pickups, the DI sounds fantastic.
It's pretty remarkable how much Neve is on offer for the price in truth.
The efficiency of the conversion, adats in and out plus inserts, there is very little to not like about this box.
It sounds amazing
@@gmichaelhall According to the manual the minimum gain is +21dB (+21dB to +68dB is the gain range), which is why Glenn still experienced clipping when connecting the DI. Most units have minimum gain of +10dB or less on the mic input, so the Neve has 11dB more gain at its lowest position, which is surprising for a device of this quality.
@@MattHepworth I do understand and appreciate that, but I find it a bit remiss and to an extent lazy to hone in on this single minor issue that impacts less than even a minority of users, especially for an unboxing video. If the "review" included testing the units full potential, I could see the inclusion of the DI matter, but it's not a balanced or even very professional approach to assessing the box, imo. It seems that Glenn honed in on a minor detail and used that to peddle his signature OTT rant schtick. It was unnecessary and entirely unfair to do that to AMS NEVE for the sake of a signature rant. There is little to no justifying this type of lazy incompetent incomplete review, particularly of a product that has so much on offer and is of such obvious quality and value for money. I'm happy to be alone in my opinion but that's how I see the rushed one dimensional assessment where 50% of the video is about a relatively minor detail.
I for one really like the DI sound, even my Fishman Fluences sound great, and I do have a volume pot on my guitars I can always turn it down on the way in. Kind regards ✌️🎶🎶
@@gmichaelhall I think videos tend to grab for headlines. CZcams/Google encourages it. A two channel pre/interface of this caliber with a small gain range is a curious design. Likely done to minimize noise within the "normal" gain range. Hopefully, Neve will revise the input range here due to user feedback, like they did when they revised the output range on the 1073LB (doubled the range). My experience with them as a company is they do listen.
@@MattHepworth I've used the 88m for a few months and I've not had any problems with the gain structure thus far. Matter of fact, the 88m has performed admirably on every front. I was an early adopter for the 88m and Neve have been very helpful and inquisitive about my thoughts and opinions about the box, you're absolutely correct about Neve. Top shelf company that obviously listens to its clients.
I have been told by Neve that they are looking at a future remote firmware update to address a few topics regarding the gain. I doubt it will be far away and I'm not entirely sure if I'll install it yet. Neve tends to get right on top of these things so I wouldn't let any catastrophiser rant hold me back on at least trying the 88m. It's a spectacular sounding very simple interface to use and love!
For anyone that's interested in outboard gear and don't mind having a bit bigger of a unit - the behringer umc404hd has channel inserts - you just need Y cables! edit: the umc204hd also has this functionality so if size is an issue that's also an option!
Damnit!! I was salivating at the thought of the unit… before the “Pad-issue” reared its ugly head.. My basses are pretty darn hot, in terms of output, so this interface (sadly) is a no go at the moment.
Sounded AMAZING on your voice, though!!
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
Does reporting those scam replies actually do anything for us or will they just keep popping up like the input gain issues??
@@PooNinja Hahahaha who knows!? :D
@@PooNinja I just report them as misinformation 😂
I love how you can be honest even as a fan of Neve... Respects to you sir
The manual has the specs for the DI input's maximum headroom which is 5dBu (about 1.3V). Very easy to clip with pickups, which can typically put out just over 3V. If you are recording guitar DI's, always cheap those specs. 12dBu minimum is what you should aim for (higher=more headroom). Its very useful to know this value, and then you can get the most out of amp sim plugins by adjusting the input level to their internal operating level.
FWIW the Kemper's default DI setting is 5dBu. There is a setting called "clean sens" that allows you to increase the headroom that will help to avoid clipping the converters (the sound remains the same as itll compensate after the A/D).
7:52 My new alarm clock sound; thanks Glenn 😂
*rapidly skips the long annoying intro*
Behringer's U-PHORIA UMC204HD and UMC404HD also have channel inserts... and Midi in/out sockets. UMC1820HD have ADAT socket but no channel inserts.
Uphoria lineup is criminally underrated; cheap, good sound, tons of features and stable drivers (finnaly).
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
Do the Uphoria interfaces have 'real' drivers or do they use ASIO4ALL?
@@morphine0000 yes, they have real drivers. Unlike the um2 (Only this one doesn' t come with dedicated drivers) , the others have a solid performance even in low latency settings (buffer size 64). I ' m not longer using the umc 404hd but my experience was great.
@@Asclepius1991 cool, thanks for the info
I've been using a Universal Audio Volt 276 & I love it! The 1176-style compression in it sounds great, it's simple to use and it's built extremely well.
I had the volt476 before buying the Neve 88m. No comparaison, the Neve sound is stunning compared to the Volt.
@@joolm4976 - As it should be. Comparing a $1245 Neve to a $399 UA Volt476 should be a night & day difference.
I'll start off with the Behringer UMC1820, though. It's €268.
I can always upgrade to an expensive 2x2 later.
@@JV-rx3ov I think the Neve is too limited for its price. 2x Golden Age Premier PRE-73 + an ID44 would be a way better choice imo. That's 2 Neve + 4 Audient peamps, 20x24 channels (vs 10x10 on the Neve).
@@joolm4976 I got one last week and it's BEAUTIFUL! It's not emulated, it's the REAL THING.
88RLBs are £750 a piece, ok this doesn't have the pad, polarity flip etc but that can be done in the box easily enough.
This thing sounds AMAZING!!
Awesome. I have that same drawmer compressor too. Crazy bang for the buck esp on bass. Looks like Neve has a boomer testing issue with that DI headroom. They should learn and send out proto units to channels like yours before release.
Inserts are great though and neve by far is a constant in my fav rock albums. I use old Chameleon Labs 1073 clones but wish I could afford the originals.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
@@ET2carbon Yeah but that's probably a vst style console sim. If you have heard the satisfaction of the Neve pre distortion/excitement when you crank it, you can't go back to VST land. I talk about why here czcams.com/video/7L9RcbZYaz0/video.html
with analog units you can get pretty hard with your distortion without ever getting concerned about high CPU usage, latency, or aliasing (digital sounding distortion).
Hey bro come back 😩
@@CIRCLEOFTONE console sim? I mean Rupert Neve did the console transformers circuitry .
With built-in digital signal processing (DSP), UR-C interfaces provide zero latency monitoring with effects for every DAW, including straightforward control of all routings and settings. Powered by Yamaha’s custom-designed SSP3 DSP chip,
Audients interfaces id22 and id44 have had inserts since Audient has existed. It’s a major selling point. Their preamps sound excellent, Apollos sound strident in comparison, and are transformer (jfet) balanced as well. They also have Adat/toslink connectivity for expansion, individual input pads, hpfs, 48vPP, programmable monitor controller and button functions. Heck, the id44 (with 4 combijack inputs) has 2 pairs of balanced line outs for monitoring and outboard mixing, and two separate headphone outs with individual volume dials - all for less than half the price of this Neve unit. It borders on disingenuous to say to your audience you haven’t seen inserts on an interface before, Audient has been making interfaces for years and you somehow missed it? Particularly when the feature set goes far and away beyond the Neve.
Thanks for pointing this out. Audient does well thought out products. The inserts can bypass the mic pres which is a great feature when out boarding to other mic pres/EQs/Comps. The only miss on the ASP880 is not having an ADAT in. The impedance switch on every channel is a rare sighting.
I got the SSL 2 channel interface a few months ago. I'm loving it so far. No complaints yet.
careful, my jack inputs bent real fucking quick with that and returned it within the month
I'm probably gonna get one of these for my set up.
Regarding the D.I. clipping:
Did you try backing off the guitar volume a little?
I'll keep my UAD Twin for that money. It can take anything you throw at it, and has oodles of Unison inserts like compressors, limiters, preamps etc that you can run going into it. Been using it for voice-over and singing, and having a singer go into an Avalon and then an LA-2A before it even hits the DAW is amazing.
I even give the singer a no-latency Lexicon 480 reverb in their headphones as well - no outboard needed.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces. It's has direct DSP like what you're yl talking about for direct zero latency in the monitoring [headphones on singer] path.
@@ET2carbon Do you work for them or something? BTW, the Steinberg interfaces don't have the send/return inserts so they actually are not the same thing anyway.
@@electricwhiterabbit no I don't. But I have the Rackmount interface and the mobile. I waited a long time to upgrade interfaces because I didn't see many of the things I looked for so when that came out I was excited.
@@electricwhiterabbit the insert to me doesn't affect anything because I record the interface as tape recorders. I playback out through a large console where I have 8 bus and 32 channel inserts and full analog path to recording the 8 busses into 4 tape recorders timecode synchronized. Then for mastering I play back the 4 stereo tracks into 2 summing mixers to the final recorder in DSD format.
But if you compare just the input path I think the steinberg is better. Again they are Neve pres certified and paired with the yamaha processing
@@ET2carbon wow you’ve told just about every person on CZcams that exists about this interface and you’ve also given them false information… it’s a 24 bit interface on usb 2.0 there’s nothing special about it. It’s a $350 interface. Apollos are far superior,
Thanks for the review Glenn! I totally forgot about this unit, really impressed with it's sound quality. Too bad they didn't put a pad on the inputs. I'll probably wait to see if Neve releases another one before I get one.
I think it’s worth a wait. The pros don’t really outweigh the limitations and issues in any way - for example if you look at MOTU Ultralite MK5 - you have an insane amount of pristine input and outputs and a mixing software to patch it up any way you want for almost half the price. If you wanted to have the analogue sauce into your sound it can be achieved in so many ways that is not dependent on the channel insert of this interface. Neve is a huge brand so it feels tempting but if you look at what you’re actually getting its just not worth it.
I've got a 1st gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 for about 10 years, and this thing has PAD -10dB button on each channel. It can handle EMGs and 5-string bass with active pickups. It also has RCA outputs, so I can connect it even to someone's portable JBL speaker at a party. No plans for an upgrade right now :P
No pad on the 2i2 sadly, I run any hot guitars/basses through an MXR bass comp to tame it enough to stop clipping but it means extra setup time. Shame this has the same issue.
Used a 2i4 Gen 1, to make a lot of music! Great little box!
Graduated to an Apollo Twin a couple of years ago.
You can make actual records with the Twin.
That fuzz effect!! You're the right guy to record new High On Fire album! Great video as always, thanks!
Saw them live in Vegas two weeks ago. Unreal lol
20:28
Glenn: "That might be a little too much."
Me, listening to Sleep all week: " Can you make that one riff last 3 hours?"
I know that review hurt. Thanks for the honesty. Peace.
Hahaha, I think u have just explained compression to me and some of its uses, without even meaning to. Damn I'd love to spend a month in your studio with you, just watching. While I adore all metal/rock music, I mainly make electronic/synth based (and terribly at that), but dang it, I think I could learn a massive amount from you.
Best video of the year for me!!!
That audio interface sounds stunning
Damn that really is a deal breaker, you almost sold me with the fuzz though if they pad the channels that's a definite purchase from me
The Presonus Quantum 2626 also has inserts on channels 1&2 , its considerably cheaper and thunderbolt with 8 mic/line inputs channels a lot of bang for your buck.
you have filled the void in my life left by the screaming pirate in the beginning of all spongebob episodes
If your input signal us too hot just use an XLR-Pad adaptor, this will give you the level reduction you need, though i agree this surely should have been an integral feature of the 88M in the first place especially given the price!
Finally, Neve release an interface for the common man. 👍😂
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
@@christophpawlowskimusic213 Ya think? 😉😉
@@FatNorthernBigot You'd be surprised how many of my fellow bass players continue to fall for this… 😒
@@FatNorthernBigot Fun Fact: the original Focusrite company was founded by Rupert Neve. 🤓
I took a look at that thing a few weeks ago when I was looking for a little interface to take on vacation. As soon as I saw the price tag I made the decision to buy the SSL 2+ instead.
Hi Glenn! If it hasn't been recommended yet - check out the Audient ID22 interface. It's got two onboard pres with inserts on each, expandable via ADAT, and has a pad on each input.
It’s been out for ten years and he’s not aware of it 😅
Who cares
Who cares?
@@roycekillz2404 anyone watching that wants to learn what interface to buy and why should care because it'd save them money. It's a pretty glaring omission
Even with it clipping it just sounds so fucking sweet .🤘
Thanks for the review Glenn! It's hard to believe inserts aren't becoming more standard on interfaces in this day and age.
Because most interfaces don't have preamps worth using for people who have enough skills to track through outboard gear. This one does.
Audients interfaces do, and far more useful features than this thing for half the price. The preamps are fantastic too, capable of driving my SM7B quietly and tastefully. I have an ADL600 that I use (into the insert returns, bypassing the preamps and straight to the A/D) mainly because I have it, but I could happily live without it. They are transformer balanced - mains powered, not bus - and the best interface preamps on the market.
I use JHS’s 1073 and origin’s 1176 clones on my board and I’m super happy with them. I’d be keen to throw those in the channel inserts and have the stones to mix to mono!Such a shame about the lack of headroom on the DIs though, that’s basically unusable even with an external box in between.
Also, cheers for Extinction Level Event. I’ve been replacing all my instances of superior drummer since ELE cuts through the bullshit and the mix in a really satisfying way. Nice work, Glenn!
Are you referring to the Colourbox? If so, love mine!
Good video. Definitely a deal breaker I’d have been pissed discovering that issue.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
Use the Volume on the Guitar to stop clipping the interface, that's what the pots on the guitar are for, they are not there for decoration. XD
@@kalidesu The tone changes on the guitar if you turn down the volume. Especially if you don't have a treble bleed wired into the guitar.
Man I would love to run my drum machines through that preamp on high gain with a compressor. That sounded insanely musical.
That’s what I’m getting it for tr 707 and rx 11 gonna sound great lol
Shouting with Glenn at the beginning of the latest videos is going to be a wonderful diaphragmatic warmup. Thank you Glenn for being an awesomely inspirational content creator!!!
No Glen the screaming has to stop
Believe it or not, some of the cheap Behringer stuff has inserts too. I used to have a 404hd and all 4 mic pres have a TRS insert on the back. I used to track everything with a Behringer 2 channel dynamics processor to gate and compress for guitars and voiceover.
The behringer umc22 is also terrible. I made the mistake of buying it while trying to start recording. It consistently sounds like the static noise in between radio stations. I tried get a new cable, still had that awful noise. I googled the issue and apparently it's very common and is because of the Midas preamp.
Worst 100$ I've spent
I have the umc404hd. Best 169 dollars I ever spent! Has midas preamps too.🤷♂️
I'm curious to hear what Neve says to you about it when you see them at the convention. Hopefully they listen to you and release a revision ASAP.
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
Doesn't seem like something that can be quickly knocked into the production
I'm glad Glenn doesn't mind giving honest reviews on gear from all price ranges. That's why I picked up a lifetime license for Raper.
im a lifetime raper
@@genghisghost Oh my word lol. I didn't mean raper, I meant Raper.
Never heard of a lifetime license. They only have a license which is for 2 versions.
@@electricwhiterabbit You're right, I forgot which one I purchased. I did the bedroom warrior one.
Yamaha did a signature Rupert Neve edition interface with Steinberg you could try. I don't know the specs on your 2 channel but the steinberg units are 32bit which gives more headroom, and they have a 2 or 8 Channel to choose from. And they run on usb-c.
That’s a 24 bit interface and it runs usb 2.0 not usb-c.
It's also 2 & 4 channel options. They don't have an 8ch version. I wish they did though.
@@Espresso101 yeah I looked it up. Sorry it is 2 and 4. I got confused because I have the 8 channel usb-c 32bit. It's UR-22c & UR-816c. It's weird how they didn't carry over the Neve qualification into the 32-bit models. I think they came first then the C models released maybe a years after. Maybe they'll update a fresh release like what XBOX does after they release the first model of a new system then they add colors and they become slimmer.
@@brianvillage5 yes you're right, sorry for mixing it up.
@@brianvillage5 Sorry for being a year behind, but the connection used does not define the protocol supported.
You can find USB-C cables that are spec'd for USB2.0 just as you can find USB-A & USB-B cables that are for USB3.1. Equally so; Thunderbolt cables now use a USB-C connection and are spec'd for both Thunderbolt and USB protocols but a USB-C cable spec'd for only the USB3.1 protocol cannot handle Thunderbolt.
To be fair to you, the UR-RT in question does not use a USB-C connector at this time, but a device with USB-C connectors can still make use of this device with the appropriate adapter or cable.
That fuzz is amazing that comes from compressing the guitar DI. :D Love it. It sound amazing.
The bheringer euphoria 204hd has inserts, I know there’s no comparison hahahaha but if you need that at a lower price point that’s an option. Keep on rocking everyone!
19:00 that clipped so hard, that it turned the sine wave into a square wall
gez sharp that knife bro
You’ve made a clear and understandable review, bass players rejoice! (after you’re done eating the packaging)
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
Well, Glenn, even the cheap-ass (but really good) Behringer UMC204HD has two inserts using Y-cable. Hell, the ancient Alesis IO/2 even had these.
And yes, the cheap-ass Behringer doesn't clip on hot DI guitar signal, be it high output passive pickups or active bass pickups. This issue is actually a deal-breaker for a premium priced interface. You can get the UMC204HD and a Focusrite ISA One or ISA Two preamp for a VERY similar price.
for just 50 more you can get the focusrite scarlett 18i20 and 2 octopres or 1 octopre comp. so up to 24 inputs or 16 inputs, 8 with compressor. useless piece of shit that neve is.
My Audient ID22 also has send/return/inserts after the preamp.
The less high frequency and gain on the mic channel, when a guitar is plugged in, is due to an impedance mismatch. Guitars don't like being plugged into a low impedance input.
Yup. 1.5K in mic mode, 900K in DI mode. Those pickups are not going to be happy with a 1.5K load.
GLENNNNNN! Surely a slightly hot DI is better than a frumpy, flat, frigid one! If your input is high, use an inline 10dB pad or something. I'd rather attenuate than amp! Especially when you consider how fucking fierce that sounded through your compressor.
I'm a super UAD fan boy, but I was SO curious about this. Thank you for the review! I will say, when I have the money I want a Neve console
those adapters for the XLR cables are massive,and must put some stress on the 1/4" jacks. I'd be putting some support under those behemoths to avoid repairs.
Some other interfaces that have channel inserts are the small Behringer UMC ones. I've got a UMC404HD, that means 4 channels, and they all have inserts. The thing is that I don't know anything about the quality of the preamps, though they are supposed to sound good because Behringer claims these units have MIDAS preamps. I can't give an opinion if the inserts work well with outboard gear because I'm broke hah
Amen brother 😂
Arturia - Audiofuse Studio: inserts, re-amping, 4 pre amps, 2 cue mix, 2 stereo speaker outputs, loopback. Can't beat in features 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The UA Apollo twin has the same issue with the instrument input. Turns out the minimum gain setting on those interfaces is +10 dB and the pad is bypassed when you plug into the instrument input. Plugging into a Countryman Type 10 DI with a -15dB pad solved my problems. Lowering your pickups is also another viable option.
Great video, BUT Audient iD44 has inserts also. I use them all the time. I do agree that you don’t see them on most interfaces though.
If this thing is gonna clip by plugging a guitar into it, then it doesn’t function as expected. Thanks for the warning Glenn. Too bad you couldn’t just come out and say this thing is useless for the average guy who wants a two channel interface.
There I said it for you. You’re welcome. Warning stay away from this product!
forgive the dumb question, but whats the reason you cant turn the guitar down at its volume knob? ive never noticed a tone difference doing that. what am i missing?
There actually generally is a tone difference - as you turn the volume knob down, high end drops off. A treble bleed circuit can minimize this, but many guitars don’t have that.
Plus, if an interface won’t work for the signal level you are using, it isn’t the right product for that application.
Proviso - with an active gtr/bass there prob wont be any difference (and heck you NEED to turn THOSE down)
And if it was my 40.oo Interface I've used for 12 years, I'd just wire a pad switch in - for a grand though ... Hmmmm
Drilling holes in it prob voids the warranty ? ;)
@@milamber319 turning guitar volume knob down does take away from the tone and properties of the signal.
Hey!…you’re doing a good job
You just save me a lot of money today Glenn. I am was heading out to buy one (all I use is the DI for electric guitar) and this won't work for me! Thanks man!!
I found that if you have pre amp in guitar or active pu "EMGs"you can select line input. This cuts clipping and sounds great! I don't need to pad most of time. It worked great with my Focus 2i4 sec gen. and my Behringer UMC404HD and UMC has inserts for all four channels. Z.K.
The inserts/loops are fantastic. It is something the has been missing from just about every other I/O from the last 20 years. It’s a simple analog loop, so why did it take this long? 😂
Thanks to Neve you can use your other hardware, but also other pre-amps in front of the AD converters.
😂😂 Audient brought out their id22 in 2013 🤦🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️
Audient's ID 22 and 44 have sends and returns - but this Neve looks amazing.
That alllllllllllllllright at the beginning was actually some pretty impressive breath control 😂😂
bro took the wok to poland w that intro
I’m not turned off by the PAD issue at all. You got some really great sounds out of that thing. It would be nice to have a DI that wasn’t completely fucked, but I record real amps. Those tones are crazy though. The 88M sounds great.
Thing is his guitar already has a pad on it... it's called the volume knob.
@@MB-st7be do you mean that volume = PAD
is that okay? If I turn down my volume on guitar,the guitar tone will not change?
Love that you left that 88R in :)
I already know i will be blasted, but this Behringer UMC 204 HD is incredible and it has those rare inserts you speak of. I think I paid 90 bucks for it.
Love you but damn the long winded yell at the intro. Good thing is that expect it now so I turn the volume down for the first 20 seconds lol
Was the input gain all the way down?
8:00
Oh hey, that's the Ministry sound to a T.
I’m here for the screems!!
Speaking of 2 channel audio interfaces, it would be interesting to see Glenn review Antelope ZeGo, which is two fold less expensive than UAD and Neve.
Nice but .. No ADAT
Antelope isn't as reliable. I gave them a chance with the ZenGo, despite the fact I know they experimented reliability issues in the past. 2 weeks later the screen had a lot of dead pixels. I received a new one from warranty. Sold the new one to a friend, he's now waiting for his new one too because the motherboard died. Do we had 2 lemons, maybe.. It's sad, a beautiful and really good sounding interface but I wouldn't recommend. I paid twice the price for an RME Babyface Pro FS but it's a long term investment.
@@RickMold And they aint exactly cheap!!
another overpriced 2 channel interface. if you want quality preamps in a 2 channel factor on a budget just go for a used clarett pre.
@@petegaslondon There's ADAT in and out in the back. Glenn even talks about it.
Maybe a IK Multimedia Z Tone DI (not the pedal version) would do the trick as it has a -20dB pad onboard? I know it kind of defeats the 88M portability purpose, but at least it would give more tone shaping and routing options, and it's not that big of a box either. But I agree with you, kind of baffling companies with so much money involved in R&D can't get products right. Makes me appreciate companies like Elektron, Source Audio, Strymon, Chase Bliss, Dave Smith and others who put extra care and don't rush products on the production line.
This only happened for me. Because I was the only student. Who didn't take the broadcasting course. And went on the air. Within two weeks of high school starting. When it would take all others, half a year. I got my license in one week! woo hoo! Yeah baby! Rock 'n' roll is here to stay! And I'm playing it. But that wasn't good enough for me! I wanted to record that stuff! Just like my daddy was doing for, United Sound Systems and Motown Studios. Playing his violin. With all the other old Jewish Detroit Symphony musicians. That played on all of those countless Motown and Stax hit records! And I was that, 7-year-old kid. Sitting in the corner of the control room. My daddy got me permission to do from the producer and engineer. And I watched. And I listened. And I knew at 7 years of age. What I was going to do for the rest of my professional career and life. At 7 years of age.
Not many others have had these kinds of advantages and exposure. To the overall recording and broadcasting industry. Which as a kid. A little kid. I thought the engineers had to know how to do it all? How stupid was I? If I became the very best at all of that? And I did! And I am! And I've made history. And I have 4 major music award nominations for best engineered category. And no college degree! Who needs a fucking college degree? When you are 7 years old and looking at a 14 input custom made console in the house. Along with a brand-new, 1 inch, 8 track, Ampex, AG-440-A, recorder. And I'm staring at it at 7 years of age. And then the, Ampex and Scully 2 track, machines. Right next to it. In metal equipment racks mounted vertically. Which, to this seven-year-old. Looks rather awkward to use that way. Why were they not lying flat? Like that one Ampex 300-1. They have in the front voiceover studio? With a General Electric, radio console. To record voiceover commercials with. That my father used mostly. With his announcers. For his advertising agency. When he wasn't recording Motown or Stax violin tracks. And schlepping his kid along on a Saturday afternoon. To get me out of mother's hair. And a brief respite. With my younger brother Danny. Who was no problem at all unlike myself.
So some people are born and bred. To become, music recording, commercial recording and broadcast engineers.
When later. Dad closed up his advertising agency. And I went to work for a multimillion dollar advertising agency. In charge of all audio and video production. Then onward to, working for and/or designing and building, sizable recording studios. And then going to work for, rock 'n' roll radio stations followed by NBC-TV. Over just my past, 42 years. Mostly making, rock 'n' roll, jazz, gospel and operatic recordings. After having cut, tens of thousands of national commercials. And winding up at the top of the heap. Of Audio Engineers, Maintenance Engineers and studio designers. All without college. Through a free learning institution. That every city has. Called a Library. Where learning is all free! It's free! And will tell you everything you need to know. If you can read? More than Dick and Jane. Maybe? And you'll be good to go. No killing of some poor little innocent sheep. So you can scribble something on its hide. How stupid is that? Really stupid. And poor little sheep. Better to have been a sweater from grandma. As it would provide more protection from the freezing cold. Of Detroit and Windsor Ontario, Canada. As Glenn well knows. And why he stays holed up in his garage! Where, it's a tiny bit warmer. For icy cold, Metal Rock!
And likely why. Where he is no longer pursuing, Los Angeles. Being an illegal immigrant and such. Taking jobs and food out of American lives! And had to go back to the bitter cold of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Because the Metal all melted in Los Angeles! And so did Glenn's fat, came back! To, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Where he likes freezing his ass off! Right Glenn?
No it was culture shock for Glenn in Los Angeles. To discover. An entire city filled with people. All believing they should be movie stars! And where Glenn's sort of stuck out like a sore, Canadian thumb. Frozen and gangrenous from the cold. And ready to fall off. That won't make guitar playing any easier for Glenn.
Glenn only left Los Angeles. Because he was scared by a little virus. And he's a great big dude. Full of metal. And truly missed assembling Canadian Chryslers. And also wanted to share, Los Angeles germs. In Windsor, Ontario, Canada. And in fact all of his clients with, Covid-19. When they already had the, brand-new, 2021 model. They no longer needed the 2019 variety. Of last year's models. Of viruses. And Glenn wanted to take them home. You have for his studio also. As his recordings of metal are so infectious! And we all want to catch that drift.
(Continued in next post)
You have a really strong voice. Sounds like Whole Lotta Love at 3:35 where he goes looooooovvvvve!
sounds dope
This could have been the killer product in a long run. The lack of a pad really breaks the business. As an electronics engineer myself I know the feeling too good when you're done with a product and the first customer shows you the obvious problem... I hope that the guys at Neve come up with a clever solution and fix the issue in a Mk2 of the product very soon. I mean a switchable pad is not the most difficult thing to do but I sure know the implications at the back of the product.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
8:02 "Oh that is just wicked cool." Quite the announcer voice there.
I’m no less interested in this than I was before, in spite of the DI being a bit too hot. A 4 channel version of this would be awesome, too. Definitely expect them to address the DI in future revisions/variants though, as it is clearly a dealbreaker issue for a lot of folks.
Steinberg makes a yamaha signal chain in their 32bit interface that is a signature Rupert Neve edition. 32bit gives more headroom. They make a 2 channel and 8 channel. But if you just need 4 channels on Mac they allow chaining multiple interfaces over USB. you just set that up in sound settings for multiple interfaces
Product design is so important. I want this thing soley because of the big red knob. 😆
They could have put an output level knob on there. Concentric to the gain knob. Seems like a no-brainer. Of course then they'd have to charge $3000, but it'd be totally worth it because, Neve, right?
The mind boggles, no pad. Crazy.
Dammit! Watching/listening on my phone... Will have to get back here with the comp and proper speakers!!
It would be interesting to compare this to My Steinberg UR-RT4 which also has Neve transformers inside it. And since mine only cost half the price of the 88M is it really worth the extra doh vs a similar unit with 4 channels (and seperate inserts) + midi? How i wonder ;)
Would love to hear this compared to a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 3rd gen. I don't think it would sound $1,075 dollars better.
Those focusrite do not sound good. They sound too digital and brittle to my liking…
Nobody show him the RME fireface
I guess they figured if you can afford that interface, you can afford an external DI box, or that you'd have a patch cable for the inserts. Cute. In all fairness, my Behringer UMC404HD has inserts, but they need a TRS to dual TS breakout adapter or cable to work. It doesn't have the pad issue, has pad buttons on the inputs, et al, but then again it also doesn't have lightpipe or the fancy transformers.
That fuzz tone was gnarly. Got some Fu Manchu vibes from it.
I loved the doomy fuzz tone! A DIY audio pad in the insert would be a cheap way to get the peaks under control. Might be something for a future video.
this is a scam and Not the real SMG
@@christophpawlowskimusic213 This is the second time that these scammers have done this. I wish that Glenn would do something to stop this crap. They are using his good name and logo to push a scam. Love or hate Glenn’s opinion, he is far from a scammer. He is an honest dude that has put in a lot of hard work to get where he is. I would hate for him to lose what he has worked hard for, all because of some lazy scammers.
Man, you're the coolest. Love the energy.
7:51 Your dad screaming in slowmotion after you change the news channel on TV
I've got the SSL BIG SIX ...I must get some Neve in my Chain ...like a Portico II would be sweet.
We have 2 in the studio at my school and I love them. A no brainer for DI bass and other stuff
looks like you're going straight for that timeless sound, man.
@@alrecks619 God yes ..recently retired from druming, so I have to keep my foot in lol
What if you roll the volume off on the guitar?
Good review. Shame I already have the Portico 5017. Equally wicked as well. Makes all cheap mics sound good. 😂
I think it would be funny for glen to do his really long "aaaaaaaaalllllllright" intro, but he does it so long that his face turns red and he passes out. And the rest of the video is just him unconscious on the floor for a few minutes
So, what's the point of such absurdly expensive stuff (AMS Neve 1073OPX and this one) if preamps and converters are like 1% of the sound comapared to the sources, speakers and microphones that make all of the job ?
Brand name, company reputation, customer loyalty, and of course marketing.
@@ryanwilson5936 yep
Love neve but HIGH sound pressure is kinda our thing! In the RED
chirst I thought I was watching info wars there for a minitue and gave myself heart attack.
That super fuzz transformer distortion at the end there just begs for BOC's Godzilla.