AMS-Neve 8801

The AMS-Neve 8801 is a channel strip, basically taken from a Neve 88R console. Of course it's not directly taken from the console as it's a reproduction of it. It's an all analog, solid state preamplifier with a four band equalizer and also a compressor, so you've got the full works when it comes to a channel strip here. It has an XLR input in the front and I assume it has the same in the back but I've only used one that was already racked up, where it will only take up a single space in your rack casing.

UTILIZATION

There's definitely a good amount going on with the AMS-Neve 8801 and previous experience with Neve gear will definitely help. Once you break it all down it's really not too bad, but it wasn't the type of gear that I could just sit down and instinctively know how to use right off the bat. Dialing in your preamp level is easy enough, and it's got all of the controls you'd want with one like buttons for phantom power, phase reverse, and a -20 db pad. The compressor is definitely a bit more in depth as it's also a gate and has a wide array of controls for such processors. The EQ is more or less straight forward but still takes more than a glance to get it. The manual might be helpful for less experienced users...

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the AMS-Neve 8801 is definitely what you'd expect from a bona fide Neve product. While this isn't my favorite overall channel strip from Neve, it definitely has a sound in the same vein as that you'll find with any Neve preamplifier. The preamp is my favorite part of the 8801 for sure, but having the compressor/gate and EQ in there is a huge help as well, as all of the processors sound very professional and have a good balance of warmth and a certain clean quality. This is a really awesome sound channel strip overall and in my opinion can only be beat with something a bit older from Neve (in terms of the preamp at least).

OVERALL OPINION

The AMS-Neve 8801 is definitely worth looking into for anyone interested in an all in one channel strip with that classic Neve tone. It's perfect for home studio owners looking to get the best of all worlds with a top flight preamp, compressor and EQ all in the same spot. The price is certainly a lot, which is really the only bad part, but of course you're going to have to spend some money to get good gear. Having said this, I'd check out the other Neve channel strips and preamps out there to see what's going to work best for you.

Analog Channel Strip with:
Preamp: Mic, line, instruments (Hi Z).
Dynamics: Compressor: 2 different attack, release, THRS, ratio, soft / hard, gain.
Gate: att, rel, hysteresis, gain, reduc.
Eq: hi pass filter, low-cut filter, 2 shelve / bax parametric, 2 full parametric.
Routing with sidechain and insert.
Recall (software registration) to USB.

(See website for more info).

UTILIZATION

The setup is simple?

The configuration is simple to anyone who can read ... I mean that the slice is full of sub-function on virtually every button and must look well to read the desired functions. Otherwise, too many have all (or most) of these functions to work so precious sound.

The manual is clear and sufficient?

Manuel enough.

Do you get a good sound easy?

Yes

SOUND QUALITY

The sound is correctly reproduced?

I find the sound very detailed, very deep, clear.

The preamp makes it clear or does it stain?

Without being cold, it is very bitter and close to the microphones. While the line-play depth (very slightly). For staining is AMS / NEVE anyway. So, yes there are but the custard. Mumm, which treats a voice or a scraper. This just bite, so expressive. Without twisting your ear, it transports you to the heart of the energy of the musician. Me, I love this proximity.

OVERALL OPINION

For how long have you been using it?

I use 2 slices for 4 years on concerts and mastering.

What thing do you like most/least about it?

What I like most is the quality of the preamp with its veracity. The eq is also not very smooth but extremely effective, especially in PA.
Minimum, two settings of attack for the compressor.

Did you try many other models before getting this one?

Not really, because it is always difficult to test this type of product.
However, I had the opportunity to work on a 88R and it's the same preamp ...
It must also say that I listened to a lot of different models before deciding on seeing a lot of stuff with their sound engineer (Hearer, Amek, Avalon, API, GML, Tube Tech, Universal Audio, Focusrite Isa, Joemeek, LA Audio , TL Audio, Midas, Mindprint, SSL).

What is your opinion about the value for the price?

Very good because a lot of tools with high quality.

Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?

Yes since I bought what I missed. Namely, the GML (2x 2032, 1x 8900) for the eq so nice and warm.
The compressor and so perfect ...