Rupert Neve Designs 517 500 Series Microphone Preamp & Compressor

The Rupert Neve Designs 517 is a versatile 500 Series module that combines a microphone preamplifier, compressor, DI circuitry, and various sound-shaping features. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and specifications:

Mic Preamp:

• Gain: 0 to 66 dB in 6 dB steps.
• Phantom Power: +48V for condenser microphones.
• Polarity Inversion: Inverts the polarity of the signal.
• High Pass Filter: 80 Hz, 12 dB/Octave Bessel slope.
• Microphone Input Impedance: 10,000 Ohms.

DI Input:

• Gain: 0 to 30 dB, continuously variable.
• Instrument Input Impedance: 1.6 Meg Ohms (3.3 Meg Ohms balanced).
• Thru & Inst 1/4″ Phone Jacks: For instrument direct input and thru output.
• Blend Control: Allows blending of the DI and mic preamp signals.

Compressor:

• Opto-coupler compressor with a single threshold control.
• Compression Ratio: Fixed at 2:1.
• Attack & Release Times: Fixed, with a Fast Mode (Attack 40ms, Release 40ms) and Slow Mode (Attack 100ms, Release 350ms).
• LED indicators for signal presence, clipping, and compression status.

Sound Shaping Features:

• Silk Circuit: Enhances harmonic content, reminiscent of vintage class-A designs.
• Vari-Phase Control: Allows for phase alignment of two signals with the same source.

Frequency Response:

• Mic Pre, Main Output, no load: -0.1 dB @ 10 Hz, -1 dB @ 120 kHz.
• DI Input, Main Output, no load: -0.1 dB @ 10 Hz, -1 dB @ 120 kHz.

Noise:

• Measured at Main Output, unweighted, 22Hz 22kHz, Terminated 150 Ohms.
• With gain at unity: Better than -100 dBu.
• With gain at 66 dB: Better than -60.5 dBu.
• Equivalent Input Noise: Better than -125 dBu.

Maximum Output Level:

• Maximum output from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is +23 dBu.

Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise:

• @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output: Main Output: Better than 0.001%.
• @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output: Main Output: Better than 0.002%.
• Silk Engaged: Better than 0.2% Second harmonic.

Vari-Phase:

• Phase control at different frequencies.
• @ 100 Hz: 2.9 degrees to 57.4 degrees.
• @ 1 kHz: 33.5 degrees to 156 degrees.
• @ 10 kHz: 149 degrees to -175 degrees.

Phantom Power:

• +48 Volts DC +/1% (provided by 500 Series Rack).

Power Requirements:

• Supplied by 500 series rack with 110-125 mA @ +/16V.

Crosstalk:

• Measured channel to channel: Better than -90dB at 15kHz.

The Rupert Neve Designs 517 offers a comprehensive set of features for recording and sound shaping, making it a valuable addition to a 500 Series rack setup, especially for those seeking the renowned Rupert Neve sound quality and versatility.

For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking unparalleled clarity and dynamic control in their recordings, the Rupert Neve Designs 517 500 Series Microphone Preamp & Compressor offers an exceptional solution. In an industry where capturing the true essence of sound is paramount, this unit excels by combining a high-quality solid-state microphone preamplifier with an integrated compressor. This synergy ensures your audio signals maintain pristine detail while simultaneously providing the dynamic shaping necessary to create polished, professional-grade tracks.

Many recording setups struggle to balance clean amplification with effective compression, often requiring multiple devices that complicate workflow and introduce unwanted noise or latency. The Rupert Neve Designs 517 addresses this challenge head-on by integrating both functions into a single, compact 500 series module. This means you can achieve transparent gain boost and precise dynamic control in one streamlined device, saving space and reducing signal path complexity. The result is a cleaner, more efficient recording process that preserves the integrity of your source material.

At its core, the 517 features a solid-state preamplifier renowned for its wide frequency response spanning from 20 Hz to an impressive 40 kHz. What this means for you is that every nuance of your audio—from the deepest bass to the brightest highs—is captured with exceptional fidelity, ensuring no detail is lost. The built-in phantom power supply supports condenser microphones, allowing you to use a broad range of high-quality mics without additional equipment. Meanwhile, the compressor section provides smooth, musical dynamic control, enabling you to tame peaks and add warmth and presence to vocals, instruments, or any sound source. This integrated approach guarantees a cohesive tonal character and optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Physically, the Rupert Neve Designs 517 is designed to fit seamlessly into any 500 series rack, making it an ideal choice for both professional studios and mobile recording setups. With a single channel configuration, it offers focused, high-quality processing for critical sources such as lead vocals or solo instruments. The build quality reflects Rupert Neve’s legendary craftsmanship, ensuring reliability and durability under demanding studio conditions. The unit’s intuitive controls allow for precise adjustments, giving you full command over your sound without unnecessary complexity.

This microphone preamp and compressor module is perfectly suited for a variety of applications including vocal tracking, instrument recording, and even broadcast or podcast production where clarity and dynamic control are essential. Whether you are an engineer aiming to enhance your mixing palette or a musician seeking to capture your performance with authenticity and polish, the 517 provides the tools needed to achieve professional results with ease. Its ability to handle a wide frequency range and deliver transparent gain plus musical compression makes it a versatile asset in any audio environment.

Priced at ₹109,990 during the sale (regular price ₹121,990), the Rupert Neve Designs 517 offers exceptional value given its dual functionality and premium sound quality. Investing in this unit means gaining a trusted partner that elevates your recordings through superior signal processing and dynamic control. Backed by Rupert Neve’s decades-long reputation for excellence, the 517 empowers you to realize the full potential of your microphones and source material with confidence and precision.

In summary, the Rupert Neve Designs 517 500 Series Microphone Preamp & Compressor is more than just an accessory—it is a critical tool for anyone serious about capturing and shaping sound at the highest level. Its combination of transparent amplification, integrated compression, and professional-grade construction ensures that every recording session benefits from clarity, control, and character. With this unit in your rack, you can confidently deliver audio that stands out in any project.