What did I buy?

[jhcore]

I ran a session where I had access to some neat pres (Sytek, UA, Neotek), along with one that was touted as a racked Neve. It was wonderfully pared down and simple, with 2 channels and just a phase reverse, stepped gain and trim pot per each channel.

Well, it definitely sounded big and warm, and imparted some serious heft to the kick and snare. Not long after the sessions, I had a chance to pick one up (it was locally built) for what I felt was a great price. Here is its description:

racked neve 33421 preamps with carnhill lo2567 type output transformers.

60db of low noise gain
28db max output level
15hz --40khz
All electrolytic capacitors replaced with high grade hi-temp nichicons
Carnhill vtb9057 output transformers (same as lo2567)
Output amp/transformer configuration same as neve 31105. Similar to neve 1081
Phase reverse switches
greyhill rotary switches
clarostat plastic conductive pots
All neve wire from 5300 console
High quality construction
"trim" controls
High grade aluminum knobs for gain control
All stainless steel hardware
Switchcraft xlr connectors

In any event, it's found a proud place in the rack. The last recording I did with it, I mic'ed up a 4 watt Vox practice amp with a Shinybox ribbon, and that combo was HUUUGE.

But might anyone have any insight on what this pre might be/might have been?

[djimbe]

check this old TOMB thread, which has a link to Geoff Tanner's site (Mr. Tanner being a former Neve employee and knowledge base for this kind of gear).


http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopi ... 6284dbe6ea

[jhcore]

Thanks for the link! I actually saw that thread when researching this pre; unfortunately the link to Mr. Tanner's site comes up 404.

I guess what's really confusing me are the myriad models listed in the description (33421, 31105, "Similar to Neve 1081", etc.). In any event, it's certainly something that seems to work well, and gives my recordings a helluva lot more density and depth than before.

[djimbe]

I didn't check the link to see if it worked first. Sorry about the misdirect.

Mr. Tanner can often be found over on the Gearslutz site. Maybe you could connect with him there? He's always seemed willing to answer honest questions about past Neve products.

[jhcore]

Great idea. Thanks!

[Marc Alan Goodman]

If I'm remembering correctly the 33421 was a line amp, kind of a successor to the 1272, only it's class AB rather than class A. I suppose that would make it a closer cousin to a 1081. However it was never originally intended to be run as a mic pre, and if someone modified it to have that much gain I'd assume they significantly changed the circuit.

None of that means it doesn't sound great. If they sound awesome then why the hell not! Just don't expect a lot of resale value. Though with the Neve name who knows, they could shoot through the roof, some of the relatively crappy Neve gear goes for gold nowadays.

[jhcore]

I also posted over at GSlutz, and Geoff Tanner was kind enough to chime in and add some great insight to this conversation.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end ... chase.html