Neve 8801 Channel Strip User Manual 527 - 358 Issue 7.6 The 8801 is a combined Mic / Line / Instrument Preamp, with Dynamics processing, EQ and Insert point. The Audio Router function provides a user configurable signal path, allowing any order of Dynamics, EQ, and Insert within the channel path. In addition, the EQ and/or Filters can be placed in the Dynamics sidechain.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Health & Safety Notice For your own safety and for the protection of others, please observe the following safety instructions: • Read these instructions. • Heed all safety warnings. • Do not use near water. • Clean only with a dry cloth. • Do not install near heat sources. • Do not block ventilation openings. • Protect the power cord. • Only use accessories specified by the manufacturer. • Unplug when unused for long periods of time.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Customer Service In the unlikely event that this unit should malfunction or develop a fault, then please register the fault details on our website, by clicking the link below. You will also need to enter the unit's serial number when you do this, so please have this to hand. http://www.ams-neve.info/crm/fault_report.html Once the fault details have been registered, one of our technical support team will be in touch via email.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Table of Contents Health & Safety Notice...............................................2 Audio Routing Screen........................................14 Customer Service...........................................3 Output Section.................................................14 Introduction................................................................5 Bargraph LED Meter..........................................15 Package Contents................................
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Introduction Thank you for choosing the Neve 8801 channel strip. This unique channel strip is based on the channel strip featured in the world renowned 88R mixing desk. It contains the highest quality Mic / Line / Instrument Preamp, Dynamics processing, EQ and Insert. The Audio Router function provides a user configurable signal path allowing any order of Dynamics, EQ, and Insert within the channel path.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Brief Description & Characteristics • High quality transformer coupled microphone preamplifier identical to that used on the 88R console with 0dB to 70dB of gain. • Switchable Phantom Power. • 20dB Pad on Microphone and DI inputs. • Line input with -24dB to +24dB of gain. • High impedance DI input. • Phase inversion switch. • Overload indication at each gain stage. • High Pass and Low Pass filters switchable between channel path and Dynamics sidechain.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Front Panel Controls On/Off Switch The Neve Logo Switch on the right hand side of the front panel switches the unit on and off. The 8801 will always power-up with the same settings as they were when the power was removed (including the order of processing, Phase, Phantom Power, but not including any settings on the optional digital card).
8 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Digital (Genie) Input The Digital (Genie) input is available via an optional internal daughter card. The Genie input is only selectable when this optional card is fitted. Phase Button All inputs can be phase reversed using the Phase button. The Phase button will illuminate to indicate a phase inversion between input and output. Filters Section High Pass Filter The high pass filter has a 12dB per octave (20dB per decade) slope and a frequency range from 30Hz to 300Hz.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Dynamics Sidechain The dynamics sidechain is the control signal for the dynamics processing. By default the sidechain receives the signal picked up at the input of the Dynamics gain stage. The Filters and EQ can be moved to the sidechain path by pushing the Filters to Sidechain and EQ To Sidechain buttons respectively. When in the sidechain the Filters and EQ do not act on the channel path.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Attack Time Pressing on the Ratio knob toggles between Normal and Fast Attack time. Two jumpers inside the unit (shown in red below) can be placed so the unit has two variations of attack times. Default Position Normal Attack time: Fast Attack time: 8ms 2ms Alternative Position Normal Attack time: Fast Attack time: 3ms 0.5ms Auto Release Pressing on the Release knob switches on Auto Release - a triple timeconstant, programme dependent release time.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Hysteresis The Hysteresis knob sets the difference in threshold for signals that are rising or falling in level. Signals that are rising in level turn on when the level reaches the threshold level plus the hysteresis value. Signals that are falling in level turn off at the Threshold level.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 EQ Section EQ Button The EQ button activates the EQ section. When illuminated, the EQ is in circuit, when the led is off the EQ is bypassed. EQ To Sidechain The EQ To Sidechain button places the EQ in the sidechain. Placing the EQ in the sidechain removes it from the channel path and vice versa. Low Frequency Band The LF Gain knob sets the cut or boost for the low frequency band with a range of +/-20dB.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Insert The Insert button switches the insert into the channel path. The Insert send and return can be found on the rear panel, the send being a male XLR and the return a female XLR connector. The 8801 supports both balanced and unbalanced connections. Audio Router The Audio Router button allows the order of Dynamics, EQ and Insert to be set and interrogated within in the channel path.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Audio Routing Screen When the unit is connected to a computer via USB and the Recall software is running, if you right-click on the software title-bar at the top of the screen, a small fly-out menu will give you an option called Audio Routing (Mac users: CTRL + mouse click). This enables the various processing items (EQ, DYN, LPF etc.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Bargraph LED Meter The VU meter can be set to display the input or output signal level. Pressing the O/P Gain knob toggles between input and output monitoring and the current state is indicated by the led to the left of the O/P Gain knob. The default meter setting is Input. Overload There are many gain stages in the 8801 channel strip, and it is possible for any one of these stages to overload.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Rear Panel Rear Panel Audio Connections Line Input The line input combo socket accepts input signals from either male XLR or male ¼” Jack connectors. Input signals can be balanced or unbalanced. Mic Input The Mic input is on a Female XLR. This input is in parallel with the XLR input of the Combo connector of the front panel. DI Input The DI input is on a ¼’’ jack input. This input is in parallel with the Jack input of the Combo connector of the front panel.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Dynamics Sidechain Link The dynamics sidechain link is available on the 9 pins D-Type connector pins 1-2 and 3-4. Pins 1 and 3 as well as pins 2 and 4 are in parallel. Multiple 8801 units can be linked allowing all linked units to be compressed by the same amount. Multiple units can be linked together by forming a daisy chain of the Dynamics Links.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Rear Panel Power section Warning symbols There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Disconnect the mains lead to isolate this unit. Please refer to the manual before operating this unit. USB The Type B USB socket is used to connect the 8801 unit to a PC or Mac for Recall store and recall of the unit settings. The unit should be connected directly to the computer or via a powered USB hub but not via a passive USB hub.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Optional Digital board The 8801 has an expansion slot allowing access for digital connectivity. The digital option available is an Analogue to Digital converter featuring AES/ EBU and DSD outputs The 8801 ADC board must only be installed by an authorised Neve dealer. Please contact your local Neve dealer for more information. Please see the Block Diagram at the end of this document for a signal flow schematic.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Double Rate AES Output It is also possible to select 96kHz (or 88.1kHz) sampling rate with a 48kHz (or 44.1kHz) sync input. Similarly it is possible to select 192kHz (or 176.2 kHz) sampling rate with a 96kHz (or 88.1kHz) sync input. This will cause the unit to output double rate AES on the AES Output connector.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Older Versions of the 8801 This document contains information on the latest production issue of the 8801 unit. Some earlier versions of the unit contained the following differences: 1 - The Mic/DI combo connector on the front of earlier units has now been augmented with separate Mic (XLR) and DI (Jack) connectors on the rear of the unit as well.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Firmware Upgrades In order to get the most from your Neve unit, the latest firmware should be installed. Upgrading your software is a simple process with on screens prompts to guide you. > > > > Start the Recall software. On the main screen, right-click the window title bar (Mac users select Recalls) Click Upgrade Firmware. Select the file to transfer. You will be prompted about removing other units.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 File Downloading Once the file is selected, the transfer will begin and the Recall screen will display that the download is under way. This process may take up to two minutes for each unit. Upon completion, the message Firmware Update Successful will be displayed. Click OK to continue. You can continue to update other units successfully without restarting Recall, but the Recall software must be restarted once this process is finished.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Recall Software Installation Installation for PC Insert the CD into the drive and the Setup program should automatically launch. If the application fails to launch automatically on inserting the CD, then go to the CD Drive in Windows Explorer and double-click the NeveRecall.msi file or the setup.exe file to launch the Setup program manually. Click Next. Click I Agree, then click Next. If you click I Do Not Agree, the install procedure will terminate.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Click Install. The install will start and the progress displayed. If you wish to launch Recall, tick the Launch Neve Recall box. Click Finish. The software will now be ready to use, and will be accessible from Start Menu / Programs / Neve Recall / Neve Recall, or from the Recall icon on the Windows Desktop.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Installation for Mac Insert the CD containing the software into the Mac, and the install programme will launch automatically. Click Continue. Select the location where you wish the software to be installed to. Click Continue. Click Upgrade, and the software will start to install. The progress bar will show the state of the installation. Once completed, click Close. The software is now ready to use.
88 Series Outboard / 8801 Issue 7.6 Other Information Rack Mounting and Cooling The rack unit should be installed in a 19 inch cabinet with access to the front and rear. No specific air conditioning is required for the rack provided that there is free flow of air through the rack from front to back and side to side, and that the ambient air is maintained below 25 degrees centigrade. Units may be stacked, but at least 1U space should be allowed between each unit. Dimensions Width 48.
