The AMS Neve 8801 Channel Strip is like having a complete channel from the legendary Neve 88R console - widely considered among the best-sounding analogue music consoles ever developed. Contained in a single rackmount unit, the 8801 combines a classic Neve mic preamplifier and equalization circuitry with an incredible 88R-style dynamics processor. Completely hand-built and hand-wired by Neve, this ground breaking Channel Strip delivers a front-end with all the quality and versatility that has become synonymous with the Neve name. The 8801's signal path consists of our extremely high-quality Neve mic preamp, high and low pass filters, four bands of highly musical equalization, a compressor, gate, dynamics side chain and an insert point. The order of the signal path can be easily modified as the producer requires.

The filter section and/or the equalization section can even be routed to the dynamics side chain to tailor the dynamics response of any input signal. An optional Neve-designed analogue-to-digital converter accommodates all standard sample rates up to 192kHz, as well as direct-to-DSD conversion. In listening tests, many engineers and producers preferred the sound of these Neve-designed converters to standalone converters costing more than the entire 8801 unit. Neve's proprietary Recall software (Mac/PC-compatible) allows seamless integration with workstations, providing instantaneous recall of all external device settings. An essential tool for creativity, Recall combines the flexibility of a computer-based system with the power and sound quality of genuine Neve design. Quite simply, the 8801 is the most convenient way to give any serious studio the ultimate Neve analogue sound.

The main features of the AMS Neve 8801 include:

• Complete channel strip from the revered 88RS console in a single rackspace
• Hand-built and hand-wired by Neve in Burnley, England
• Genuine Neve mic preamp with High and Low Pass Filters
• 4-band equalization with highly musical, full-range sound
• 88RS-style compressor and gate
• Insert send and return
• EQ or filters to sidechain
• USB port for direct connection to Mac or PC
• Optional Neve analogue-to-digital converter
• Frequency Response: +/- 0.2dB (10Hz to 20kHz)+/- 0.5dB (10Hz to 40kHz)Line Input to Main Output
• THD + Noise: <0.005% Line Input to Main Output (20Hz to 20kHz) using a measurement window of 10Hz to 80kHz
• Noise: Line Input to Main Output: < -89dBAll the audio blocks in circuit: < -80dBuAll noise measurements made between 20Hz and 20kHz using a measurement bandwidth 22Hz to 22kHz
• Input Impedance (balanced): 1.2k Ohms
• Input Headroom: +26dBu (reference 0dBu)
• Input Gain Range: 0db to +70dB (using PAD)
• Input Impedance (balanced): > 20k Ohms, is able to encompass signals from sources referenced to +4dBu or to -10dBu
• Input Headroom: +26dBu (reference 0dBu)
• Input Gain Range: -24dB to +24dB
• Input Impedance (balanced): > 750k Ohms
• Input Headroom: +20dBu (reference 0dBu)
• Input Gain Range: -44dB to +24dB (using PAD)
• Line Output Impedance: < 50 Ohms
• Main Output Maximum: > +26dBu into 600 Ohms
• Width: 482mm (19")
• Height: 44mm (1.75") - 1U
• Depth: 240mm (9.5") - without power socket plugged in
• Weight: 3kg (6.6lbs.)
• Digital Output: Optional analogue to digital card converts up to 192kHz sample rate, installs inside the 8801 unit