Bring the iconic sound of the 88RS console into your rack with the 500-series range
For over two decades, the Neve 88RS has built a reputation as the pinnacle of recording console design. This two-ton flagship has shaped countless records at legendary facilities including Abbey Road Studios, Capitol Studios, and AIR Studios. Its transparency, precision and musical character have made it the choice of the world’s most demanding recording engineers. With Neve’s 88R series of 500-series modules, you can now bring the authentic 88RS topology into your own studio setup.
Understanding 500-Series Format
The 500-series format has revolutionised professional audio, offering genuine console-grade processing in a compact, modular system. These single-width modules slot into standardised racks, allowing you to build a custom signal chain tailored to your specific needs. It’s studio flexibility without compromise on sound quality.
Three Products, One Legendary Sound
Neve has translated the 88RS console into three dedicated 500-series modules, each preserving the original analogue topology and performance specifications.
Neve 88R LB: The Foundation of Great Sound
The 88R LB mic preamp delivers authentic 88RS preamplification with practical studio features. The transformer-coupled mic input provides that classic Neve character, while the unique REGenerate function allows you to pass line and DI signals through the input transformer for additional tonal shaping. A sweepable high-pass filter, intelligent phantom power, and front-mounted combi-XLR input make this a versatile tracking tool. With gain ranging from +20dB to +70dB on the mic input and an electronically balanced DI input offering over 500 Kohms impedance, the 88RLB handles everything from delicate condenser microphones to hot active bass direct inputs.
Neve 88R LBC: Intelligent Dynamic Control
The 88R LBC compressor captures the VCA compression topology of the 88RS console. Its standout feature is the Auto Make-Up Gain function, which intelligently compensates output levels as you adjust threshold and ratio settings. This transforms compression workflow into an intuitive process. Adaptive attack and intelligent auto release with triple time constants provide musical, natural-sounding dynamic control. Variable sidechain filtering at 80Hz, 125Hz, or 300Hz allows frequency-conscious compression, whilst stereo linking capabilities enable matched processing across multiple units. With up to 50dB of gain reduction available and compression ratios from gentle 1.5:1 to hard limiting, this module handles everything from subtle glue compression to aggressive dynamic shaping.
Neve 88R LBEQ: Surgical Precision Meets Musicality
Available from April 2026, the 88R LBEQ brings fully parametric four-band equalisation from the 88RS console into 500-series format. Each band offers ±20dB of gain with adjustable Q from 0.3 to 7, allowing both broad tonal shaping and surgical notching. The low section spans 33Hz to 440Hz with standard or resonant shelf filters. Low-mid covers 120Hz to 2kHz for body and warmth. High-mid operates between 0.8kHz and 9kHz for presence and clarity. The high band sweeps from 1.5kHz to 18kHz, adding air and brilliance. With headroom exceeding +27dBu and THD below 0.004%, this equalizer maintains the sonic integrity that defines Neve’s reputation.
Learn more about the 88R LBEQ.
What You Need to Get Started
The Rack:
You’ll need a 500-series chassis that complies with VPR Alliance standards. This provides both power distribution and external audio connections to your modules. Each 88R module occupies a single slot.
Power Requirements:
Each unit draws modest power from your rack’s internal supply:
- 88R LB: Standard 500-series power
- 88R LBC: Less than 100mA RMS (under 120mA surge)
- 88R LBEQ: Less than 145mA
Most quality 500-series racks provide ample current for multiple 88R modules.
Cabling:
Your chassis handles the audio connections. You’ll need standard XLR and TRS cables to route signals from your interface or patchbay into the rack, and balanced outputs back to your monitoring chain or recording system.
Handcrafted British Engineering
Every 88R module is meticulously assembled at Neve’s manufacturing facility in Burnley, Lancashire, using premium UK-sourced components and factory precision calibration. This ensures identical performance to the original 88RS console topology, maintaining over 50 years of Neve manufacturing excellence.
Ready to Experience 88RS Sound?
The 88R LB preamp and 88R LBC compressor are available now through authorised Neve dealers worldwide. The 88R LBEQ equaliser arrives in April 2026, completing the 88R series. Contact your local Neve dealer to bring the world’s premier studio console into your 500-series rack.
