Neve’s VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) compressors were first introduced in the early 1970s with the 50 Series consoles. Offering greater precision and control compared to the classic, more forgiving Neve Diode Bridge design, these compressors quickly became known for their accuracy and versatility.

Over the decades, VCA compression has remained a cornerstone of Neve console design, featuring prominently in legendary models such as the VR and 88R series, and later in outboard and standalone products like the 8801 Channel Strip and 88C Desktop Compressor.

The 88R LBC carries this heritage forward, bringing Neve’s renowned VCA circuit into a compact and powerful 500-series format.

The powerful 88RS compressor is now available in the most compact analogue format – 500 series. Drawing less than 100mA RMS and 120mA surge, the 88R LBC is optimised for use in any compatible 500-series chassis without compromising on headroom or sonic performance. This efficiency allows up to 10 compressors to be housed together in your preferred, compatible 500-series rack.

The 88R LBC delivers exceptional flexibility and precise transient control, allowing a wide range of compression settings to suit any mix. With fully variable ratio controls ranging from 1:1 through to full limiting, it offers everything from smooth, subtle compression to absolute brick-wall limiting.

Like the 88C Desktop Compressor, the 88R LBC features an industry-leading gain-reduction circuit capable of delivering up to 50dB of gain reduction. This powerful design allows the unit to be driven hard, producing an aggressive “squeezing” effect that’s perfect for creative sound sculpting and tone shaping.

The 88R LBC’s adaptive attack design delivers a seamless, organic response to input transients, perfectly balancing musicality with uncompromising precision. By combining two circuits that independently manage fast and slow transients, it achieves a uniquely dynamic compressor response. When used in limiting mode, the ultra-fast attack ensures no signal breaches the compressor threshold.

By incorporating triple time-constant technology into its auto-release circuit, the 88R LBC enables true set-and-forget operation, effortlessly smoothing transients with minimal adjustment. Ideal for vocals or full program material, the auto-release feature is a significant time-saver in any studio.

A feature rarely found on analogue compressors, Auto Make-Up Gain provides intuitive, automatic gain compensation at the compressor’s output. This unique function saves valuable studio time, enabling an efficient one-knob compression workflow.

Fine-tune the 88R LBC’s compression curves to suit your music using the sidechain filter feature. Four selectable settings (Off, 80 Hz, 125 Hz, and 300 Hz) allow precise tailoring for any instrument source.

The 88R console’s VCA bus linking capability, a hallmark of its design, has been faithfully carried over to the 88R LBC. When multiple units are installed in the same 500-series chassis, they can be easily linked via a simple switch. This creates a common sidechain bus while allowing each unit to retain individual control. The result is the ability to compress groups of instruments as a whole, with precise fine-tuning for each source – delivering natural, organic, console-grade compression.