The Essential Tool for Surround Mixing
Made by hand, the 8051 is an analogue compressor with six transformer balanced audio paths, complemented by two side chains and a key input. Based on six 2254 compression circuits using the same feedback topology as our legendary 33609 stereo compressor the 8051 delivers the famous Neve sound in spades. Flexible side chain routing, trimming and filtering make this a powerful and responsive tool for surround mixing and mastering.
Each channel can be controlled from either Side Chain A or Side Chain B, and the six signal paths can be split between the two side chains in any format required. Each audio channel can be routed to either or both side chains; for example the Centre channel in a 5.1 mix may be compressed using Side Chain A but also input to Side Chain B to control compression of the Surround Channels.
The 8051s compression is exceptionally smooth, and the compression remains transparent even at extreme settings. Together with the units ease of use and incredible flexibility, this sound quality has made the 8051 one of the worlds most desirable units for surround mixing and mastering. Providing legendary Neve analogue sound quality without relinquishing any control, the 8051 is available as a standalone unit or can be fitted to Neve 88RS series consoles.
Hand-built, hand-wired analogue compressor for Surround mixing
Six transformer-balanced audio paths
Ideal surround broadcast or mastering compressor
Side Chain control trims and Side Chain A/B bias control
High and low pass filter
Electronically balanced key input and LFE filter inputs
All other inputs transformer-balanced with 3.6kOhms input impedances
All outputs electronically balanced, post output transformers
Maximum output: +26dBu into 600 Ohms
Control Voltage I/O provided for linking multiple units, or linking to 33609
EIN (20kHz band): <-78dBu
THD+N (for 20dBu input @ 1kHz): <0.03%
Maximum Output Level: >26dBu into 600 ohms
Interchannel Crosstalk: <-80dB at 15kHz
Frequency Response ±0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
The key input and LFE filter inputs are electronically balanced with an input impedance of 10kOhms
All other inputs are transformer balanced with 3.6kOhms input impedances.
All outputs are electronically balanced post the output transformers, with maximum output of +26dBu into 600Ohms. The unit is calibrated for bridging loads greater than 10kOhms
Control Voltage I/O is provided for linking multiple units, or linking to 33609
Audio Performance
Equivalent input noise:
(20kHz band): <-78dBu
THD+N:
(for 20dBu input @ 1kHz): <0.03%
Maximum Output Level:
>26dBu into 600 ohms
Interchannel Crosstalk:
<-80dB at 15kHz
Frequency Response:
+/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
LFE Filter:
12dB/octave low-pass, -3dB frequency selectable to 80Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz
Sidechain & Key Filters:
12dB/octave high-pass, -3dB frequency selectable to 80Hz, 100Hz or 120Hz.
Threshold:
-20dBu to +16dBu master control, with ±15dB trims on all channels.
Make-up gain:
-10dB to +20dB
Ratio:
1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, MAX (~8:1).
Attack:
2ms, 4ms, 6ms, 8ms and 16ms.
Release:
100ms, 200ms, 400ms, 800ms, 1.5s and 3s.
Output Level Trim:
0dB to 5.5dB pad, in 0.25dB steps.