AMS Neve 2264A LB Mono Limiter/Compressor Module

The renowned Neve 2264A Limiter/Compressor is now 500-series compatible

The Neve 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor is one of a very few audio processors that have the unique ability to improve a sound simply by running signal through it. Originally designed in 1974, the Neve 2264A mono Limiter/Compressor quickly achieved secret-weapon status among studio professionals, thanks to its unique sound and functionality. Crafted in England by Neve engineers, the new 500-series 2264A LB retains the original 2264A’s sonic characteristics by using the same architecture, matching components, and original hand-wound transformers. The 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor is designed for use in recording studios and for broadcast, where high-quality control of program dynamic range is essential. The Neve 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor can also be used to protect transmitters from overloading.

Neve 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor module unique features:

• Independent Limiter and Compressor In/Out selectors
• Audio Processing Insert design allows the audio to/from the 2264ALB module to be inserted into the audio path of a Neve 1073LB in the same 500 power rack

Neve 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor module features:

• Classic mono Limiter/Compressor, available in a 500-series format
• Transformer-coupled circuits used in input, bridge-driver, sidechain, and output stages
• Bypass switch connects input terminals directly to output terminals
• Slow Attack switch changes between classic 2264A attack settings and new slow attack setting for bus compression work
• Digital LED meter with approximate PPM ballistics indicates 0dB to 20dB of gain reduction
• Fully screened module, packaged in Mu-metal case helps eliminate stray electromagnetic fields from Lunchbox™ PSU or other module types

Don’t forget to check out RSPE’s Rack Revolution, a virtual 500-series rack builder that lets you custom-configure the perfect 500-series lunchbox for your studio, DAW, or mobile recording rig. RSPE carries every 500-series module imaginable, including mic preamps, compressor-limiters, equalizers, and 500 power racks.

Inside The Box

Discrete, Class A/B design; transformer-coupled input; and innovative bridge-driver design, sidechain, and output stages, are responsible for the totally unique sound of the original Neve 2264A and its latest incarnation, the 2264ALB. The controls and performance of the 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor are similar to those of the Neve 2254/R Limiter Compressor. The main advantages of the 2264A LB are its smaller size and compatibility with 500-series power racks, plus it uses a more advanced circuit technique, which produces a more precise response curve than the 2254/R. The 2264A LB also it has a switchable Slow Attack feature for applications such as bus compression. The 2264A LB uses single control element, which comprises a balanced diode bridge that passes signal to a transformer, which in turn sends to a Neve BA283 output amplifier, the same as the one used in the classic 1073. The control element is capable of 50dB gain change with low distortion and low noise. This element is driven by two independent sidechains; one acts a limiter and the other acts as a compressor. Each of these sidechain functions operates in a closed loop and may be used in isolation or together.

The Compressor sidechain samples the program level before the output line amplifier, thus enabling make-up gain to be provided where necessary. A series of shaping networks are employed to yield five different compression ratios—and by controlling the effective sidechain gain, the threshold may be varied over a wide range. The Limiter sidechain samples the line amplifier output and thus controls the absolute limit of the program material. Another main component of the 2264A LB’s sound are its transformers. A staunch advocate of transformer-based designs, Rupert Neve has included custom-designed transformers on both inputs and outputs since his earliest designs. Properly designed and implemented transformers provide total galvanic isolation, freeing circuits from ground loops and RF interference. According to Mr. Neve, “Even microscopic levels of interfering signals cause loss of musicality and introduce unpredictable harshness and loss of definition.” Transformers are the reason Neve’s original consoles have stood the test of time and are still in use today.

The 2264A LB Limiter/Compressor may be used as a linear amplifier when both the LIMIT and COMPRESS switches are set to OUT –this is the secret of how the 2264A LB adds body to signal just passing through it, without any other controls engaged.

Neve 2264A LB Limiting Operation

The 2264A LB has a limiting attack time of 4msec. This slow attack time is used on program material of moderately percussive nature, such as a solo piano. With this attack time, a very narrow dynamic range can be achieved by feeding high levels into the limiter while using a low limit level. A fast attack time is desirable for example, when the unit is used for driving a transmitter. When recording, fast attack times should be used with care.

Insert Mode Configuration Examples

One of the 2264A LB’s unique features is its ability to be used as in insert with the Neve 1073LB Mic Pre module and 1073LB EQ module. There are four possible configurations possible when using multiple AMS Neve units in Insert Mode. Either a 2-way or 3-way INS cable* is required depending on the configuration. The signal processing order is changed by physically moving the units within the rack.

The four insert configurations are:

1. 1073LB with 1073LB EQ wired as insert; signal flow - 1073LB >1073LB EQ > 1073LB
2. 1073LB with 2264A LB wired as insert; signal flow - 1073LB > 2264A LB > 1073LB
3. 1073LB with 1073LB EQ then 2264A LB wired as insert; signal flow - 1073LB > 1073LB EQ > 2264A LB > 1073LB
4. 1073LB with 2264A LB then 1073LB EQ wired as insert; signal flow - 1073LB > 2264A LB > 1073LB EQ > 1073LB

* Note: The 2-way Insert Cable (p/n NN5749) was previously supplied with 1073LB EQ Modules, but has subsequently been replaced with the 3-way Insert Cable and Loopback Plug (p/n NN5790). The 3-way Insert Cable and Loopback Plug is supplied with the 2264A LB Module. To make sure you have the right cable or to order extra cables, please contact your RSPE representative.

Outside The Box

At the top of the 2264A LB front panel is an LED gain-reduction meter with three dual-concentric knobs controlling the limiter and compressor sections. The meter LEDs show the amount of Gain Reduction being applied to the signal, and have an approximate PPM characteristic.

Limiter section

The limiter section is labeled LIM THR, REC, and LIM I/O. This is a 3-function group of controls comprising the following functions:

1. Limit Threshold (LIM THR): is
the inner grey knob, variable from +4dBm to +15dBm. It controls the threshold at which the limiting effect takes place.
2. Limit Recovery (REC): is
the outer metal knob, a switched attenuator with notched settings from 50ms to 800ms. REC controls the recovery time of the Limiter. There are also two Auto settings, A1 and A2. A range of recovery times for the limiting action is provided by the LIM REC control, which may be selected according to the nature of the program material.
3. Limit In/Out (LIM I/O): is selected by pushing the inner grey knob to place the Limiter in/out of circuit. The LIM I/O LED lights when the Limiter is in circuit.

Compressor section

The next set of dual-concentric knobs in the middle of the 2264A LB front panel is the compressor section, labeled: COMP THR, REC, and COMP I/O. This is a 3-function group of controls comprising the following functions:

1. Compressor Threshold (COMP THR): is
the inner grey knob, variable from -20dBm to +10dBm. It controls the threshold at which the compression effect takes place.
2. Compressor Recovery (REC): is
the outer metal knob, which is a switched attenuator with notched settings from 100ms to 1500ms. REC controls the recovery time of the Compressor. There are also two Auto settings, A1 and A2.
3. Compressor In/Out (COMP I/O: 
Push the inner grey knob to place the Compressor in/out of circuit. The COMP I/O LED lights when the compressor is in circuit.

The lower dual-concentric knobs are also part of the compressor section and control gain, ration, and stereo link functions. This section is labeled, COMP GAIN, RATIO, and LINK. This is also a 3-function group of controls comprising the following functions:

1. Compressor Gain (COMP GAIN): is
the inner grey knob, variable from 0dB to +20dB. It controls the make-up gain to compensate for level lost due to the compression process.
2. Compression Ratio (RATIO): is
the outer metal knob, which is a switched attenuator that runs from 1.5:1 to 6:1 in notched increments, controlling the ratio of the Compressor section.
3. Control Voltage Link:
(LINK: Push the inner grey knob to select whether the control voltage is derived internally or externally via Pin 6 of the Lunchbox™ rack bus to allow linking with other 2264A LB units. The LINK LED lights when external control is selected.

Bypass and Slow Attack

At the very bottom of the 2264A LB front panel are two-position switches for Bypass and Slow Attack. The Bypass is labeled BYPASS and IN. When switched to Bypass, it connects the input directly to the output, in effect bypassing all of the unit's circuitry. When set to the IN position, the unit is in circuit.

Slow Attack is labeled SA and SIG. When this switch is in the SA (Slow Attack) position, the attack time of the Compressor section is slowed for applications such as bus compression. When the switch is not in the SA position the attack time is reverted to the standard 2264A setting. In the SIG (Signal Presence) position, its LED lights when a signal is detected at the input to the unit.

Simply install into an empty slot in your compatible 500-series rack, connect your line level signals and inject the legendary Neve dynamic sound into your audio creations. And it's the perfect pairing for the incredible Neve 1073LB Mic Pre Module. The 2264ALB module can be inserted between the input and output stages of the 1073LB module, creating an all-new Neve classic audio path; classic . . . and Revolutionary.

Who’s Using Neve:

Seriously? There are only two kinds of people in pro audio: Those who use Neve, and those who wish they could.

About AMS Neve

With a reputation for creating the world’s sweetest sounding and longest-lasting analog and digital consoles, the most discerning artists, producers, and facility owners regard AMS Neve products as number one for desirability on their equipment list, and have done for the past fifty years.

AMS Neve is a dedicated, engineering-led and privately owned company whose continuing mission is to provide the best possible sound, capability, and operational experience for the most creative people in the world—whether for film, recorded music, or TV and broadcast. All AMS Neve products are designed and built in England in a purpose-built, integrated facility.

Recognized by all the premier bodies in the various fields of music, TV, and film, Neve products and their designers have been honored by two Scientific and Engineering Academy Awards, an Emmy, and a Grammy, amongst many others.

AMS Neve has pioneered a very large number of groundbreaking techniques in the industry, including hard disk editing, digital console technology, digital audio for film, microprocessor-controlled effects units, and standards such as MADI. In the transient world of short product life cycles, AMS Neve’s products stand the test of time.

Decades after production stopped, the original 2264A units are still sought after, and remain one of the milestone pieces of studio equipment. With the arrival of the Neve 2264ALB for the 500 series, your search has ended. Call or chat with an RSPE representative and order yours today!