A little bit of nice analog saturation almost never hurts. It would probably get a lot of use, seems a lot of fun. I've never clicked on your videos that quickly, idk why I'm so excited for something way out of my price range.
This is freaking Amazing! The problem is it's 4 grand 😪 The only way I could ever touch one would be if I won it. But wow, I absolutely love the warmth it creates!
Get yourself a cheap Behringer model d for £200 and route your digital track elements through that and then record it back into your DAW and then mix the colored recording slightly with the digital recordings for cheap quality warmth, do it for each track on your mix, the Moog ladder filter and the analogue circuitry is renowned for fat warmth, any of those cheap Behringer Synth like the model d and the pro one and the neutron etc etc are fantastic for that and their one for one copies they sound great
The Red saturation is stunningly effective on the pop track. Such a great sounding limiter, just perfect setting ranges, particularly release. Classic RN design, magic is on the inside.
Love my Rupert Neve Portico II Channel on the front end (Through prism converters) - it has the same red/blue silk and yeah I use blue silk pretty much all the time.
@@DJURBANBG Yeah, but I don't use it that way. Just record all my mono sources through it on the way in. For mixes and stereo stems I use the SSL Fusion on the way out - for more drive/warmth/trafo stuff. I think with the fusion, the prism converters and the Portico II I've pretty much got much of what's going on in this one new neve box but with a ton more features and flexibility. If you don't want all the Fusion's features, or need the compressor/EQ of the Portico II then this box could be for you! For me Neve on the way in, SSL on the way out.. just like the old days (kinda) :)
Sounds gorgeous! I mix hybrid on an RND 5059, and I'm a huge Silk Red fan as something to mix through. The addition of AD conversion to this unit is interesting, and honestly while it might sound like a boring thing, the metering on this unit looks really detailed and well thought out, which is a huge plus.
Rupert Neveing... )) I love silk red (1073) with limiter focused on the lows Not many days go by without me singing fray songs, you have a very honest process IMO
This is a stellar review! I have the MBP and I’m now sold on getting this instead of a Weiss or Bettermaker! The simplicity in the controls seem to make it easier to dial in the sound you want instead of my other options.
I might be alone on this but Warren was right you gotta kinda mix into the piece of gear to really hear of its right. In combo with some of the mixes it feels the low mids gets muddy. It is a cool concept for a piece of gear.
Beautiful piece of kit there definitely. But,.. I’m hearing a good amount of boost limit. The way I calibrate is by listening to the breaths on the Vox track A-B., and the breaths are popping like a full word sample at time because of the midHi freq sounds louder. So I’m think use the Neve on print just before the final limiter. That way you can go back in and set the gate accordingly or even trim the breaths down. Tedious I know but sometimes you gottta do those things. Great video as always.
This hands down may be one of the Most "Commerical Radio Ready Sounds" To be after on your final masters.....right now...its my favorite mastering color/opposed to API or SSL
Although I cut my teeth on recording to analogue tape, I like the clarity of digital recording and have never been convinced about adding saturation/tape emulation/whatever, preferring to get the warmth in the actual recorded instruments, and then reproduce that cleanly. This unit goes a long way to changing my mind. Playing devil's advocate, I can see people quickly wanting both the blue and red silk options simultaneously - though that's hardly a big criticism. Extremely impressive and thought-provoking.
I am thinking that for those who already have a high quality A/D converter, the Portico II Master Bus Processor is possibly a smarter move. From your description it sounds like the "Silk on Steroids" might be a difference, but overall I think you have better options on the MBP. (You might also consider adding a Grimm CC1 or CC2 external clock to whatever converters you are using. Sub-picosecond jitter is really a thing!)
Beautiful! But a pretty pricey piece for the non-commercial studio. Want color? Try the Louder than Liftoff Silver bullet on your mix buss (and/or tracking) for Neve or Api flavour and an awesome Bax Eq. Warren you have to check it out. It is a game changer for the ITB or Hybrid recorder/mixer.
Listening on headphones... kinda prefer the red silk. But blue is a lot smoother, sounds like a bit of a hole in the upper mids. A bit more forgiving with blue, but i reckon if you mixed for the red option in mind it'd be a winner
Curious to know if the limiter is pre or post transformer? If its post-transformer, that would make sense since since transformers are good at saturating transients/peaks (i.e. the limiter wouldn't have to work as hard). however, if the limiter is pre-transformer, that would seem a bit counter intuitive...since you could potentially clip the converter by adding excessive red/blue silk for example. But maybe that's part of Neve's intended design purpose with this box (i.e. clipping the converter, like you might do with a Burl B2 or Dangerous AD+). I guess I'll dig up the manual and check the signal path.
Since my comments from a day ago complaining about only having one option of blue or red silk on the Master Buss Processor, Rupert Neve has just released the brand new Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor - Black, which has independent channel options! I wonder if Warren will get to demo this brand new toy from Rupert Neve!
@@Producelikeapro Thanks Warren, although it was announced as a new product, I think I was fooled by their marketing geniuses! It appears to be the same Portico II Master Bus Processor with just a black front plate; however, your expert analysis of this unit is nevertheless, a good idea!
Silk is the perfect word to describe that sound. This might become the new mastering engineer bus limiter. Sounds phenomenal. The transformer function definitely adds that harmonic warmth to the track. Beautiful! I wonder how it would sound with every buss (vocal, drum, guitar, etc) going through it individually then putting them all together ITB, kind of like using it as a summing mixer.
It's true you can learn so much about your mix just by using the recent Neve stuff. The MBP also has a magnificent limiter and I too would always use a plugin at the end.......but no more!
@@kodakeller6353 You're right, the Fusion is not a converter but it has a lot of the same kind of mix buss processing. EQ, Compression, Saturation. Just would be interesting to see how they compare with those features.
Jason Buffin yeah I see what ur saying. But still I think the neve master buss processor would be more closely related to the fusion than this. I’m actually interested in a dangerous ad+ comparison because it basically has all the same features besides the limiter. And I’m also considering buying an ad+ before this neve converter came out so I’m stuck...
@@kodakeller6353 You're probably right about the master buss processor. I have great AD with the MOTU AVB line and use an SSL SiX for my hybrid summing/compression. I would love to have this limiter because I do have the problem of printing hot from the console and trimming the peaks would be very handy.
Great Review Warren! Always fantastic and on point🌟.I have to say though that the device is for sure an amazing piece of equipment but to me it lacks something. I cant say what it is but it does not sound like the money they are asking for. It may be youtube but the magic I hear on the Burl B2 does not come out from this decice. The RND 535 sound better then this compressor. I just cant hear the great conversion... Anyway for sure it will sell well but in my opinion is a miss. SSL fusion with B2 Bomber is a better choice for the money. The company should as well focus on taking care the issues in their line ups, brocken resistors, burned meters, and cheap paint that goes away within few weeks. But keep it up bro! You rock.
Often times, a great company develops a product on reputation assuming that all users will buy into the name. My issue with this new processor is that for the money, it should have the option of red and blue silk on each channel like the Portico II Master Bus Processor. SSL Fusion sounds good; however, I don't have any trust in any Chinese made audio processor as the SSL Fusion, which appears to indicate the direction of SSL's production strategy!
Dre A Totally agree on the SSL Chinese Strategy but at the same time I am personally having terrible issues with my Rupert Neve Designs processors (as well the people and artists I work with) and even under pressure they always refuse to aknowledge the problems..with an overly arrogant attitude that I dont like. They only care about the huge names that buy their consoles.They sound excellent especially the Shelford modules but I have the feeling they also get parts from China. They are using the Neve name in order to sell something like this new unit in the video that honestly doesn’t seem to be worth the price they are asking. Not at all
@@musicgalaxy8832 Carlo unfortunately most manufacturers are getting the poor quality Chinese made products and components. I have two Mojave MA-200s, which are great microphones but twice the Chinese made components inside had to be replaced and anyone in the industry who thinks Chinese made audio components sound and last like the American, British, German and gear from the Scandinavian countries is totally delusional and dishonest! Furthermore, as you indicated, most companies nowadays suffer from the "Coca Cola" syndrome, which is producing below average gear thinking that their followers will accept it on name recognition. I fail to see where this new Master Bus processor is any better than the convertors from Burl Audio!
@@musicgalaxy8832 Carlo, I forgot to mention on my reply below of two well-known engineers publicly praising Neve gear while behind the scene opting for API gear!
Tempted. Very! Great detailed review Warren as always! I need a HQ ADC to finish off my setup. Question is, if using a 5059 to sum, and an MBP on the master bus, then does having this unit with additional silk mean “silk overkill” - i appreciate that’s all part of the RND flavour, (and that it can be dialled down) but can you have too much of a good thing. As a ADC / limiter does it stake up too without the extra mojo, or are there better dedicated tools if you already have silk to spare?
Excellent video(as always). Could someone please explain the basic concept of using this kind of gear?(Besides the obvious coloration/Limiter) Is it DAW=>D/A=> Bus Converter=>A/D=>DAW? Thanks!!!!!!!
This is so exciting. I want to use it to mix into as well. I do all my mixes in the box and this would really help open everything up. I'll have to start saving up!! lol
thank you so much! would you be able to explain how to connect this in the box with a digital interface like an apogee quartet or apollo? - would you set it up as an insert?
Warren! How does this compare to the Portico II Master Bus Processor. Looks like almost the same outside of the converter. Can you compare what is gained and lost on each item? TY!!
Would be interesting to know how the clocking is on this unit I mean could you also use this as a master clock ? . Did you have anything else clocking the unit in this demo Warren ?
I’m curious how I could add this to a mixing workflow with my Apollo x4? I’m guessing spdf. I also wonder if a virtual channel could receive output from that thing and do some drum limiting in the box? 🤨 maybe someone that’s used that feature in this way can give some input.
No question that Rupert Neve is one of the greatest minds in the industry and the maker of some of the best audio gear ever; however, the Master Bus Converter, which is labeled and marketed as a "tone box" has a huge oversight! On the Portico II Master Buss Processor there is the option for "blue" or "red" silk on each of the channels. On the new Master Buss Processor you can only chose one or the other for both channels! Agree with you Warren, that this new box has a welcome functionality but being able to only saturate the low or high frequencies instead of both as on the Portico II Master Buss Processor seems like a miss opportunity!
they expect you to buy both, the Portico II Master Buss Processor to glue and this unit to limit and print your mix into it. the Master Bus Converter is competing with the Burl Audio B2 BOMBER ADC and the Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+
@@betty4774 Still, they could have included both, the blue and red silk option on each channel and have one feature, which both, the Burl and Dangerous Music units don't have!
I have the RND 5060 and it has red/blue silk on the stereo out and yes you have to choose. I have had it for a couple of years now and I have never thought a track would need both applied .. I suppose it would be the ultimate harmonic "smiley face" boost .. I actually use Red silk mostly as I get a lot of low end harmonics from parallel processing of the drums and bass buses. I can only use it at 50% though ... less is more with this :-) Of course if I add the Master Bus Converter to my set up I could do one type on the 5060 and the other on the MBC. Could be interesting!
cool video ! would be nice to hear how it sounds when pushed with the gain and then compare with and without the transformer (when we hit it hard) Would be also nice to hear how it sounds as tracking converter if you one day you can do a demo of a song all recorded through it, I think would be super cool.
Hi Warren, I have a question for the FAQ Friday...why is one of my compressors called master bus compressor? It's just a compressor, right? (It's from Tone Booster) it doesn't look any different from , say, the stock Pro Tools compressor....
All compressors are just compressors. Some are better in different applications, some specifically are suited for your master bus (2 bus, mix bus) but it doesn't mean they are necessarily limited to that function. They could work equally well on a drum bus, stereo piano, guitar bus etc. An 1176 for example is just a compressor/limiter and has typical uses on snare, bass, vocals etc however it's functions don't lend itself to being used on the master bus (no stereo link, hard to match settings, the speed of the attack) but it doesn't mean it can't be used there in theory. Just in practice it doesn't work terribly well.
Can this unit be used for warming and "spicing things up" of my mixes (that come from external hardware workstation) and maybe adding a little "glue" with limiter before "entering the computer" for final mastering with plug'ins? Of course I would enter the unit with -7 db (to leave some room for mastering) so I don't know if limiter can do any good with me not pushing the sound to the max., but still I think it could give me some "glue effect" (like a bus stereo compressor would) or this is just for the "final stage" where you go "all in" pressing the mix to the max. and beyond? I'm just looking for something that can add "analog charachter" and some preliminary compression (glue) in one box (and of course the top AD convertion) before entering the DAW.
The MBC is a pretty expensive box if all you're looking for is a little analog glue and warmth. There are LOTS of less expensive ways to get there, e.g. Zulu, Overstayer MAS, Elysia Xpressor, HendyAmps Pollock, Neve 542, IGS Tubecore, Fatso EL7X, SSL Fusion, etc. And while I generally wouldn't rely on converters to give me glue or warmth, the Burl B2 Bomber ADC (which I have) also does a great job at that and costs less than the MBC. That being said, I still want to get my hands on an MBC at some point! Lol.
@@audiokemestry Yeah, I discovered later that I could buy Steinberg UR- RT2 interface with Rupert Neve design converters option (on - off), and I did. The difference is BIG, and I payed 400eur ... :)) Here's your "color" boy for 400, haha. Yet, This MBC would be great to have before entering Steinberg audio Interface with its Neve converters Off (obviously...) and go "all in" with this baby. You can use it also to add a little bus compression (limiter) before going to comp for final mastering in my case. Right now I'm finishing one of my songs, so I will use this Neve transformers (option) for the first time in different settings. The first test I did was very good. I didn't like SSL fusion, too much and too little box for a buck, the others are fine. This is my first try with "analog transformers", so I think 400eur is a nice price to pay for a start ... :))) Thanks for a great info by the way. A lot of gear you mentioned, Jesus, there are so many options ...
Ooohhhh, now that thing sounds very nice. I was also pleasantly surprised at the price, considering it's Neve. I was expecting to gulp at the cost, it's far from inexpensive, but quality never is.
Hi Warren. I will revisit this review in its entirety later today. I am compelled to ask what you think of this unit vs your current favoured digital MB compressor? I love my outboard gear but there are days like today where I wonder where the point becomes unmistakably clear that the power of digital has become the new king assuming we are not quite there yet. For instance, I am IN LOVE with the RND MB Processor still.
To my ears, and I might be wrong, but in addition to "opening up" the highs, the Silk Red has the unwanted side-effect of making the highs and upper mids sound too, for want of a better word, busy. Too many harmonics rattling around and bumping into each other. Your thoughts?
Mixing into it is a whole other story. Along with tracking through red silk. It seems Warren’s excellent ears already accounted for all of the mid and upper mid harmonic content so none of them really needed help.
So it sounds like the limiter functions more like a soft clip than a final peak limiter?. That's how it seems to me when you select the blue circuit.....is that your impression? REALLY nice piece!
Hello :) Do you think it is good practice for a mix engineer to use this tool before sending it to mastering ? We constantly hear : *don't put a limiter on the master of your mix, it kills the dynamics, and the master engineer has nothing left to work on*. I wonder if mixing into it is wise. Will the master engineer come at me screaming to put the limiter off ? If he does, I'll be in trouble, because if you mix INTO this onvertor from the start (and I see myself doing that actually), chances are, your mix general balance relies on its action... Turing it off would "fuck things up" in a bad way. Any help appreciated.
Great Video! Thanks:) I think they shouldn't have mounted A/D. The people who need gears like this don't need extra A/D. They already have their favorite...
Main question for me is how does this compare to the API A2D? I know on paper the A2D doesn’t have as many features, but I suspect you could achieve similar limiting and harmonics by driving the input stages.
I can hear the differences!!! :D (apologies... beginner joy!) using the red silk with "higher" low pass sounds more balanced, Blue Silk with 'lower" low pass add a lot of weight! it's beautiful... would you mix through it or ... master with it?
At least it's free shipping 😂. To be honest Warren, I am more interested in printing signals traditionally in analog and smashing the mic breeze very hard hitting tape super super hard. Smah my track up, Smash my track up...The Fat of the Low End.
I am not a mixing expert but i think you could route your digital mix into it, then route the colored signal that the hardware give you back into the box and then record it
With the 'link' feature engaged, usually that links the controls on both sides so you only have to use 1 set of controls and not worry about matching each channel which is especially difficult when using non-stepped controls.
Thunder-Studios fusion is a coloring box to add final shine to your mix. This is a mastering grade AD box with the ability to add the Neve transformer and red / blue silk to your recordings. Not only can you use it for mastering the final track but you record your instruments with the sound of Neve.
I'm sure that good producers such as Warren hear all the minuscule differences that I don't hear. What I'm wondering is whether they make any difference for the commercial success of songs.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
How would you use the Master Bus Converter in your mixes?
A little bit of nice analog saturation almost never hurts. It would probably get a lot of use, seems a lot of fun. I've never clicked on your videos that quickly, idk why I'm so excited for something way out of my price range.
Would be a great start to get my mixes out of the box!
To mix into from my API console.
Not only would I use it on everything I would do what the old cartoon character said. I would love it and kiss it and squeeze it and call it George.
It must feel terrible to send it back to Neve, though :D
When I got into the hardware world, I became obsessed with Neve everything. This is exciting
Busy Works Beats Same except I’m a Universal Audio kind of man.
Just ordered my portico mpb ii.... similar to this box but different.. Neve gear is some serious stuff!
You are obsessed Game, in a good way.
That's wonderful to hear! Yes, everything Rupert is involved in is very special!
This is freaking Amazing! The problem is it's 4 grand 😪 The only way I could ever touch one would be if I won it. But wow, I absolutely love the warmth it creates!
Get yourself a cheap Behringer model d for £200 and route your digital track elements through
that and then record it back into your DAW and then mix the colored recording slightly with the digital
recordings for cheap quality warmth, do it for each track on your mix, the Moog ladder filter and the analogue circuitry is renowned for fat warmth, any of those cheap Behringer Synth like the model d and the pro one and the neutron etc etc are fantastic for that and their one for one copies they sound great
The Red saturation is stunningly effective on the pop track. Such a great sounding limiter, just perfect setting ranges, particularly release. Classic RN design, magic is on the inside.
Thanks ever so much Peter!
Love my Rupert Neve Portico II Channel on the front end (Through prism converters) - it has the same red/blue silk and yeah I use blue silk pretty much all the time.
you need two of these for stereo processing , right ?
Thanks ever so much!!
@@DJURBANBG yeah you would need 2 of them, which is the route I was very clearly going to take... Until this showed up.
@@DJURBANBG Yeah, but I don't use it that way. Just record all my mono sources through it on the way in. For mixes and stereo stems I use the SSL Fusion on the way out - for more drive/warmth/trafo stuff. I think with the fusion, the prism converters and the Portico II I've pretty much got much of what's going on in this one new neve box but with a ton more features and flexibility. If you don't want all the Fusion's features, or need the compressor/EQ of the Portico II then this box could be for you!
For me Neve on the way in, SSL on the way out.. just like the old days (kinda) :)
Rupert Neve is just plain AMAZING !!!
i think for those who do not have all the fancy stuff or who intend starting to buy hardware..this is a good starting point..
Received mine today. Can’t wait to install and patch in to hear it in action.
That's wonderful to hear!
Sounds gorgeous! I mix hybrid on an RND 5059, and I'm a huge Silk Red fan as something to mix through. The addition of AD conversion to this unit is interesting, and honestly while it might sound like a boring thing, the metering on this unit looks really detailed and well thought out, which is a huge plus.
Rupert Neveing... ))
I love silk red (1073) with limiter focused on the lows
Not many days go by without me singing fray songs, you have a very honest process IMO
Thanks ever so much Cam!
We are in debt to Rupert and we are all going to miss him. Over to Eric Valentine and UTA to take on from RND. ✌️
Absolutely excellent demo warren! That snare sounded amazing when you slowed the release
Thanks ever so much
Thanks ever so much
Great sounding versatile converter. Thank you for the great demonstration, Warren
Thanks ever so much Marc!!
This is a stellar review! I have the MBP and I’m now sold on getting this instead of a Weiss or Bettermaker! The simplicity in the controls seem to make it easier to dial in the sound you want instead of my other options.
I might be alone on this but Warren was right you gotta kinda mix into the piece of gear to really hear of its right. In combo with some of the mixes it feels the low mids gets muddy. It is a cool concept for a piece of gear.
Beautiful piece of kit there definitely. But,.. I’m hearing a good amount of boost limit. The way I calibrate is by listening to the breaths on the Vox track A-B., and the breaths are popping like a full word sample at time because of the midHi freq sounds louder.
So I’m think use the Neve on print just before the final limiter. That way you can go back in and set the gate accordingly or even trim the breaths down. Tedious I know but sometimes you gottta do those things. Great video as always.
This looks like an amazing unit. Perfect for a in-the-box mixer.
Absolutely
Amazing device! The SC filter allow a lot a interesting results. Blue silk color (transformer ON) sounds definitely beatiful!
This hands down may be one of the Most "Commerical Radio Ready Sounds" To be after on your final masters.....right now...its my favorite mastering color/opposed to API or SSL
Although I cut my teeth on recording to analogue tape, I like the clarity of digital recording and have never been convinced about adding saturation/tape emulation/whatever, preferring to get the warmth in the actual recorded instruments, and then reproduce that cleanly. This unit goes a long way to changing my mind. Playing devil's advocate, I can see people quickly wanting both the blue and red silk options simultaneously - though that's hardly a big criticism. Extremely impressive and thought-provoking.
I was waiting to see the option of having red and blue on at the same time. Sort of surprised that nots the case. Maby in the second version
The UAD studer and Ampex tape plugins still slay the RND for tape sim.
why is the hpf and gain set differently on the left and right channel? I can't get it lol
I like the Track Smiling !
Oh no, the temptation is real... I've always loved the Neve sound, and this is no exception. "Silk on Steroids." I like that!
Thanks ever so much
If that is the last thing that the track goes through, it will sound very good ! Color and control is his specialty !
I am thinking that for those who already have a high quality A/D converter, the Portico II Master Bus Processor is possibly a smarter move. From your description it sounds like the "Silk on Steroids" might be a difference, but overall I think you have better options on the MBP. (You might also consider adding a Grimm CC1 or CC2 external clock to whatever converters you are using. Sub-picosecond jitter is really a thing!)
...what a lovely sounding piece of gear !!!
Beautiful! But a pretty pricey piece for the non-commercial studio. Want color? Try the Louder than Liftoff Silver bullet on your mix buss (and/or tracking) for Neve or Api flavour and an awesome Bax Eq. Warren you have to check it out. It is a game changer for the ITB or Hybrid recorder/mixer.
Provide link?
I was already going to buy this but the video demo just reconfirmed it. lol! Fantastic stuff.
Wow! Thanks ever so much
@producelikeapro can you explain the signal chain on how this is connected and routed for us newbies?
COOL VOCALS...GREAT SINGER
So cool to see these showcases once more! Learn something new from modern technology!
Thanks ever so much!
@@Producelikeapro You are absolutely welcome!
@@RC32Smiths01 you Rock!!
@@Producelikeapro You rock!
Great Video. Thanks Warren. You Rock!
Come on economy! I really want this unit.
It is pretty amazing!!
Thanks for this review. I can ear there a beautiful full 3d sound....I really like it!!
Listening on headphones... kinda prefer the red silk. But blue is a lot smoother, sounds like a bit of a hole in the upper mids. A bit more forgiving with blue, but i reckon if you mixed for the red option in mind it'd be a winner
Curious to know if the limiter is pre or post transformer? If its post-transformer, that would make sense since since transformers are good at saturating transients/peaks (i.e. the limiter wouldn't have to work as hard). however, if the limiter is pre-transformer, that would seem a bit counter intuitive...since you could potentially clip the converter by adding excessive red/blue silk for example. But maybe that's part of Neve's intended design purpose with this box (i.e. clipping the converter, like you might do with a Burl B2 or Dangerous AD+). I guess I'll dig up the manual and check the signal path.
Since my comments from a day ago complaining about only having one option of blue or red silk on the Master Buss Processor, Rupert Neve has just released the brand new Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor - Black, which has independent channel options! I wonder if Warren will get to demo this brand new toy from Rupert Neve!
YES!! Coming soon!
@@Producelikeapro Thanks Warren, although it was announced as a new product, I think I was fooled by their marketing geniuses! It appears to be the same Portico II Master Bus Processor with just a black front plate; however, your expert analysis of this unit is nevertheless, a good idea!
Does this act like the AD Converter? I’m a little unclear where the signal goes after it hits this box.
Silk is the perfect word to describe that sound. This might become the new mastering engineer bus limiter. Sounds phenomenal. The transformer function definitely adds that harmonic warmth to the track. Beautiful! I wonder how it would sound with every buss (vocal, drum, guitar, etc) going through it individually then putting them all together ITB, kind of like using it as a summing mixer.
Thanks ever so much! Great comment!
It's true you can learn so much about your mix just by using the recent Neve stuff. The MBP also has a magnificent limiter and I too would always use a plugin at the end.......but no more!
Great review brotha! Thanks for such an in-depth review of this guy.
Thanks ever so much!! I really appreciate it
My god, this sounds good.
RIP, EVH. 🎸
Yes! Amazing
I would love to see a side-by-side between this and SSL Fusion. Love having choices!
Good call yeah :D
Would make more sense to compare it with something like the dangerous Convert AD+
@@kodakeller6353 You're right, the Fusion is not a converter but it has a lot of the same kind of mix buss processing. EQ, Compression, Saturation. Just would be interesting to see how they compare with those features.
Jason Buffin yeah I see what ur saying. But still I think the neve master buss processor would be more closely related to the fusion than this. I’m actually interested in a dangerous ad+ comparison because it basically has all the same features besides the limiter. And I’m also considering buying an ad+ before this neve converter came out so I’m stuck...
@@kodakeller6353 You're probably right about the master buss processor. I have great AD with the MOTU AVB line and use an SSL SiX for my hybrid summing/compression. I would love to have this limiter because I do have the problem of printing hot from the console and trimming the peaks would be very handy.
Great Review Warren! Always fantastic and on point🌟.I have to say though that the device is for sure an amazing piece of equipment but to me it lacks something. I cant say what it is but it does not sound like the money they are asking for. It may be youtube but the magic I hear on the Burl B2 does not come out from this decice. The RND 535 sound better then this compressor. I just cant hear the great conversion... Anyway for sure it will sell well but in my opinion is a miss. SSL fusion with B2 Bomber is a better choice for the money. The company should as well focus on taking care the issues in their line ups, brocken resistors, burned meters, and cheap paint that goes away within few weeks. But keep it up bro! You rock.
Totally agree with your superb observation! 👍😉
Often times, a great company develops a product on reputation assuming that all users will buy into the name. My issue with this new processor is that for the money, it should have the option of red and blue silk on each channel like the Portico II Master Bus Processor. SSL Fusion sounds good; however, I don't have any trust in any Chinese made audio processor as the SSL Fusion, which appears to indicate the direction of SSL's production strategy!
Dre A Totally agree on the SSL Chinese Strategy but at the same time I am personally having terrible issues with my Rupert Neve Designs processors (as well the people and artists I work with) and even under pressure they always refuse to aknowledge the problems..with an overly arrogant attitude that I dont like. They only care about the huge names that buy their consoles.They sound excellent especially the Shelford modules but I have the feeling they also get parts from China. They are using the Neve name in order to sell something like this new unit in the video that honestly doesn’t seem to be worth the price they are asking. Not at all
@@musicgalaxy8832 Carlo unfortunately most manufacturers are getting the poor quality Chinese made products and components. I have two Mojave MA-200s, which are great microphones but twice the Chinese made components inside had to be replaced and anyone in the industry who thinks Chinese made audio components sound and last like the American, British, German and gear from the Scandinavian countries is totally delusional and dishonest! Furthermore, as you indicated, most companies nowadays suffer from the "Coca Cola" syndrome, which is producing below average gear thinking that their followers will accept it on name recognition. I fail to see where this new Master Bus processor is any better than the convertors from Burl Audio!
@@musicgalaxy8832 Carlo, I forgot to mention on my reply below of two well-known engineers publicly praising Neve gear while behind the scene opting for API gear!
Warm audio n the heritage audio is watching taking notes
Haha maybe!!
It's nothing like the real thing lol
I already use my master buss processor with my Burl ADC and Merging Anubis.
Tempted. Very!
Great detailed review Warren as always!
I need a HQ ADC to finish off my setup. Question is, if using a 5059 to sum, and an MBP on the master bus, then does having this unit with additional silk mean “silk overkill” - i appreciate that’s all part of the RND flavour, (and that it can be dialled down) but can you have too much of a good thing. As a ADC / limiter does it stake up too without the extra mojo, or are there better dedicated tools if you already have silk to spare?
Excellent video(as always).
Could someone please explain the basic concept of using this kind of gear?(Besides the obvious coloration/Limiter)
Is it DAW=>D/A=> Bus Converter=>A/D=>DAW?
Thanks!!!!!!!
Hey designed in Wimberly, TX. Thats a great spot in the Texas Hill country! It must be great!
I love Wimberly! :)
This is so exciting. I want to use it to mix into as well. I do all my mixes in the box and this would really help open everything up. I'll have to start saving up!! lol
thank you so much! would you be able to explain how to connect this in the box with a digital interface like an apogee quartet or apollo? - would you set it up as an insert?
Warren! How does this compare to the Portico II Master Bus Processor. Looks like almost the same outside of the converter. Can you compare what is gained and lost on each item? TY!!
A very nice demo of an excellent piece of kit. And vice versa.
Thank you !
How would this replace the AD conversion in the Apollo?
yummy! 3999 usd though. I guess that's inline with Dangerous and all those top converters.
Would be interesting to know how the clocking is on this unit I mean could you also use this as a master clock ? . Did you have anything else clocking the unit in this demo Warren ?
Great demo. This thing is really nice.
Ordered! 4-6 weeks out.
Very popular device so it seems!
Im still not get how the output coming and print in daw ? Can you please tell or make a video how to setup.
Mix into it and change the ADC Cal to -18. I think you would really fatten up your mixes and start to make it sound like tape. Just a thought. :-)
Enjoy and appreciate certainly, need and afford not so much.
Thanks ever so much for sharing!
I’m curious how I could add this to a mixing workflow with my Apollo x4? I’m guessing spdf. I also wonder if a virtual channel could receive output from that thing and do some drum limiting in the box? 🤨 maybe someone that’s used that feature in this way can give some input.
No question that Rupert Neve is one of the greatest minds in the industry and the maker of some of the best audio gear ever; however, the Master Bus Converter, which is labeled and marketed as a "tone box" has a huge oversight! On the Portico II Master Buss Processor there is the option for "blue" or "red" silk on each of the channels. On the new Master Buss Processor you can only chose one or the other for both channels! Agree with you Warren, that this new box has a welcome functionality but being able to only saturate the low or high frequencies instead of both as on the Portico II Master Buss Processor seems like a miss opportunity!
they expect you to buy both, the Portico II Master Buss Processor to glue and this unit to limit and print your mix into it. the Master Bus Converter is competing with the Burl Audio B2 BOMBER ADC and the Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+
@@betty4774 Still, they could have included both, the blue and red silk option on each channel and have one feature, which both, the Burl and Dangerous Music units don't have!
I have the RND 5060 and it has red/blue silk on the stereo out and yes you have to choose. I have had it for a couple of years now and I have never thought a track would need both applied .. I suppose it would be the ultimate harmonic "smiley face" boost .. I actually use Red silk mostly as I get a lot of low end harmonics from parallel processing of the drums and bass buses. I can only use it at 50% though ... less is more with this :-) Of course if I add the Master Bus Converter to my set up I could do one type on the 5060 and the other on the MBC. Could be interesting!
Who’s the song at end with the strings?
Awesome mate. Question, why you calibrate it to -14? Is this the common way to calibrate while mastering ?
Great demonstrations! thanks!
cool video ! would be nice to hear how it sounds when pushed with the gain and then compare with and without the transformer (when we hit it hard)
Would be also nice to hear how it sounds as tracking converter if you one day you can do a demo of a song all recorded through it, I think would be super cool.
Hi Warren, I have a question for the FAQ Friday...why is one of my compressors called master bus compressor? It's just a compressor, right? (It's from Tone Booster) it doesn't look any different from , say, the stock Pro Tools compressor....
All compressors are just compressors. Some are better in different applications, some specifically are suited for your master bus (2 bus, mix bus) but it doesn't mean they are necessarily limited to that function. They could work equally well on a drum bus, stereo piano, guitar bus etc. An 1176 for example is just a compressor/limiter and has typical uses on snare, bass, vocals etc however it's functions don't lend itself to being used on the master bus (no stereo link, hard to match settings, the speed of the attack) but it doesn't mean it can't be used there in theory. Just in practice it doesn't work terribly well.
@@greenenoiseaudio Cool thanks!
Are you sending analog audio or digital audio to the Neve? Thanks Warren.
Can this unit be used for warming and "spicing things up" of my mixes (that come from external hardware workstation) and maybe adding a little "glue" with limiter before "entering the computer" for final mastering with plug'ins? Of course I would enter the unit with -7 db (to leave some room for mastering) so I don't know if limiter can do any good with me not pushing the sound to the max., but still I think it could give me some "glue effect" (like a bus stereo compressor would) or this is just for the "final stage" where you go "all in" pressing the mix to the max. and beyond? I'm just looking for something that can add "analog charachter" and some preliminary compression (glue) in one box (and of course the top AD convertion) before entering the DAW.
The MBC is a pretty expensive box if all you're looking for is a little analog glue and warmth. There are LOTS of less expensive ways to get there, e.g. Zulu, Overstayer MAS, Elysia Xpressor, HendyAmps Pollock, Neve 542, IGS Tubecore, Fatso EL7X, SSL Fusion, etc. And while I generally wouldn't rely on converters to give me glue or warmth, the Burl B2 Bomber ADC (which I have) also does a great job at that and costs less than the MBC. That being said, I still want to get my hands on an MBC at some point! Lol.
@@audiokemestry Yeah, I discovered later that I could buy Steinberg UR- RT2 interface with Rupert Neve design converters option (on - off), and I did. The difference is BIG, and I payed 400eur ... :)) Here's your "color" boy for 400, haha. Yet, This MBC would be great to have before entering Steinberg audio Interface with its Neve converters Off (obviously...) and go "all in" with this baby. You can use it also to add a little bus compression (limiter) before going to comp for final mastering in my case. Right now I'm finishing one of my songs, so I will use this Neve transformers (option) for the first time in different settings. The first test I did was very good. I didn't like SSL fusion, too much and too little box for a buck, the others are fine. This is my first try with "analog transformers", so I think 400eur is a nice price to pay for a start ... :))) Thanks for a great info by the way. A lot of gear you mentioned, Jesus, there are so many options ...
Ooohhhh, now that thing sounds very nice. I was also pleasantly surprised at the price, considering it's Neve. I was expecting to gulp at the cost, it's far from inexpensive, but quality never is.
Also, am i trippin, but whyy are you only making adjustments to channel b? Aka the right channel. Why not adjust both?
The link button in the middle of the unit.
@@greenenoiseaudio oh sorry, youre right..he didnt really talk about it, just turned it on
I would totally mix into it. Handsome Audio will be releasing something similar soon.
Hi Warren. I will revisit this review in its entirety later today. I am compelled to ask what you think of this unit vs your current favoured digital MB compressor? I love my outboard gear but there are days like today where I wonder where the point becomes unmistakably clear that the power of digital has become the new king assuming we are not quite there yet. For instance, I am IN LOVE with the RND MB Processor still.
The side-chain changes the frequency range of the detector circuit, but you are still limiting the entire frequency range of the signal.
Thanks Warren, this will be in my rack.
Fantastic!!
To my ears, and I might be wrong, but in addition to "opening up" the highs, the Silk Red has the unwanted side-effect of making the highs and upper mids sound too, for want of a better word, busy. Too many harmonics rattling around and bumping into each other. Your thoughts?
Mixing into it is a whole other story. Along with tracking through red silk. It seems Warren’s excellent ears already accounted for all of the mid and upper mid harmonic content so none of them really needed help.
So it sounds like the limiter functions more like a soft clip than a final peak limiter?. That's how it seems to me when you select the blue circuit.....is that your impression?
REALLY nice piece!
Red is a bit too bright for my ears, but I can hear why you like the Blue setting. Very Silky.
definitely on mixes it can be. Usually on masters 4-8 clicks from the bottom is plenty, for individual tracks it can definitely be pushed more.
Yes, I definitely pushed it hard to see what it would do! Used subtly it will be quite amazing!!
Homie got a response from neve himself, jee,
Hello :) Do you think it is good practice for a mix engineer to use this tool before sending it to mastering ? We constantly hear : *don't put a limiter on the master of your mix, it kills the dynamics, and the master engineer has nothing left to work on*. I wonder if mixing into it is wise. Will the master engineer come at me screaming to put the limiter off ? If he does, I'll be in trouble, because if you mix INTO this onvertor from the start (and I see myself doing that actually), chances are, your mix general balance relies on its action... Turing it off would "fuck things up" in a bad way. Any help appreciated.
Limiter is Digital by their very nature . The analogue cannot be comptetitive for limiting! David Gnozzi says . What is your opinion ? thanks
can you do a video showing how to connect it to your equipment? thanks
Great Video! Thanks:) I think they shouldn't have mounted A/D. The people who need gears like this don't need extra A/D. They already have their favorite...
Main question for me is how does this compare to the API A2D? I know on paper the A2D doesn’t have as many features, but I suspect you could achieve similar limiting and harmonics by driving the input stages.
Can’t hear much of a diff between red and blue. Am I screwed?
I would make sure you’re on 4K for listening and you can also download the files and check for yourself
I can hear the differences!!! :D (apologies... beginner joy!) using the red silk with "higher" low pass sounds more balanced, Blue Silk with 'lower" low pass add a lot of weight! it's beautiful... would you mix through it or ... master with it?
you kind of answer already at the end... I commented 1 minute to the end :s
Thank you 🙏 great demo ✌️💚☯️
Thanks ever so much!!
so would this connect str8 to your computer?
The lack of analog outputs or inserts are a deal breaker to me. What's the closest RND device with the same sonic features but without the converter?
is this the same limiter thats in the MBP? Thank you
Am wondering the same
Could you possibly A/B it against your Lavry?
At least it's free shipping 😂. To be honest Warren, I am more interested in printing signals traditionally in analog and smashing the mic breeze very hard hitting tape super super hard. Smah my track up, Smash my track up...The Fat of the Low End.
What music is that at 23:15? Sounds nice
How would you use this for someone mixing in the box?
I am not a mixing expert but i think you could route your digital mix into it, then route the colored
signal that the hardware give you back into the box and then record it
Really nice box! Shouldn'you set the same settings each side like a normal stereo unit? Or is it sidechaining 2 stereo channels? I'm confused :)
With the 'link' feature engaged, usually that links the controls on both sides so you only have to use 1 set of controls and not worry about matching each channel which is especially difficult when using non-stepped controls.
@@greenenoiseaudio Thank you for the answer!
How is it in comparison to the SSL Fusion? I mean in terms of coloration.
I’d love to try the Fusion!
To hear your opinion would be awesome.
Thunder-Studios fusion is a coloring box to add final shine to your mix. This is a mastering grade AD box with the ability to add the Neve transformer and red / blue silk to your recordings. Not only can you use it for mastering the final track but you record your instruments with the sound of Neve.
I'm surprised there is no AES67 port, given most new converters going that way.
Could you use this with the mbp?
I'm sure that good producers such as Warren hear all the minuscule differences that I don't hear. What I'm wondering is whether they make any difference for the commercial success of songs.