NEVE 88M - Any Good???
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- Опубликовано: 30 ноя 2022
- OH YAY OH YAY - WINTER SOLSTICE COMPOSER WALK!!!
Weds 21st Decemeber - Lets meet at Dunsapie Car Park (map link below) at 15.00 Hollyrood Park Edinburgh.
Grab tickets here (they're free) so I know how many are attending! www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-s...
MAP LINK: goo.gl/maps/BAGLALTSt79diepr8
To find out more about the NEVE 88M here's the website: www.ams-neve.com/88m/
...and poor old Pierre! nuancescontroller.fr
#neve #neve88m 
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I've been monitoring your consistent portable rig videos for years now and I'm so grateful for this one. I bought the NI m32 based on your rec. Thanks!
You're literally the first person I've ever seen have trouble using an RME interface.
That NEVE sounds real good tho, thanks for sharing.
your grandfather sounds incredible. i would have loved someone like that in my life
Thanks as always Christian!! So glad you'll be doing more videos, we need you!
Was going to say the same thing. :)
@@jeffgriffithsmusic Great minds think alike!!😎
This was a great review. I was sitting on the fence but this is now my next interface. Thanks Christian.
Great review! I cannot agree more 👍
First things first: One of the most amazing features of this unit is that it has got channel inserts. Those two channel inserts (one on the left and one on the right channel) are placed before the converters. That’s very important, because you can actually insert hardware (compression etc.) and drive the signal hot. This way you really get the advantages of the transformers and give your sound saturation to taste. And because the channel inserts are placed before the converters, driving the transformers hot doesn’t clip your converters. That’s really unique for a two channel desktop interface. This alone makes it stand out from the rest.
Example: You can insert an Elysia Xpressor Qube which on the more neutral side, drive the transformers of the 88M hot and the Xpressor sound turns into colorful and more characterful. Amazing!
Everyone is different, I had an UCX II...I returned it. Did some vocals and accoustic guitar recordings, tried the headphone amp, conversion...I mean it's a professional device.
The UCXII is clean and bright, the Apollo x4 a bit harsh in high midths and highs. The M88 is smooth with a nice bottom end and midths. The high frequencies are never harsh. It’s sound is open, wide and big.
But I love my 88M, because it has that 70's sound, a kind of smoothness, great mids and bass. It's always easier to mix if you have a cohesive sound. And the 88M delivers a bit of a glue to all the recorded channels, it has a nice character to it. A special sound. Of course it's not only the transformers but also the conversion chips they use.
I feel more inspired to work with that a bit "old fashioned" device, just plug and play, never have to update drivers. Just sound!
RME UCX for me is the best. Always reliable, always getting driver updates. It's been always on for the past decade. Cannot fault it.
agree, Identical situation here, near a decade, flawless on MAC and PC.
yup- RME Fireface 802 in my rack and Babyface on the road- rock solid and you could hammer nails with it {not Recommended}
This was such a cool video man. Really well done
I agree, quality in equals quality out. Companies like Neve, Neumann, AKG, Lexicon, Eventide as examples make quality equipment that last for decades and you can hear the difference in the recordings. Also, quality equipment are ready to go, especially in recording sessions, they are truly "Plug & Play" and keep the work-flow going when "time crunch" crucial. Great review Christian, I love your You Tube videos, I learn a lot.
Yep, debated this interface for a while but ended up with the Neumann MT48, fantastic interface with great pres and headphone amps.
As a voice actor, I purchased the Neve 88m for it's simplicity. I need one pro-grade mono channel. That's it. Any sonic treatments will be added in the DAW (which, for me, is Reaper). It's lack of bells and whistles is a huge plus for me. And, being a Neve, the guts of the thing are top-shelf. Besides my Neumann u87ai, my Neve 88m is the next best investment I've ever made to my studio.
Did the M88 make a big difference in the sound quality of your U87? I have that mic and was considering the M88 for a mic pre upgrade.
This has made me so happy because my 88M is on its way already! Just waiting for Neve to get their shipment to Sweetwater.
Hi Christian, I just "discovered" you today, and this is the first rewiew I seen for the 88N, great job!
I'm a longtime Babyfaces user, I've owned all the versions of this little marvelous piece of engineering. Been through the first version of it, with that horrendous breakout cable, (of which I bought a second one "just in case"), then the Babyface Pro and finally the Pro fs which I bought right before the Covid19 affair, when it was almost already impossible to find, very luckily I got a second hand one (crazy guy who sold it) so I belive that my unit has the AKM chips in it and not the ones I think they have nowadays, the ESS ones.
I also have an UAD Apollo Twin, the USB version, so as you might understand I'm a Windows user (all time user, since Windows 1.04, if my memory doesn't betray me!) For the Apollo's there are out of the box some NEVE emulations which work pretty well for my needs, but hey ... curiosity killed the cat! and I'm curious about the 88M. The big question is, sonically how the three might compare?
I'll subscribe to your channel right now!
the mono mix feature will be very useful for guitarists who use two mics on a guitar cab and want to blend them together before they hit the daw.
awesome box! thanks. regards from switzerland
"This bad...*checks the back* boy" 😂
Thx, you convinced me. I was looking at that Neve because it's exactly the kind of product I'm looking for. That's the first product with that philosophy. High end preamp with analog inserts, direct into great converters.
No messy routing sofware.
Waiting for it, I'll post my impressions soon.
Stunning sound. Plug and play. I recorded my Martin guitar this morning with some vocals. It sounds gorgeous
I love your passion for what you are doing, and yes, I will get this unit!
Rme has a class compliant mode.
NEVE 88M is a Class Complaint audio device, the reason it doesn't require drivers is that it's very simple from USB ADC/DAC POV . OSs nowadays provide built in drivers for Class Compliant USB audio devices. RME baby face is much more complex product , which requires drivers to unleash it's DSP and other routing functions , however it also can be booted in to Class Compliant mode , where you won't need to download or install any drivers , but you won't have an access to all the Total Mix routing capabilities. Taken form Babyface manual : Activation of the Class Compliant mode: Hold down the Select and Recall button while the Babyface
boots. So press both buttons while connecting the Babyface to USB buspower. The level meters will
run up, confirming CC mode is activated. The Babyface stays in CC mode until this procedure is
repeated. With only one LED on left and right side lit during power-on, the Babyface is in normal
mode.
Quality interface and a superb and helpful video.
Edit: rant ahead, and nothing against Christian, bless him, but I can't stand for the best and most stable interface drivers (RME) being compared unfavourably to a brand new prosumer interface just because Christian couldn't install a driver ONCE. They still support fireface 400 interfaces they sold 20 years ago for heaven's sake. Sorry but I'd trust RME at my post facility after 20 years of flawless performance over anything with less that 5 years of constant use. The fact that you are not mainly and engineer is really showing here! Sorry if this seems ranty and I don't mean to sound like an RME fanboy. I'd do the same if somebody decided Sound Devices or any other tried and tested grown-up tools we not to their personal taste relative to something brand new aimed clearly at the prosumer market. On the flip side, the NEVE logo does look pretty... But for the money the Audient budget interfaces offer the same connectivity and better measurements for a tenth of the price... Neve don't even specify the wheighting of the measurements on their website... If I want a Neve pre, I can just plug one in... And that Neve pre would have propper headroom and conditioning.
I have had big problems with RME on mac, and had a few devices which were to all intents and purposes basically bricked and non-functioning.
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 good to know! of course I'm not suggesting infallability, only relative reliability based on industry standard practise and consensus as I have understood it. My point is only that one of the most trusted drivers in the industry, (granted nothing is perfect) cannot be compared unfavourably to not needing a driver at, all as if this were a bit selling point. Otherwise the issues with not having the same headroom and electricity conditioning on 1k of preamps seems questionable. I'm open to being convinced otherwise here though.
@@weareallbeingwatched4602 Sorry to hear that. I've had 15 years of RME on OSX through Mac Pros and MBPs. FF800 died after 11 years of flawless, heavy daily performance, and my FF802 has had zero issues since I upgraded to it.
@@socksincrocks none of the DAW systems are particularly reliable, in all honesty. Hence JoeCo.
Had FF400 for 12 years, used it on Mac and PC, sold it just so i can use USB instead of FW, and now i’m using FF UC, so i can just confirm everything you said about RME. 🤷🏻♂️
Neve hasn't exactly started to manufacture audio gear yesterday :) They know what they're doing. We use Neve preamps alongside Neumann ones to drive mics and we love them. As for a daily driver Audio Interfaces, I have the Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 and it also doesn't need any driver on Mac and I love that. They have a mixer software for sure, but you can totally use it without installing anything and that's good! Way to go other manufacturers :)
Personally, I love my SSL 2+. Seems like the size and weight of this are preferable to the Neve. Can't beat the price point either.Granted it doesn't have the extra ADAT ins, but it does have a second set of outs and a 2nd headphone output. Drives my DT990 Pro fairly well. Also love the 4K circuitry for adding a little sparkle. Just heard they came out with the 12.
I've had my 88M for a while now and I absolutely love it - those preamps are DELICIOUS!
Neve is the master of the preamp domain, simple as that. I have a 2 channel 73´unit with EQ that is fantastic, especially since driven hard. It's the additive effect over an entire mix that really makes the difference though
happy to see that you have little puppy in charge of the cable management
Have to give a shoutout to RME: I'm using a Fireface 800 from 2004 I think, on a Mac M1 with native silicon drivers that RME *still* keeps up to date.
yeah RME is a work horse- rock solid- have a fireface in my rack and a babyface for the road
I got my first proper outboard pres this year - Rupert Neve Designs 5025 and A-Designs Pacifica. Both make an absolute world of difference when it comes to working on material - as you said, it’s just easier.
Audio interfaces can be almost as unique as the people that use them. Price and your studio budget, the number of inputs required, headphone jacks, digital I/O, interface type (USB 2 or 3 or Thunderbolt), monitor options and even PC/Mac/iOS or Mobile use can be considerations. That Neve 88M kit looks interesting but personally for the price the Steinberg UR-RT series seem to tick the “upgraded neve preamp” box without sacrificing the form factor and portability of other portable interfaces. One can “dream” of a UA, Presonus or this new Neve but doing your best with the tools you have is often the best strategy. The best camera is the one that works and is with you to take your photo after all.
I've been using RME for the last five years now and just switched from Windows to MacOS.
Downloaded the appropriate driver from the website. Installed it. Downloaded TotalMix. Installed it. Turned the MacBook off. Comnected the interface. Turned MacBook back on and it's working without any problem.
No witchcraft required.
Looking forward to more vids Christian!
wow, that piano sounds lovely through the Neve!
That Irish guy flash frame, how 80's. Made me chuckle
I love my focus rite 18i scarlet but this was so soothing as always and informative .👽
Same - I’m considering to get this for my mobile setup and keep most stuff wired to my 18i in the studio and connect via ADAT when needed
Mmm looks interesting although I did recently purchase a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 which I do like.Just one other question, did you write that piano music in this video cos I really do like that?
Great to see this box and thanx for this great video. Just 2 things: the reason why RME has driver troubles lately arises from Apple. RME never had any problems, neighter on PC nor on Mac until about 2 years ago. 2nd, I’d say that those preamps don’t sound like that RS88 console at all. I’ve mixed on a RS88 console and I own an AMS 88RS preamp module. Nothing out there sounds like the desk. There are just too many components interacting. The PSU, the neighbouring circuitry per channel, the summing structure and so on. And 88 doesn’t sound warm tomy ears at all. It is the cleanest and most transparent sound you could get from Neve. Not as clean as Grace or Millennia, but quite detailed and bright somehow. I love that sound for recording upright bass, therefore. Just my 2ct…
Great video. Would you say it's O.K. to put through the whole mix (into the computer of course for final mastering) from external workstation for coloring (line IN - adding a little of extra gain)?
How does this Interface work for Punchy electronic and hip hop music?
All NEVE products are great - I started my career (early 70's) working with a NEVE 8 track board, souped up to 16 so I've been spoiled since the beginning.
I've ran RME gear for 2 decades and never had an issue (also because they support their products and drivers for as long), Though the RME is indeed high quality I actually use them over higher end equipment for the very reason of their software, it's reliability and its flexibility. I'm shocked you weren't even able to get a signal, I would be tempted to blame apple on this one.
Also while we are on the subject I'll bet Neve don't make their own USB chips and use FPGAs inside like RME do, which is what enables them to have futureproof drivers for standards that don't exist yet.
I wager the Neve Like every other USB interface will lose support after a few years.
BUMP. I do advertising post-production and trust RME over anything else in high pressure situations. Comparing that to a bus powered gimmick with NEVE written on it really rubs me the wrong way. Also 20 years of flawless performance over here!
Have you had any issues with the DI input with the Neve? There is a video from Spectral Sounds where even when lowering the DI input gain all the way down the converters still clip.
Miss these videos so much
I'm an owner of one of these and love it. I'm pretty sure in the Neve 88m video, they said that you can power it independently, with a powered USB 3 hub. You can use guitar pedals on the DIs. and 19" rack, 500 Series, to the the mic, line, or which ever. It is simple, but flexible for the limited set you get. May it have headroom issues with a DI'd active pick-up shredder, yes, however, if you send it to a compressor, that problem goes away, and it becomes a way to use the extreme distortion without clipping the converters, and just normalizing in the DAW. Should a 10-20db pad be on the MKII, YES, but those things can be solved with gain staging, and a compressor on the s/r. I can't tell you how many interfaces I've used, probably over 9, and this one just works. It's all I wanted in the first place, as a home recording engineer, looking for quality. The Audient almost got me, because I wanted sends and returns on my interface, but I jumped at the chance to own a Neve instead. A decision of the heart. Cheers, thanks for the awesome video!
Why am I not surprised that Neve would come out with something like this... really impressive, but not surprising coming from Neve.
100 agree this product is outclass i get mine and huge diffrance between others ❤
I'm so jealous of everyone that is able to go to the composer walks. I would love to join you, but it's quite far away. One of these days I'll fly across the Atlantic and make sure it lines up with a composer walk. Hope everyone has a fun time!
Why not start a local one? :)
same here, putting down a few hundred euro's for a flight and hotel just seems a bit wrong these days.. Love to organize one here in Amsterdam, just say the word..
He did one in LA a year ago, I was signed up and kept the day open… and a medical emergency kept me from going! 😩. I’m fine physically now but it definitely hurt my soul a bit to miss it. Hopeful I’ll get another opportunity and same to you 🙏🌞
Thanks Christian.
Hi Christian. How does the quality compare to the apogee duet? Cheers
If I didn’t already have an Apollo Twin, I’d jump on one of these. Bit big and a bit pricey, but actual Neve 88RS preamps!!!! 🤯 Can’t make the walk again -But hopefully I will one year!
I'm on UAD so no horse in the race but was also surprised with the RME rant as their reputation is solid in terms of drivers. And while I have no doubt the pros on the 88M are top notch (its a Neve!) I'm personally not a fan of USB only powered interfaces. My UA interfaces work in standalone with almost zero latency and that's what I love about them. With the 88M you pay for the pres but it looks like an otherwise entry-level prosumer audio interface..
one important question please. if i arrange with logic x , do i get a good bouncing quality ? or is there an idea how I can get the good sound I get from the neve 88m as a wave file.
I kinda missed any mention about latency. The thing with RME (on Windows!) is that the interface offers a spectacular low latency compared to pretty much every other brand out there.
If you are work with samples, sampled instruments or software synths this might be the most important thing your interface can offer you. Nice video tho :)
less important for sample, vsti based. even more for tracking real instruments or synths
@@timandtheocean Yep that too! I meant when you use a midi keyboard in combination with sampled instruments or synths you really want low latency. On Mac latency might be less of an issues because of how audio drivers work differently I don't really have experience with that.
Hi Christian -- looks like the Eventbrite link provided above isn't working. I was able to find the event via a search on the Eventbrite site, but I thought I'd let you know about this in case you want to edit things...
thanks Christian
I have a pretty good work flow with my Apollo, but I haven’t got any micpres.
Would this work in tandem?
I recently picked up the SSL Big SiX and it has the same awesome feature as the 88M - no drivers needed! (on Mac) Just plug it in, and it's there. It does have Neve pres but the SSL pres are not a disappointment. It's not at all portable, though.
Loving my Apogee Symphony Desktop. Stunning quality and works seamlessly with Logic Pro.
You didn’t have the BABYFACE in class compliant mode, then it’s plug and play on Apple……..
I’m trying to imagine 5000 people showing up for the composer walk❤
What's the disadvantage of using a clean preamp and saturating with a plugin like lindell's neve or soundtoys radiator/decapitator? I have a zoom 8 that has a low noisefloor, 10 in and can record without the whole daw setup. It's it really better or is it the emporers new 'preamp' and the quality is in the 'no xmas dinner this year kids but you all want daddy to be happy don't you? Now move over and let mr 88 have a seat!' expenditure?
Generally like your videos, but I agree about RME rant. Don't know what happened, but RME have made amazing driver and control software for decades. They're top of the heap for making hardware and software work together. Also, if you'd read the manual and put your interface in class compliant mode, it would've shown up just like Neve (albeit with none of the features in their amazing TotalMix software). Rant over.
Had to read that twice, I guess you meant to write 'Disagree?'
What is the piano please if acc, what mics? Thanks ( nice playing though )
@christian Henson : what about the Merging Technologies Anubis which seems amazing in a smaller size ?
For M1 Macs “Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers”. That’ll sort out why you weren’t able to get the RME to work. Simple to do.
RME hardware/software is just the best.
Not to mention the routing flexibility and UX. Real tools for high pressure environments!
Update on the Neve 88m? I've been considering it for ultra-mobile recording of acoustic guitar and vocals.
Have you seen Worzel Gummidge has been remastered and is getting a blu ray release?
Any thoughts on my Metric Halo Labs Mobile ULN-2, Christian? I came from a RME FireFace 800, which is now my backup system, so i had to give up some inputs.....
Do you reckon 60mm faders are better than 100 then? I've got a few new controllers on my list and can't decide which length throw to go with. I know my current 45mm are way too short!
Thanks for the video 👍
I believe the answer would be to use the longest fader with which you can comfortable slide from limit to limit by only moving the fingers of your hand and not the hand itself.
dumb question. If I'm recording guitar from like a modeler like tonex do I care about the mic preamps? I'm going to be going in line level right? Does that go through the pre?
Cool that you pointed out the usb cable thing. It always annoys me as well when you get devices with whacky rare usb connections lol.
not sure if this a UK thing- that USB cord is used on most printers, most keyboards, and other sound modules- very easy to get and very common
Does anyone in the comments own the steinberg interface with neve preamps? It has good reviews online, I wonder if it’s a similar product
Per Neve video, the 88M can run as stand-alone using a power supply to USB cable. SO you can use it just for its pres! They chose that specific USB connector so it wouldn't break as easily as a USB-C if knocked about. I'm using an old Motu Ultralite so I'm seriously considering how much of a jump up this would be in terms of sound quality. RME Babyface Pro also in the running.
I think people talking about the RME aren’t really getting the point of the 88.. you’re not getting the NEVE preamp with RME which is the whole advantage of the 88. I have a babyface pro, but I want those pre’s. My only issue with the 88 is that there is only one headphone out and the babyface has 2.. when I’m recording someone I wear headphones and so does the artist. How is this going to happen now? Or am I supposed to get a splitter?
Was I daft for expecting Christian to return on the Spitfire channel in the new year? The ramp up on this channel makes that seem unlikely. I'm here for all of it either way.
I’m amazed at your negative experience with RME Babyface Pro. I have been using our me audio interfaces professionally for over 15 years now. They offer amazing support, and I have never had a single issue with any of them. They even support firewire currently with a drivers. To my astonishment, I find all of her army users have the same experience. I’ve got a hair full expensive details of the issues. You have a baby face pro. Perhaps they are to do with the new Apple M1/M2 chipset.? I’m very surprised.
Well, I’ve just adquired one of these puppies just because of its preamps and converters, but I really doubt RME could ever disappoint anyone. Their drivers are the best of the best and they sound really good. As good as Neves? No. That’s the real deal. However, I’d rather rely on RME drivers than any other manufacturer. I have a first generation Babyface, that’s why.
Still hoping you can figure out a way that those of us in North America can "virtually" join the Composer Walk - even if it's as simple as someone with a phone opening a "Google Meet" and sending us the link. Just a thought.
I wish they gave us an AC power option. Especially if it will be stationary in your studio. Its just more flexible. Down the road the particular USB style will become archaic. Something better will come out.
Ive also heard there has been an issue with clipping, especially when recording high gain guitars, etc…a pad button would benefit on the unit, instead of having to do it on your in.
Its a beautiful unit, I just hope they add those options. You want these options for $1200.
I definitely found my next interface. I|m starting to hit the point where the mic pres on my current interface are starting to become annoyingly bad.
Nice, but I want to hear some serious comparisons, between other options.....but more importantly, with many diverse program inputs, hard transients, combinations of sound sounds (both nuanced and more dramatic) simultaneously being converted.......some way to hear the Mic Pre with a direct A/B comparison to other interfaces, etc.
no comparisson to rme and total mix. always installed in 3 minutes, never a problem. I have two Firefaces. The UCXII is just awsome.
Good!
Doesn't look too portable by my definition but the preamps are very tempting. It's a much more streamlined way of recording.
I have an audient that also has the same preamps as their big desks I'm pretty happy with., especially for the price.
The Audient converters also null after literally hundreds of passthroughs. Infact, hilariously, they are better at nulling on repeat passthroughs than the Araura converter at 10x the price. The pres are clean and sound great, loads of gain. In 2022 there is no reason to "upgrade" from something that measures essentially perfectly. Clients don't care. Just grab a coloured pre if needed and whack it into a line in on your Audient. The Camden 500 pre would be my tip, 300 quid, designed in London and I prefer it to the Shelford channel ;). They also measure insanely well!
I’m *very* curious about the quality of the Neve’s Windows driver. I’m a PC user primarily but low latency audio processing isn’t the strong suit of that OS, drivers are everything there. My gut feeling is that they probably haven’t nailed the software side first time around
Some people say it sounds SMALL. It seems to me the perfect interface for my needs, but is it really powerfull? Not so good dynamic range specs. Or i am mistaken???
I am having trouble justifying the price because SSL 2+ also comes from similar professional gear manufacturer but without the high price tag. Oh yes and it's more portable. oh and it's USB C cable. oh and it's also plug and play.
So where are the differences? Is it mainly the number of IO? Or is it truly just more musical if recorded from Neve 88M vs say, SSL2+? I am eager to learn.
Was "that Irish guy..." Hozier? I couldn't manage to stop the vid on the correct frame.
I love mine
RME
Is it worth getting if I only want to plug instruments into it?
This is what I want to know as well
In my experience RME drivers are excellent and reliable.
Hey there, Chris! See if you could take some time to help me!
At this moment, I have a SSL SiX mixer to help me with a little of EQ and compression on the way in, and I use a SSL2 as an audio interface. I would like to upgrade it, and since I mostly record vocals and acoustic guitar at the same time, I use only 2 inputs, and need only 2 preamps.
I use a Martin HD28 and a Cordoba C10 as acoustic guitars, and I have a little nice mics setup (Neumanns KMS105, u87, a pair of KM184, DPA 2028 (I wanna grab myself a d:Facto for the lower noise floor) and 4099, and a beautiful Sennheiser MD441 (love that on vocals... so thick sounding!). I wanna get myself a Beyerdynamic 160 to record acoustic guitar and pair it with the 441 for a more vintage vibe. My room is not well treated, and you can hear a few of my home live recordings here, on ruclips.net/user/rodrigopandelo
I was thinking about upgrade my audio interface, and since here in Brazil it is hard to put the hands on some high end equipment, I would like to know if you could help me.
I saw the 88m video, and I fell in love with it. But I don't know if it worth the price tag for my purposes.
The idea would be to use the preamps of it, and route the two analog channels of the SiX for a little EQ and compression, then back to the Neve, then into the computer. Maybe, with that, I could mostly do the mix out the box, and use the plugins only for creativity purposes, with little corrective stuff.
The other option would be exactly something like the RME Babyface. My question is if I could benefit from the 88M sound for only vocals and acoustic guitar recordings.
Thank you so much!
Compared to Metric Halo Interfaces (I've worked with these in the past), which have quite nice preamps, the pricetag isn't that bad.
Christian/ Christian’s social person,
I’m the same vain as this video, many of us are working on tge go, so most often in untreated spaces. Would love to see a video on Christians current favorite headphones for composing/rough mixing his music. Cheers!
Sounds as good as its price indicated it might.
What is the difference if I buy a decent audio interface and neve mic pre separately to neve 88? I' m worrying that the driver or software of 88M can be dated in 10 years time. Separate Pre amp will never be dated.
You can always use the inserts to use another off board preamp with this.
How apt, I've just killed my Focusrite Forte whilst troubleshooting a software issue and then this video came out. I'm at a lower end of the budget though so I'm looking at the Motu M2 as my favourite (after some advice from the folks at VI-control).
Thanks for the video! RME support is wonderful and they keep updating firmware, even on older interfaces. This is a big advantage for me. I hate that the UAD interfaces need to be updated all the time to even keep working. Apogee loses support every generation. Recently we had to abandon a whole rack of Apogee interfaces only because they lost support. I hope that Neve will follow RME's example here.
For some reason, after watching this video I want to go out and buy a dachshund
This is very similar to my Sound Devices USB Pre 2. But mine has XLR outputs, also works without driver and even you don't have to plug it into socket - it is powered via USB, so you can capture two mic's into your laptop wherever you need for some time... Oh and it has analog limiters on inputs before conversion! Stellar quality but it isn't Neve though :)
Gargantuan
No cue outputs but exceptional headphone amp
And like you say, only came across that usb cable once in my life, admittedly for another industrial purpose which is beautifully ruggedized. But realize the dog could chew on this cable too, and you’d be out of luck
So this would raise some design issues if you were a traveling laptop dj, for example