The classic '70s Neve preamp, with top-of-the-line EQ.

The engine powering a handful of rare Neve 80 series consoles, the Neve 1084 channel amplifier and EQ is a lusted-after audio masterpiece. Its class-A preamp offers signature Neve clarity and character, while its colorful palette of EQ options take it several steps beyond the famed 1073.

Exclusively for UAD hardware and Apollo interfaces, the Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ plug-in impeccably emulates the luxurious analog character, warmth, and extended colors of this flagship 1970s British channel module.

• Get the world's only authentic plug-in emulation of the classic Neve 1084 channel amplifier and EQ
• Harness extended EQ options on vocals, drums, synths, guitars and more
• Texture and EQ your mix with classic Neve tone, including all 13 clipping points from the vintage 70's era hardware
• Inject "air" or notch out offending frequencies with EQ curves beyond the 1073
• Get the full character of the original hardware's class-A, dual-stage mic preamp with Unison™ technology
• Mix with artist presets from Darrell Thorp (Beck, Radiohead) Jimmy Douglass (Pharrell, Timbaland) Joe Chiccarelli (Jason Mraz, Beck), and more

Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ

Operational Overview

Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ is based on a vintage "golden unit" channel module pulled from an original Neve 80 Series console, including the original P&G output attenuating fader.

UA's Neve 1084 provides the only authentic, end-to-end circuit model of the class-A preamp and EQ circuit. An extremely detailed model was made of the 1084, starting with a Marinar input transformer model (and real physical impedance switching when used with Apollo's Unison technology). The transformer stage is followed by the Neve dual-transistor preamp (AKA "Red Knob") model with non-clipped and clipped nonlinear behaviors, such as characteristic asymmetric and dynamic duty-cycle clipping.

The four-band active EQ's filter interactions and internal amp clipping behaviors are also modeled, along with the passive low cut filter and the EQ's loading of the preamp output. The plug-in also captures the non-linear behaviors of the 1084's post-fader output amplifier, the output transformer, and much more. There are a total of ten different areas where the circuit can clip.

Controls Layout

Unison Integration

The UAD Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ plug-in features Unison technology for integration with the mic preamp hardware in Universal Audio's Apollo audio interfaces. With Unison interfaces, the ultra-transparent mic preamps inherit all of the unique sonics, input characteristics, and features of emulated preamps.

Note: Unison is active only when the plug-in is placed in the dedicated UNISON insert within UAD Console and LUNA. For complete details, see Unison.

With Unison, the hardware preamp adapts to the modeled preamp's physical input impedance. Combined with UA's transparent analog amplification, this provides the plug-in's full gain and tone range from clean to clipped — with broad, musical sweet spots in-between.

Realistic Tandem Control

Unison facilitates seamless interactive control of plug-in settings using both the digitally-controlled panel hardware on the UA audio interface and the graphical UAD plug-in interface. All equivalent preamp controls (gain, cut filter, polarity, pad) are mirrored and bidirectional. The preamp controls respond to adjustments with precisely the same interplay behavior as the modeled preamp, including gain levels and clipping points.

Hardware Input Impedance

All Unison mic preamps feature variable input impedance in the analog hardware that can be physically changed by Unison-enabled UAD plug-ins for physical, microphone- to-preamp resistive interaction. This impedance switching enables Unison preamps to match the input impedance of the emulated hardware, which can significantly impact the sound of a microphone. Because the electrical loading occurs on input, prior to A/D conversion, the realism is faithful to the emulated hardware preamp.

Tactile Gain Staging

The hardware preamp knob on the UA audio interface can independently adjust the gain and level parameters available within the Unison plug-in via Gain Stage Mode. The gain stage being adjusted can be remotely switched via the interface hardware, so the gain levels and their associated colorations can be tuned from the hardware knob for precise physical tactile control, all without using the Unison plug-in's software interface.

The three outlined gain controls as they appear when in Unison Gain Stage Mode

Input Knob Overview

The Input Gain control (aka the "Red Knob") adjusts the input gain for both the mic preamp input and the line input. The gain parameter being controlled (mic or line) is switched by clicking the MIC or LINE text buttons, or by clicking the desired value in the other gain range.

When the MIC/LINE input is switched (by clicking their respective text labels), the knob position changes to the gain range for the input, as shown below.

Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ Mic/Line input select buttons and gain knob control ranges

Tip: The unusual "negative value" numbering originally used by Neve are based on sensitivity instead of gain. For example, if an input has a sensitivity of -80 dB, the input sensitivity knob on the 1084 would be set to -80 dB to match.

The mic input gain and line input gain are actually two separate parameters, as shown in controls view below. Unlike the original hardware, the knob is constrained to control only one gain parameter without switching to the other input type.

Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ in controls view showing the separate Mic and Line parameters

Artists that have provided presets for Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ

Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ Controls

	About Unison Interactions
Some control descriptions begin with the "Unison Interaction" heading and icon. Descriptions in these sections apply only when the plug-in is placed in a dedicated UNISON insert on an Apollo preamp channel within the UAD Console or LUNA applications. When the plug-in is used in standard (non-Unison) inserts, these descriptions do not apply.

Input Select

Input Select determines which input (mic or line) is being controlled with the Gain knob. To change the input gain being controlled, click the MIC or LINE text to switch to that input.

Tip: Input Select can also be switched by clicking any of the "dots" or gain value labels in the range for the input type.

When Input Select is changed, the Gain knob changes to use only the range for that input type.

Like the original hardware, the Neve 1084 plug-in easily facilitates sending Line level signal through the "virtual" Mic input, which allows creative use of distortion to color signals. This is the equivalent of routing a line level signal into a mic level input, so a large jump in gain is expected.

Important: Use caution when switching to Mic from Line, as output levels can increase significantly (as they would with any hardware preamp).

	Unison Interaction
When Neve 1084 is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA, software and hardware control of Input Select is mirrored. Input Select can be changed within the plug-in interface, with Console or LUNA's MIC/LINE buttons, or with Apollo's hardware buttons (MIC/LINE on Apollo, or INPUT on Apollo Twin).

Line Gain

Line Gain has a range of 30 dB, available in 5 dB increments. Line Gain can only be adjusted when Input Select is set to LINE mode.

Like the original hardware, gain is increased as the knob is rotated counter-clockwise in the plug-in interface. However:

• In Unison mode, Line Gain is increased by turning Apollo's preamp level knob clockwise.
• In Controls View mode, Line Gain is increased by moving the control slider from left to right.

Note: When Line Gain is set to the OFF position, UAD DSP usage is reduced (unless UAD-2 LoadLock is enabled).

	Unison Interaction
When Neve 1084 is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA and Line Gain is set to the OFF position, the signal is muted. This is how the original hardware behaves. UAD DSP usage is not reduced in the OFF position in Unison mode.

Mic Gain

Mic Gain has a range of 60 dB, available in 5 dB increments. To increase the mic input gain, rotate the knob clockwise. Mic Gain can only be adjusted when Input Select is set to MIC mode.

	Unison Interaction
When Neve 1084 is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA and Mic Gain is set to the OFF position, the signal is muted. This is how the original hardware behaves. UAD DSP usage is not reduced in the OFF position in Unison mode.

Mic Z (Impedance)

The impedance of the mic input is set with the Mic Z switch. The modeled input impedances have subtle effects on the signal color and response (even when not used in Unison mode).

LO

When set to LO, the mic input impedance is 300 Ohms.

HI

When set to HI, the mic input impedance depends on the Gain setting. Mic input impedance is 1.2K Ohms when Gain is set between -20 and -50, or to 600 Ohms when Gain is between -55 and -80.

Note: Mic Z is not available for line input, or when used with Apollo's Hi-Z input in Unison mode. In these cases, the control cannot be switched.

With the original hardware, most studios leave this control in the HI position (the default value in the plug-in). If an engineer chooses to access the LO setting on the hardware for a low output microphone (such as a ribbon mic), they need to crawl under the console to access the control on the back of the module.

Unison Interaction

When Neve 1084 is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA, the hardware input impedance of the Apollo mic preamp is switched to match the value in the plug-in for physical, microphone-to-preamp resistive interaction. Matching the microphone to the closest impedance value is generally recommended, but this parameter can be used creatively and will not harm equipment connected to the Apollo mic preamp.

 Pad

When enabled, the mic input signal level is attenuated (lowered) by -20 dB. Pad can be used to reduce signal levels when undesirable overload distortion is present at low preamp gain levels.

Note: Pad is not available for line input, or when used with Apollo's Hi-Z input in Unison mode. In these cases, the control cannot be switched.

	Unison Interaction
When Neve 1084 is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA, software and hardware control of PAD is mirrored. Pad can be switched within the plug-in interface, with Console's PAD button, or with Apollo's hardware PAD button.

High Band

The high band delivers smooth high frequency shelving equalization, controlled by dual-concentric knobs. The inner knob controls the shelf gain, and the outer ring selects the shelf frequency or band disable.

High Gain

The gain for the high band is selected with the inner knob of the dual-concentric control. Rotate the control clockwise to add Neve's famous high-end sheen, or counter-clockwise to reduce the treble response.

The available range is approximately ±20 dB. The band gain is zero when the knob position indicator is pointing straight down.

Tip: Click the "0" text label to return the control to the zero position.

High Frequency

The high shelving frequency is specified with the outer ring of the dual-concentric knob. The available high shelving frequencies are 16 kHz, 12 kHz, 10 kHz, and OFF.

To change the frequency, drag the outer ring or click a numerical value label.

Tip: Click the "KHz" label or high shelving symbol (at lower left and right of high shelf knobs) to cycle through the available frequencies. Shift+click to cycle backwards.

Mid Band

The midrange band is controlled by dual-concentric knobs, delivering smooth semi-parametric midrange equalization with a choice of two bandwidths. The inner knob controls the band gain, and the outer ring selects the band frequency or band disable.

Midrange Gain

The gain for the mid band is selected with the inner knob of the dual-concentric control. Rotate the control clockwise to increase mid band gain, or counter-clockwise to cut the midrange.

The available range is approximately ±20 dB. The band gain is zero when the knob position indicator is pointing straight down.

Tip: Click the "0" text label to return the control to the zero position.

Mid Frequency

The midrange frequency is specified with the outer ring of the dual-concentric knob. The available midrange center frequencies are 7.2 kHz, 4.8 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 1.6 kHz, 0.7 kHz, 0.35 kHz, and OFF.

To change the frequency, drag the outer ring or click a numerical value label.

Tip: Click the "KHz" label or mid band symbols (at lower left and right of midrange band knobs) to cycle through the available frequencies. Shift+click to cycle backwards.

High Q Select

The High Q button switches the response of the midrange band from a wider normal bandwidth to a narrower bandwidth for a sharper EQ curve. High Q mode is engaged when the button is in the down (darker) position.

Low Band

The low band delivers smooth low frequency shelving equalization, controlled by dual-concentric knobs. The inner knob controls the band gain, and the outer ring selects the shelf frequency or band disable.

Low Gain

The gain for the low band is selected with the inner knob of the dual-concentric control. Rotate the control clockwise to increase low frequencies, or counter-clockwise to reduce low end response.

The available range is approximately ±15 dB. The band gain is zero when the knob position indicator is pointing straight down.

Tip: Click the "0" text label to return the control to the zero position.

Low Frequency

The low shelving frequency is specified with the outer ring of the dual-concentric knob. The available high shelving frequencies are 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 110 Hz, 220 Hz, and OFF.

To change the frequency, drag the outer ring or click a numerical value label.

Tip: Click the "Hz" label or high shelving symbol (at lower left and right of high shelf knobs) to cycle through the available frequencies. Shift+click to cycle backwards.

Cut Filters

The independent low and high cut filters are controlled by the dual-concentric knobs at the bottom of the EQ panel. The knobs specify the fixed frequency of each cut filter.

To adjust the cut filters, drag the knobs or click the specific frequency labels.

Tip: Click the "OFF" text label to quickly disable both cut filters.

High Cut

The inner (blue) dual-concentric knob controls the high cut (low pass) filter. The available frequencies are 18 kHz, 14 kHz, 10 kHz, 8 kHz, 6 kHz, and OFF.

Tip: Click the high cut symbol or "KHz" label (at lower right of knob) to cycle through the available frequencies. Shift+click to cycle backwards.

Unison Interaction

When Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA, the high cut filter is always in circuit, even when the EQL switch is disabled.

Low Cut

The outer dual-concentric ring controls the low cut (high pass) filter. The available frequencies for the low cut filter are 45 Hz, 70 Hz, 160 Hz, 360 Hz,and OFF.

Tip: Click the low cut symbol or "Hz" label (at lower left of knob) to cycle through the available frequencies. Shift+click to cycle backwards.

	Unison Interaction
When Neve 1084 Preamp & EQ is used in a Unison insert within UAD Console or LUNA, the following low cut filter behaviors apply: The filter is always in circuit, even when the EQL switch is disabled. In Gain Stage Mode, the Apollo/Arrow hardware filter switch toggles between OFF and the last Hz value that was set within the plug-in.

Phase

The Phase (Ø) button inverts the polarity of the signal. The signal is inverted when the button is engaged (darker). Leave the button inactive (lighter) for normal phase.

EQL

The equalizer is engaged when the EQL switch is in the "In" (darker) position. To disable the EQ, put the switch in the "Out" (lighter) position. Click the button to toggle the state.

In the hardware 1084, the audio is still slightly colored even when the EQL switch is in the Out position. This is due to the fact that the signal is still passing through its circuitry. Therefore, the signal will be slightly colored when this switch is in the Out position. UAD DSP usage is reduced when the EQ is bypassed with this control (unless UAD-2 DSP LoadLock is enabled).

Tip: If a true bypass is desired, use the OFF position of the Input Gain control.

Level

Level controls the signal level at the output stage of the module. The circuitry of an original Neve console fader was modeled for this control.

The available range is from -∞ dB (off) to +10 dB. Unity gain is at the zero position. Raising Level above 0 dB can cause output amplifier clipping.

Tip: Click the "0" text labels to return Level to 0 dB.

Output

Output adjusts the signal level at the output of the plug-in without effecting the sonic character of the signal. The available range is ±24 dB.

This control, which does not exist on the original hardware, facilitates the ability to maximize color of the overall signal. For example, Gain and Level can be cranked for more distortion, while lowering Output to normalize levels.

Power

Power is the plug-in bypass control. Power is useful for comparing the processed settings to the original signal. When set to OFF, emulation processing is disabled and DSP usage is reduced (if UAD-2 DSP LoadLock is inactive).

All visual and aural references to the Neve® Preamp, 1073, 1084, 1081, 31102, 88RS, 2254, and 33609 products and all use of AMS-Neve's trademarks are being made with written permission from AMS-Neve Limited. Special thanks to Woody Jackson, David Walton, Mark Crabtree, Mitch Dane, Ross Hogarth, and Jean Na.