Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer
Analog Stereo Master Processor
- High-pass filter adjustable from 15 Hz - 100 Hz
- 2-Band shelf EQ section with 3 octaves range and +/- 9 dB gain
- Colour Comp - Opto Compressor: Ratio switchable between 2:1 or 5:1, variable high-pass side-chain filter and blend control
- Width section for stereo base widening
- Super Silk section: Silk Red and Blue modes for precise enhancement of overtone structures, Harmonics control increases overall overtone content
- Output Trim for perfect gain staging
- Dimensions: 19" / 2 U
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Available since September 2023
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Item number 575536
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Channels 2
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Frequency Bands 2
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Tube(s) No
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Height units 2 U
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Connectors Jack, XLR
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19" Rack Compatible Yes
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Compressor Yes
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Number of Input Channels 2
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2-Channel Unit Yes
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Attack/Release Adjustable Yes
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Enhancing and refining stereo signals
The Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer (MBT) is a high-end analogue processor designed for the tonal enhancement of stereo signals. It combines a two-band shelf EQ, an opto compressor, a stereo width section, and an advanced version of Rupert Neve's Silk circuit – well established from RND's Portico series – in a 2U chassis. In two rack spaces, the MBT brings together all the key tools for making a signal audibly more present, more powerful, and denser while rounding off its tonal character. The unit is built around the finest analogue components throughout, with custom RND transformers in the interstage Super Silk circuit and on the output, and extensive relay-based internal signal routing. The MBT is made in the USA.
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Six processing stages
The MBT offers six processing stages. Input sets the input level and includes a high-pass filter, while the semi-parametric two-band shelving EQ provides gain and frequency controls for the low and high bands. The Color Comp opto compressor offers selectable ratios, variable threshold and release, a sweepable high-pass sidechain filter for frequency-dependent compression, Class-A makeup, gain and a Blend control for parallel compression. Width uses an M/S matrix to expand the stereo field, with a variable high-pass filter to keep low frequencies centred. Super Silk provides several controls for adding saturation and harmonic colour. Finally, Output handles gain staging and controls the saturation of the output transformers. Operation is straightforward, with finely detented potentiometers and illuminated push-button switches, and the rear panel in turn houses two pairs of balanced XLR connections, a ground lift switch, and an IEC power inlet.
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The right tool for serious productions
The MBT is designed to add character and polish to high-quality productions without requiring a complicated signal chain. Its six processing stages offer plenty of flexibility, whether the aim is subtle tonal refinement or more pronounced colouration. Although its price places it firmly in the professional category, it brings several useful analogue processing tools together in a single, relatively straightforward unit. A true hardwire bypass also allows audio to pass through the MBT in the event of a power failure, making it suitable for live applications and other critical signal chains.
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About Rupert Neve Designs
Rupert Neve's life's work has a profound influence on the world of professional studio technology to this day. Without the 8078 studio console (and its predecessors) developed by Neve and modules such as the 1073 preamp/EQ or the 2254 compressor, countless classic albums from a wide variety of eras and genres would not sound the way they do. Rupert Neve Designs is the latest company Neve has co-founded. The company, headquartered in Wimberley, Texas, launched the first products from the Portico series in 2005 and to this day offers a diverse portfolio of professional recording equipment right through to the modular 5088 analogue mixer.
First-class results with minimal effort
The RND Master Bus Transformer can enhance a wide range of stereo signals, from individual tracks and group buses to complete mixes. Depending on the settings, it can add controlled compression, bring out detail, and introduce harmonic density without sacrificing clarity. Each processing stage can be engaged independently, so there is no need to use every section at once. The MBT can serve as the final processor in a high-end analogue signal chain or as a first piece of outboard equipment in a DAW-based studio. The Color Comp section adds further versatility, with a 2:1 ratio for gentler compression, a 5:1 ratio for more assertive treatment, and a Blend control for parallel compression.
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In the spotlight
Super Silk
Rupert Neve's Silk circuit has contributed to the distinctive sound of numerous RND products, adding harmonic richness reminiscent of large analogue consoles with multiple transformers. The MBT introduces Super Silk, a revised version with four independent controls. Red emphasises harmonics in the upper midrange and high frequencies, adding brightness and sheen. Blue emphasises harmonics in the low and low-mid frequencies, adding weight and depth. Harmonics increases the overall harmonic content and interacts with both Red and Blue, while Zener Drive engages a diode-based soft-clipping circuit for a more aggressive character as the signal approaches clipping. Red and Blue can be used simultaneously, alongside Harmonics and Zener Drive, allowing a wide range of harmonic textures to be created and combined.
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