Rupert Neve MBT + MBP Review

[@backwardclocksound]

Exactly the video I needed to see. I absolutely LOVE the MBP and i reckon it isn't overkill based on this great demo. cheers Animals

[@zaim_ipek]

I already thought this would make a great combination in my mind with the MBT before the MBP in the chain, and you just confirmed for me that it has exactly the potential I was hoping for. I also don't think it's overkill at all. The difference of having them together is really enjoyable.

[@riktascale4]

Thanks and can't wait on the follow up vids: the one that could inform my choice between either one for purchase.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I've tried to put together as many Combinations I can think of using the same audio so they can all be cross referenced and allow you to make the most informed choice which is best.

[@jtrjammer]

Was looking for this exact demo, thank you. Even via the U Tube codec the pairing seems really really nice. Kinda of odd not be able to check the gain reduction on the MBT Opto Comp, but I supposed the flashing light and your ears will tell you what you need to know.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The opto comp is very subtle. You can drive it harder but the issue is you can not then reduce the gain only increase the gain. Which results in driving into the super silk too hard for my liking. I prefer not to drive the super silk. Much nicer sound when not driven.

[@MR_Cellarpop]

Thanks 😀 And then the RND MBC after and you can add even more silk red or blue ;).

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

You can never have enough silk

[@MR_Cellarpop]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Maybe you can test the RND MBC converter and show how it works with the built in limiter, there is not many good videos about that and you do them so well. Best/Mathias

[@Groove.Saturation]

Listening on Focal Trio6 BE monitors... I can hear dynamics and air (width) enhanced with the MBT engaged. Noted your using zero threshold and gain as well as low ratio profile on the color compressor, 50% blend & no gain reduction... essentially taking it out of the picture for the most part... guessing you saw little value in that color compressor when going through the permutations... I can hear pretty dramatic differences when harmonics maxed and zenor drive engaged... probably too much but for a test differential is easy to see it is a large effect. I think maybe you see the value for this combination using a medium/moderate use of transformer color on the MBT and moderate/heavy use of silk on the MBP? Noted high input and low output trim with low HPF to get the full effect on MBT... Interesting test... not far off from what I expected from the subtle objectives in the Neve philosophy. I like it... going to add this MBT to my master buss.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The issue you have is to get a good input into the compressor you have to increase the input which means then that you drive the super silk section which I don't find pleasing. What Neve should have done was have the makeup gain go +/- 20db this way you could push into the compressor as you would like then reduce the output to give yourself a better input into the super silk. Or just do away with the compressor and replace it with two 542 modules.

[@Groove.Saturation]

ok, that explains the methods there on the test... to me, mixing in the box, I think this represents a nice master buss chain with my only analog gear - it allows me to sweeten up the mix and not overly complicated... thanks for the review, Paul.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@Groove.Saturation certainly not complicated and if you just want something that'll give you let's say a little analogue warmth and sparkle it is ideal for that.

[@Groove.Saturation]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio exactly my situation... it will work well for me I believe

[@ezstproductions_]

I have neither so not sure if I NEED one for mixing primarily 🤔

[@seunghyunsung4438]

I just think one is Opto comp with Saturation. Other one is VCA Comp with Saturation. sometimes I will use MBT as vocal chain.

[@MilestonesMusic1]

How about if you have let’s say either The fusion or ssl master bus plus replaced for Rupert transformer and have portico bus would that be a good chain?

[@atacamabeatsindierecording8406]

Great video. Just wonder your opinion on the limiter in the MBP . If the MBP is the last in the chain before go back in the box. Is the limiter usefull, …?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The limiter is good. It exactly what you would want from a limiter. It isn't going to be your only limiter but it is there to catch any stray peaks if you need to.

[@backwardclocksound]

The limiter on the MBP is brilliant. The particular detail that most people miss is that you can drive the gain of the compressor INTO the limiter. If you're not adding any gain with the compressor, the limiter will not necessarily even do anything. But, the gain on the portico II sounds SO good and that's (to me) one of it's most magical aspects

[@conrow1157]

I would like to add some hardware to my new studio and am currently looking for really useful extensions and sound improvers for my plugins. Also being able to get away from the screen sometimes. I currently have a Cranborne 500 Adat rack with Carnaby Harmonic EQ, SSL Violet EQ and SPl Kultube. But I'm not entirely convinced yet and I can replace everything relatively well with plugins. I’m only talking about the mixing process. Your experiences would certainly be very helpful.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Either the Rupert Neve MBT or SSL fusion would be good analogue extensions. Both offer a little bit of everything that add up to a lot. I'd recommend for your purpose the SSL fusion. Although you already have the violet EQ. You also gain Width, vintage drive and hf compressor. The MBT will offer a better sound but at twice the price.

[@conrow1157]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks a lot

[@sound4label]

Thanks for the video :)

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

The older I get, the more value I hear in compression caused by eq and multiple passes through various transformers than compressors. Thus why I purchase gear with true inout and output transformers; to control saturation of the transformer which dies add color but importantly more so handles transient peaks in a way compressors cannot (to my ears). The RND 5033 5-band EQ units are excellent and why I use with the MBP (before the MBP). My next purchase is the curve bender for this exact reason. The MBT looks like a nice addition to any studio but aren’t there other boxes out there that have multiple transformers in them for less cash?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I think as an MBP owner you'll know how good silk is. Having both at once is a great addition. If Neve brought out a 1 unit super silk box I'd happily have that over the MBT. It's the super silk that is a big feature on this.

[@onethousandtwonortheast8848]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio In your opinion, is the super silk a lot different than the regular silk on the 5033, 542 tape emulators, Portico II channel and the 5211? I guess this is a question for Rupert Neve designs. I don’t see the value in having the exact same transformer for the silver red and blue strewn across multiple products because then what’s the point of that? Being fortunate enough to have several Rupert Neve design products, I have access to red and blue silk so I’m wondering if putting them in series is going to give me the same result as the MBT? What’s your thoughts on that?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@onethousandtwonortheast8848 I found the super silk to be a more pleasing sound. But this could be placebo. I tested this in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maXPp6OtaK2al6Msi=OJenNTH2BRczF3bU

[@marbelis-my8xo]

Great great vid, as usual! I’m on the verge of getting a new interface. I have a Burl B2 ADC. I am getting an Apollo X6, I do mixing and mastering. Should I get a Lynx Aurora N 8 instead? Are the converters that much better, in my case I guess the difference would be the DAC, since ADC is covered by the Burl. Thank you.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Yes Lynx converters are much better. I'm not hugely keen on the universal audio conversion. I wouldn't call it mastering grade but I certainly would class Lynx as mastering grade.

[@marbelis-my8xo]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio thanks for the reply. I am also being offered a deal on an RME Fireface UFX II. Would that be better than the X6 or closer to the conversion of the Aurora N? Thanks.

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@@marbelis-my8xo RME have pretty good converters in them. I prefer Lynx myself.

[@marbelis-my8xo]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio first of all, thank you for taking the time to reply to your fan base. It means a lot. I was leaning towards the Apollo X6 since I already have the Burl B2, but now I’m torn between al 3 options. The Apollo is half the price of the Aurora and the RME UFXII is 10% cheaper than the Apollo X6 and has 8 ins & outs. 😫

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@marbelis-my8xo the x6 is going to give you the uad ecosystem. Which is great to have. So that is an added bonus. The converters are good on the x6. You just won't sew them in mastering chains. Whereas you'll see Lynx in some. The RME I would pass on as I'd prefer the x6 over the RME. If you have Burl b2 you have SPDIF to connect to the X6. If you are a producer or mixer go for the x6. If you are going to do high end mastering go for the Lynx.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I have a Massive Passive Eq, so am I right sayjng the MBP is the better choice for 2 bus and mastering?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Both would work well with a massive passive. All depends what you need. MBP with add good compression and silk. MBT will add ok compression, width and better silk.

[@richarddwjensen]

I'm looking to purchase the MBT as a colour box. What compressor would you recommend to pair with it for mix buss and mastering duties?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

The Elysia Alpha compressor would be a good choice. The SPL iron is also a great choice and little cheaper.

[@richarddwjensen]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio What about the SSL Bus + as just a mix bus compressor and then using plugins for limiting?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@richarddwjensen yeah it's OK. The Wes Audio NG bus comp is a better option though for that style of compression.

[@richarddwjensen]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio Thx. That's super helpful!

[@infojunkie4989]

Thank for this vid! RND seem to have designed them to compliment but have provided little insight into how. You’ve helped fill that gap. Here’s an interesting one. Ignoring other components in your chain would you: Get MBP + MBT combo or Have one or the other and spend £3/£4k on something completely different?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I'd get one or the other and spend that money on something else. Even use a Fusion with a dual mono EQ in mid side then the MBP. Both is somewhat overkill.

[@pb25193]

How about bus+ and mbt? :)

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@pb25193 yes would work well together.

[@thadirtyabbott33]

Based on the way I'm understanding you and benefits of having silk both before and after. Can you use say a couple of 542 500 series units and then an MBP? Or would you recommend the MBT? Or something completely different? Thank you....!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

For me, both units are all about the silk textures. The MBP compressor I could live without as well the MBT EQ and compressor. The stereo width on the MBT is really good too. Yes you could use the 542 instead of the MBP if all you were using it for is the filk texture. I'm not a huge fan of using 500 series in mastering. Whilst mixing or tracking I love the 500 series stuff. In mastering though I much prefer a dedicated 19" rack. More costly for what many would consider minimal difference.

[@thadirtyabbott33]

@AudioAnimalsStudio AWESOME!!! I will take all of this info and attempt to make a logical decision... Thank you!!!

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

@thadirtyabbott33 one thing I will say is whatever you choose you will love. Both units are very good and a great deal to any mastering chain.

[@thadirtyabbott33]

@AudioAnimalsStudio Much Appreciated!!!

[@sgfdancecompany]

What about bettermaker products?

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Good products

[@CT-ho6si]

One of these days you have to walk us over to those speakers and put your hand on one so I can get rid of this optical illusion where they look like a printed/painted backdrop lol

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

haha you got me, I am actually in front of a green screen. I've seen DJ's do live streams before with shelves of vinyl that are cardboard cutouts

[@CT-ho6si]

@@AudioAnimalsStudio crazy innit, I saw someone who had a cardboard cutout of a rack full of 19" recording gear that they posed in their studio

[@SluTubeTV]

Yessssirrrrrr!!!

[@TigroGumi]

Wow... you've done every variation possible 😅

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

Still more to come too

[@bachelorgamer8001]

Thanks

[@SluTubeTV]

I see what u mean about it being overkill …

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

If money was no object have both, it's a lovely combination. But I'd say choose one or the other based on your needs.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

As an owner of the MBP, I`m disappointed in the MBT. Its too redundant. The MPT is a bit gimmicky... not enough controls in the EQ or Compressor modules. Why would you use the Width Module if you have the MBP? You wouldn`t. The Silk Mode is the only module on the MBT you need if you already have the MBP. If RND really wants to hit a homerun in the project/home studio market, then put this EQ module and the Silk module from the MPT into a one rack unit for $1499. That will fly off the shelves.

[@davidperez909]

Completely agree.

[@alexoropeza7360]

Agree, but I don’t think the transformers would fit in a 1U. Could be wrong though..

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Yeah, not so sure either. If not in one rack, make it a 2U. @@alexoropeza7360

[@AudioAnimalsStudio]

I 100% agree. I would have loved a £1500 1u rack version of even just super silk, I'm not too fussed about the EQ. But the perfect pairing for the MBP is those two only. The comp I can do without and the width you have in the MBP. These two together is slightly overkill but beneficial.

[@wyrlismike]

I don't know I have both and the mbt is amazing, it pairs well with SSL bus plus

[@michaelgutter2004]

Bro, could you go any faster with switching them on and off. Who can get a sense for how they sound when you only give it one second