Rupert Neve: The SOS Interview

We meet a legend of the audio industry, Rupert Neve. In this video, we get into some of the technical detail behind Mr Neve's iconic designs. We talk transformers, software modelling and get the story of how he created the first high-Q equaliser.
00:00 - Start
00:24 - Origins Of Rupert Neve's EQ Designs
06:44 - What Characteristics Make A Great EQ Circuit?
11:51 - Thoughts On Integrated Circuits
16:31 - Benefits Of Transformers Over Electronic Interfaces
18:35 - The Silk Circuit
22:37 - What's Next For Analogue Circuit Design?
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#musictech #neve #mixing #recording

[@bdmax17]

Rest In Peace. Calling him a legend among the audio engineering industry is an understatement. He will be greatly missed ❤️

[@bdmax17]

@@paytonmilan2892 Not sure this is the best kind of post to put something like this, but there we go

[@blazer6248]

Can't believe it's been 2 months already. Seems like it was just last week.

[@drampadreg1386]

Calling him the God of sound manipulation and capture would be more appropriate. My hero since about 1975, and his gear stands the test of time, people pay good money for a 40 year old console and are extremely happy with the sound...not the electric bill, but it will pay for itself.

[@Group_Anonymous]

Rust in pieces old pal 🫡

[@davidcarruthers1547]

Why no knighthood for this amazing man ?. A true groundbreaking genius.

[@michaelkelly6583]

David Carruthers totally agree!

[@augustineleudar]

I bet hed just shrug and say he wasn't interested in all that nonsense - such an inspiration.

[@nickparas7170]

Totally deserves it, but I'll bet his moving to Texas has something to do with it.

[@mikehunt576]

not as popular as the double for Sir Paul wife beater McCartney...

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

@@nickparas7170 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲💯🍻

[@Microblitz]

Met Rupert on a number of occasions while working with Malcolm Toft. The most reserved legend I've ever met. A true gentleman. RIP Rupert.

[@spacemanpope1805]

Rupert Neve is proof that music is healthy for the brain. What an amazing individual...

[@shan5445]

My condolences to the music world those that knew him and his closer friends and family.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Hear, hear.

[@gold27b]

As an electronic engineer, I love to hear the creator of the company talk electronics. You know when he talks opamps, slew rates etc he is not just some business man but an engineer. Is that something we miss these days?

[@peterbigblock]

Simply genius, not because i have no idea what he’s really talking about, but because his knowledge is channeled and focused by an honest search for beauty and musicality. That’s what genius is.

[@TheTomnewman]

My Hero - thank God for his integrity, intelligence and commitement . . .

[@ytnsanw]

Would you, by any chance, be Tom 'Bulk Erase' Newman?...

[@BenKash308]

Never heard his voice before. I could have listened to him talk for hours.

[@ernestgrouns8710]

I could listen to this revered English gentleman speak for hours and hours. His intelligence and commitment to excellence and quality is a true reflection of his integrity. Bravo Mr. Neve, bravo!!

[@chrishastings]

He is a legend, but sombody get him a glass of damn water!

[@conorm2524]

He never drank anything incase he spilled it over PCBs.

[@panosskentzos]

Is it just me or does mr Neve speaking reminds you too of Steve Albini? I mean, their (a tiny bit unnecesserily) technical way of talking about simple things, their pauses, their talking speed and overall calm and "problem fixer" character. Watching those talk just puts a smile on my face

[@djoffsyde3190]

Father of Audio Engineering, The Legendary Neve !! Truly inspirational, All sound Engineers admire your legacy!

[@dagger-pg3sv]

I watched the Sound City documentary a few years ago & was blown away by this man's genius. Just heard he passed. RiP Sir !!

[@Bluzian74]

RIP Mr Neve. Thanks for everything! Namaste.

[@josephpurdue7583]

I love the Neve sound. You just can't beat his EQ and even his compressors are sensational. Beautiful rich warmth and the sparkly high end is amazing. A true legend.

[@jamesedwinjones4208]

RIP, Rupert Neve. What a genius mind for the recording arts!

[@davidkennerly]

I had occasion to talk with Rupert a number of times over the years, usually at AES or NAB, NAMM, etc. He was always very soft-spoken and reserved. His knowledge was quite unparalleled. I've never known anyone who knew as much about the electronics of audio as he did.

[@brianjones3584]

I love how he thinks his “older stuff” is just okay and the whole audio world gushes over it haha. So funny. I love Ruperts interviews :)

[@Bluzian74]

I guess you and Rupert are now in heaven? No Jones, No Stones.

[@akaimpc7237]

I find his personality and voice very relaxing.

[@augustineleudar]

Hearing him talk is a soothing experience in itself.

[@donkeyfacekilla1]

10/10! Thanks again Sound On Sound! I would be blessed to have even a fraction of the intelligence and clarity of thought that Rupert possesses when Im older!

[@monkeyxx]

this man is truly a legend among audio designers

[@Ricksterpt]

Just awesome. The best ever. Thank you Mr. Neve.

[@Fwuzeem]

RIP Rupert Neve. What a man, terrific stuff. I learn more and more each time I see this video

[@MrOffbeat321]

A true genius. It's a pleasure to listen to him when he talks about electronics, the physics behind sound and the passion he has for music. Thanks for everything... for sharing your knowledge that goes much beyond ours.

[@synct]

A true living legend. Thanks very much for this great interview, and thank you Mr Neve for the sound!

[@charlesrocks]

What a genius. I’m just now discovering his gear and the Shelford Channel Strip sounds astoundingly brilliant. Amazing.

[@theredfaceofficial]

Love watching Rupert's interviews...always on point when he explains things...pure class!

[@djoffsyde3190]

Mr Neve is the father of all audio engineers.

[@MattHawkenMusic]

A living legend! I had no idea how much I owed to this man but it turns out that I use his philosophies every day. Can't wait for the day my music actually gets put through some of his hardware.

[@SocietateaAscendenta]

Any recommendations to start with? Apropos Hardware?

[@greatclantoni]

Thanks for the great interview with a true legend, Sound on Sound. 👍

[@patricksmith4424]

So sad to hear that Rupert had passed. A total audio legend. Its funny to think that all the famous rock stars and musicians of the 70s/80s owe a huge dept to Rupert, there work was greatly enhanced by Neve circuitry. He differed from other clinical engineers in the sense that he used his ears to what he thought was a good sound, so in a way he was a great musician himself. Shame he never wrote a book describing his circuits for amateurs to make them self. RIP Rupert.

[@MikeSpexTV]

Humbling to listen and learn from Mr Neve!! Indeed im lovin the education and all this information from the masters. RIP King!!!

[@BrienCarr]

Rest in Peace Mr. Neve. Talking one to one with you about circuit design was a high point in my life. You gave me your card. I didn’t call you back. It would have seriously changed my life. But I had solemn commitments that I just couldn’t break. Best wishes forever Rupert. Your dedication to audio will always be part of musical history.

[@soundonsound]

Totally agree - a posthumous Knighthood is well overdue.

[@Mr_ToR]

I've been watching this video at least once a year since it was released.

[@socialite1283]

Great vid - lovely to get an insight into what moved Rupert Neve to do what he did the way he did it. Thanx. And good to have this for posterity.

[@mikelicerio]

All of your favorite songs are recorded with this mans creations.

[@Funkywallot]

Noooot quite. :-) Zappa had a Harrison desk in his studio. Abba, Micheal Jackson (Thriller and bad) ,Sade, Paul Simon...Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Ramones, The Cure, Gary Moore, Thin Lizzy, Motorhead, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, Killdozer, Nirvana oso...All Harrison consoles

[@eman0828]

@@Funkywallot A lot of those large format consoles aren't being used for recording anymore. Walk into any Pro commercial studio you will see a ton of outboard. The Neve 1073 and ISA pre amps were used on nearly every hit record. Nowadays everything moving more in the box and Hybrid Digital/Analog setups. You see a lot of Argosy Console desks in control rooms these days.

[@jesse9153]

@@Funkywallot fwiw, both Nirvana Nevermind and In Utero were both on Neve desks. 8026 and 8068 respectively.

[@Midash2k]

@@Funkywallot he was talking to me, not you

[@andreasarno9531]

A legend, a true genius. He will be missed so much!! Keep making lovely gear in heaven

[@savanaviolenta]

I love this man. Have 3 of his products and they changed the way my music sounds. Love Neve.

[@eduardwilliams1245]

The embodiment of a commitment to excellence. An inspirational artist and boffin.

[@TheRookie738]

Thanks for your contribution to the audio world!

[@abynormlbrain]

great interview! Thanks Sound on Sound

[@elianmusic7452]

Rest in peace master Rupert. Thank you for your work,

[@JamesMeder]

Thanks for such informative insight Mr. Neve! So humbling to hear how he has constantly pushed the envelope (pun...) all these years.

[@CarlosYounes]

Genius! Very Nice! Sou amante da arte musical, com alguma formação em áudio, eletrônica e softwares. Estou a vida inteira perseguido o "perfect sound" e a "perfect music". É revigorante poder estar na presença, mesmo que virtualmente de um mestre maravilhoso do áudio de primeira qualidade. Muito Grato a Rupert Neve por seu esforços de vida nos universos do áudio profissional e música. Parabéns a Sound and Sound por mais um ótimo conteúdo. The best regards Cheers from São Paulo- Brasil :)

[@pablito162]

He was a great Electronics Engineer that understood audio/harmonics extremely well. I love hearing him discuss the relationship of music to EE.

[@MrDonnyAir]

A true gentleman, passionate about his craft, a soft-spoken genius. A TRUE engineer... Makes me want to reconsider how I've been referring to myself professionally for the past 30 years. Am I truly an audio engineer? Not if Sir Rupert is in the same room... or even on the same planet.

[@RDYC]

The guys I learned from, back in '82, had degrees in engineering. Good to point that out.

[@steve.schaeffer]

I have such a knack for finding about awesome people just after they're gone.

[@AlonsoGonzalez]

What a legend... Thanks for this interview!

[@NateReutter]

Interesting, informative and inspiring! Thanks for the interview!

[@revoxjazz8317]

I believe there are many engineers currently waiting for the right time to show what they know and many of them will certainly be able to do it the right way. What I doubt is that more so ever in the world of electroacoustics the fact that someone is so passionate about what he does, with consequences so brilliant for the industry.

[@therockhour1386]

this was a very fun watch!

[@JMLRecording]

I love how he keep coming back to the art of listening, not looking at specs.

[@maxout7306]

Arthur Rupert Neve (31 July 1926 - 12 February 2021) was a British-American electronics engineer and entrepreneur, who was a pioneering designer of professional audio recording equipment. He designed analog recording and audio mixing equipment that was sought after by professional musicians and recording technicians. Some of his customers were music groups The Beatles, Aerosmith and Nirvana, and recording studios Sound City Studios and Abbey Road Studios. Companies that he was associated with included Neve Electronics, Focusrite, AMS Neve, and Rupert Neve Designs. He received a Technical Grammy Award for lifetime achievement in 1997. -Wikipedia.

[@jeffhirata]

Great video. A living legend!

[@russellwilson9740]

Been home and dry ever since. I got the 5043 and it is killer. I had a pair of 542 for a couple days. Jesus, those are where it's at!

[@waynepayne864]

first time i came to this video i have no idea what he was talking about. the more i learn and occasionally return to what he was talking about the more i understand

[@radovanradovanovic2755]

Amassing man and designer.. he was smart to see that Pultec was the way to go.. with Neve transformers very nice combination. I like the 80 console the way it broadens the fq span and changes curves if you now the tricks to move other fq knobs and cut filter.

[@shamanhealer6039]

clear reasoning of terms, thanks

[@garrettgerbil13]

Interesting summarization at 7:33 If the cue is too steep (Hi-Q) it will spoil other instruments with similar frequencies within that bell. If the cue is too wide (Lo-Q) it won't be very effective. That right there is an interesting note that could carry a lot of effect on it's own.

[@eman0828]

R.I.P Mr. Rupert Neve your legacy with #Focusrite, #AMS/Neve and #RND will live on forever. Thank you for your time.

[@axelfoley1768]

"That was - the origin I suppose, of the EQ" 🪂 Thankyou Mr Neve 💫

[@downriverprod]

What a gift from him this is

[@sensecam]

very good! Thank you!

[@zlippery1]

The level is great. It´s called dynamic. Not overcompressed. Just perfect!

[@WillyJunior]

er, no. don't be daft.

[@EgoShredder]

+Bollog Nyessy He's right about the dynamics and nor being over compressed, but it could do with a bit of additional gain on the master fader!

[@WillyJunior]

+EgoShredder dynamic range - fine. overall level - unprofessionally low.

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

I'm just a noodler of knobs. Like an animal grubbing about trying to bend sound into a point that I want it to go. This man. I cannot comprehend how he gave us such tools. It's as though he was the electron riding through the circuits themselves.

[@LuisMorales-xm6wc]

Mr.Neve, a man created by God to make a unique difference in what we know as the world of audio....only Mr.Neve could know the frequencys in his mind.

[@maplewoods1986]

Wowww.. Mr rupert 😍

[@incubrian]

so cool to hear the main man himself talk about pro audio! god among men.

[@2raloo]

I can not thank him enough for my 1073 and 33114 in 32 year recording. and I will thank him for the rest of the life.

[@josephfetz1748]

This guy basically designed what everyone uses today for audio recording (especially the concept of the modern sound chain: opamp->EQ->AUX->BUS, etc). However, I thought that it was sort of funny that when they asked him about modern, digital technology, an what he'll do next; that there were digital artifacts in the audio in the interview (as if someone was nearby with a cell phone on during the recording: a HUGE no-no when recording audio). Hopefully, what he does next is make it impossible for those artifacts to happen! I can build most of his designs, but they never quite sound as good as a real NEVE EQ or opamp. Strangely enough, it comes down to the quality of the transformers (you simply cannot get a transformer on the market like a NEVE transformer; trust me, I've tried). Transformers--as he mentioned in this interview--are his specialty and were his primary concern when designing his circuits.

[@arun2789]

Undeniably the epitome of fine engineering. Agree with @david below. This man requires the highest possible recognition for his contribution.

[@Morbid1349]

RIP Rupert, true legend!

[@TheWideWorldofUTube]

What an Interesting place to end up on

[@ScottFinnell]

If I could afford his equipment, I would use only Neve equipment to record my music!

[@bubz75]

Scott Finnell “If there’s a will there’s a way!”

[@MiaKoo]

RIP to the legend Rupert Neve 😞. His gear and inventions will live forever. 🙏

[@audiosounddoctor5834]

Great Man!

[@timurmusabay4822]

RIP..... completely changed music FOREVER

[@uncletomable]

Master !

[@SevenSinsChoppers]

Inspiring Genius

[@turtlefeet7722]

A legend.

[@magavsschwaga7834]

I enjoy just looking at this gear

[@johnanderson2654]

Equipment groupie, I presume!

[@matthiaskossidowski2651]

its a matter of judement and listening and listening

[@rinaldo8754]

My condolences. Rupert Neve, rest in peace.

[@REBELDONOG]

RIP Mr Rupert Neve, we miss you

[@revoxjazz8317]

I guess that few people have the necessary persistence that Mr. Rupert Neve has to reach so many sides with such effective results. Today's world has perhaps a little different goals. Immediacy is paid at a price that today's public finds natural, even if the studies that led to a product to appear on the market obviously were not seriously considered. What is a shame.

[@paulfranco3239]

💛💛💛

[@EndOfEntertainment]

cool stuff :)

[@geistthatswhys6981]

You are interviewing RUPERT NEVE and had the audacity to have the audio of this video mixed so terribly..Wow... rest in peace Rupert 🙏

[@satrio_pratomo]

RIP Rupert Neve. True Sonic Hero

[@richshafiee]

💯💥💫

[@burhanuddin127]

This man is walking dictionary!

[@calwells5612]

Legend.

[@carlosserrano3985]

Rupert Neve, the father of the modern recording gear, RIP (1926-2021).

[@ZijunTan]

this guy introduced the use of electrical components into music-making process. i sometimes think this is as groundbreaking of the invention of AI

[@kevinbeckenham3872]

Ruper Neve silk circuit in nut shell is a overdrive circuit, same as you have in a guitar overdrive pedal

[@vishnudh1216]

R.I.P. Legacy will live on!

[@paulwells6061]

♥