1981 - present - maximum functionality and chips with everything After the 1081 type of EQ's came the modern, fully IC'd version of the Neve eq as first witnessed on the 51 series of consoles in the early eighties. These were called
the Neve FSE EQ's (Format Spectrum Equaliser) and versions of these eq's are to be found on today's big Neve analogue consoles. The early versions, as fitted to the 51 and 81 series consoles were simple 4
band eq's with continuously variable controls for frequency and cut / boost. There was also a HF and LF peak/dip or shelving switch and that was it. The filters were fitted onto a separate part of the module
and were HPF and LPF, continuously variable, again.This first, simple 4b eq gradually evolved into the more comprehensive 4b eq seen on all the V series consoles from V3 onwards. They also marketed this
eq, together with the V3 series dynamics, as a stand alone package called the Prism and then later, the V rack. The advantage of these eq's over the earlier versions were the continuously variable Q control
as fitted to both the mid bands. This also helped Neve compete with SSL in terms of facilities and allowed them to gain some of the ground lost to SSL during the eighties. Although these modern eq's sound
very different to the class A monsters of the seventies, they still are extremely useful and musical tools in the studio environment and really do the job they were intended to do very well. I know of few
people who would complain about having to work a session on a new V series console. Neve still manufacture and sell the V rack and along with the re-issue 1081 I am sure they will serve their purpose in
studios for a long time to come. Click on specific product on the LHS for a full technical spec... |
