The AMS Neve 8801 Channel Strip delivers the exact same channel strip design found in the world-renowned Neve 88RS console, now available in a convenient 1U rackmount format. Handbuilt and handwired by Neve, the 8801 combines vibrant microphone preamplification, highly musical 4-band equalization, and incredibly flexible compression and gating. With versatile connectivity and routing options, it excels at shaping input sources during recording and processing tracks during mixdown — bringing iconic Neve console tone directly into your studio rack.
Engineers worldwide revere Neve consoles for their bold, rich low end, detailed and expressive midrange, and silky-smooth highs that enhance a mix without harshness. The AMS Neve 8801 captures this legendary sonic character in a single rack unit, allowing you to achieve world-class console sound quality in any studio environment.
Designed for complete flexibility during tracking and mixing, the 8801 allows you to freely configure its dynamics, EQ, and insert signal routing. Using the intuitive Audio Router, you can arrange processing sections in your preferred order with the simple press of a button. The ability to apply the equalizer to the sidechain signal — removing it from the main signal path — provides precise control over how the dynamics section responds, making it ideal for managing bass-heavy sources and fine-tuning compression behavior.
With a rear-panel USB port, the AMS Neve 8801 connects directly to your Mac or PC for saving and recalling settings using AMS Neve Recall software. All parameter and routing configurations can be stored and instantly recalled. Upon loading a saved setup, the unit automatically resets switches and LEDs, while a rotary control screen guides you in aligning the front-panel knobs to match preset values — ensuring accurate, repeatable settings with no guesswork.
Founded by Rupert Neve during the early days of solid-state console design, the Neve name became synonymous with premium studio sound. Despite early technological challenges in the 1960s, the company pioneered transformer-balanced console designs that shaped the sound of 1970s rock and professional recording worldwide. From the iconic 80-series consoles and the legendary 8078 to later innovations such as the VR, VX, and 88R series, AMS Neve continues to push the boundaries of professional audio. The 8801 Channel Strip proudly carries forward this heritage of craftsmanship, innovation, and unmistakable sonic excellence.
The 8801 delivers the full channel strip design from the world’s most accomplished studio console — the 88RS — in a compact 1U rackmount format. Combining the iconic Neve® microphone preamplifier, powerful equalization, and the acclaimed 88R dynamics processor, the 8801 brings authentic Neve console sound to modern studios. With the added convenience of Total Recall™ and optional digital conversion, it seamlessly blends classic analog tone with contemporary workflow efficiency.
At the heart of the 8801 is a premium microphone preamp featuring an exclusive Marinair® specification transformer. This design delivers high gain output with exceptional tonal depth and clarity across a wide range of signal sources, maintaining the unmistakable warmth and punch associated with Neve console designs.
The sweepable high-pass and low-pass filters operate independently of the main EQ section, allowing precise control of incoming signals before they reach the primary processing stages. For enhanced transient shaping, these filters can also be routed to the compressor sidechain, offering advanced dynamic response control.
The 8801 features a highly versatile VCA compressor/limiter with variable or auto release, selectable fast/slow attack times, stereo linking options, and detailed five-stage gain reduction metering. The integrated gate/expander includes independent gain reduction metering, key input capability, hysteresis control, and an invert function suited for broadcast applications — delivering comprehensive dynamic shaping tools in a single unit.
The EQ section offers four bands of tonal shaping across the frequency spectrum. Two fully parametric mid bands provide continuously variable frequency selection, ±20dB gain control, and adjustable Q bandwidth from 0.7 to 2.0. The high and low bands feature switchable bell and shelf curves, along with a high-Q option for detailed sculpting — making it ideal for refining any instrument or vocal signal.
The integrated audio router gives complete control over signal flow. Balanced insert, EQ, dynamics, and sidechain filtering sections can be repositioned instantly at the push of a button, either from the front panel or via the digital routing matrix within the recall software — offering unmatched processing flexibility.
Like the 88RS console, the 8801 uses a wide bandwidth, high-output topology. The rotary fader-controlled main output delivers up to +26dBu with an exceptionally low noise floor. Combined with switchable 7-stage input and output metering, this architecture ensures precise gain staging before signals reach your DAW.
Every setting on the 8801 can be quickly saved and recalled, making it ideal for fast-paced studio environments and multi-session workflows. A simple USB connection to PC or Mac allows seamless integration with the interactive Neve® Recall software. Routing and switching are automatically restored at the push of a button, while rotary controls are easily aligned to stored positions within seconds.
An optional A/D conversion card adds premium Neve® digital output capabilities. Featuring switchable headroom settings and high-quality converters, it integrates smoothly with modern digital systems. Digital output formats include SPDIF, AES 3, and DSD, with selectable sample rates up to 192kHz and clocking options via AES Sync or word clock BNC connections.
| Preamp Type | Solid State |
|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Phantom Power | Yes |
| Pads | -20dB |
| Polarity Switch | Yes |
| EQ | 4-band Parametric EQ, Highpass Filter, Lowpass Filter |
| Compressor | Yes |
| Other Processing | Gate, Expander, Ducker |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–20kHz (±0.2dB) |
| Analog Inputs | 2 x XLR/1/4" combo (mic/DI, line), 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x 1/4" (DI), 1 x 9-pin D-Type (dynamics sidechain link, key) |
| Analog Outputs | 1 x XLR (line), 1 x 1/4" (headphones) |
| Computer Connectivity | 1 x USB Type B |
| Other I/O | 2 x XLR (insert send, insert return) |
| Rack Spaces | 1U |
| Power Source | 36V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 1.75" |
| Depth | 9.5" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs. |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 8801 |
