Neve 88M Dual Mic Preamp and USB Audio Interface User Manual

88M

Dual Mic Preamp and USB Audio Interface
User Manual
1.0

Health & Safety Notice
FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF OTHERS
PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND KEEP THEM HANDY
• HEED ALL SAFETY WARNINGS
• DO NOT USE NEAR WATER
• CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH
• DO NOT INSTALL NEAR HEAT SOURCES
• DO NOT BLOCK VENTILATION OPENINGS
• PROTECT THE USB CORD
• USE ONLY ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER
• UNPLUG USB WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
• REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY
• NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE PROCEDURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS WILL INVALIDATE THE MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

Important Safety Instructions

For your own safety and for the protection of others, please observe the following safety precautions:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Protect the USB cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
11.  Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped

WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
© ® 2005 – 2022 AMS Neve Ltd own the copyright of all information and figures contained in this manual which are not to be copied or reproduced by any means or disclosed in part or whole to any third party without written permission. As part of our policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to alter specifications without notice but with due regard to all current legislation.
Disclaimer: The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, no responsibility is taken by AMS-Neve for inaccuracies, errors or omissions nor any liability assumed for any loss or damage resulting either directly or indirectly from use of the information contained within.
Trademarks: Neve®, 1073® and Marinair® are registered trademarks. AMS Neve Limited pursues a policy of continual improvement therefore all specifications are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are property of their respective owners E & O E ©2020 AMS Neve Ltd.

88M Introduction

Legendary Studio Technology
Neve has been at the forefront of studio technology for 60 years, providing ultimate sonic solutions for studios worldwide, creating ground-breaking technology and providing artists and producers with the tools required to make hit records.
Premier Audio Lineage
One prime example of this is the world-leading 88RS console, housed in the world’s premier studios – Abbey Road, Air, Capitol, and Skywalker Sound, to name just a few. The phenomenal 88RS sound quality can be heard on hit records, blockbuster film scores, and top 10 video game soundtracks.
Neve Transformer Technology
Neve transformers have become the stuff of legend over the past six decades, and this British Iron is the glue that transforms a good recording into a great one capable of breaking into the charts. Subtle yet highly musical harmonic saturation, supreme clarity, and analogue ‘warmth’ are characteristics of the 88R console transformer found inside the 88M Audio Interface.
Professional Sound Quality
The 88M is professional sound in its simplest form, giving artists, producers, and engineers the ability to create premium recordings when working from small studios, home environments, or even when recording on the move.

Quick Start Guide

The 88M, delivered in premium packaging, contains the following-

• 88M 2-Channel Audio Interface
• USB A > USB B 3.0 cable (Black)
• USB C > USB B 3.0 cable (Black)
• Quick Start Guide
• Neve Outboard Product Brochure
• Neve Sticker

Physical Computer Connections
The 88M unit is USB-powered and does not require an external PSU or additional cabling to operate. Connect your 88M unit to your computer using the USB cable provided, do not use USB cables longer than 3m as they can cause a drop in power that can affect the performance of your unit. The 88M is USB 2.0 compliant; USB 2 and USB 3 ports can connect to the unit. Once a Stable connection is made, the USB light will illuminate Blue.
Connecting Via a USB hub
It is best practice to connect the 88M Directly to your computer If your computer has a spare USB3.0 port, this ensures a stable connection with a continuous power supply. If a USB Hub is required, it is highly recommended to use a high-quality powered USB Hub. Most low-quality self-powered USB Hubs do not provide a stable power supply for high-quality audio production.

Software Quick Start
The following information contains connection & software installation instructions for Mac and PC systems. The 88M complies with the USB Device Class Definition for Audio Devices 2.0 specification.
MAC
The 88M will appear as a core audio device as soon as it is physically connected to your Apple Mac computer. To select the 88M as your Mac Audio Interface, navigate to-
>System Preferences>Sound
Select the Neve 88M Dual Mic Pre as both Input and Output Device

Windows 1
To operate on a Windows 10 PC, the 88M Driver must be installed.
Download the software from – www.ams-neve.com > 88M

Supporting Documentation
Follow the setup wizard instructions to install the driver.

To select the 88M as your PC Audio Interface, navigate to – **Control panel

Hardware & Sound>Sound>Manage Audio Devices **Select 88M Dual Mic Pre as the Playback and Recording device.

Preamp Controls

The 88M preamplifiers can accept inputs from various musical instruments and microphones. Channel one and channel two inputs are mounted on the front of the unit via combi XLR/TRS input.
Microphone Input
XLR Connection
The 88M microphone inputs benefit from the 88R transformer coloration, adding warmth and subtle harmonic saturation to input signals. Press the GAIN pot until the MIC LED illuminates to select microphone input –
Connect your microphone to the 88M by using an XLR cable and adjust the GAIN pot until the desired signal level is reached.
Dynamic microphones such as SM58’s and Ribbon microphones do not require phantom power (+48v) to operate. The +48V switch should be off for Dynamic and Ribbon microphones.

Phantom Power (+48v)
Condenser Microphones require Phantom power to operate. Phantom power is activated from the grey +48V switch and will only send to the XLR input.
Before activating Phantom Power, ensure that the channel gain and monitor level is turned fully down to protect your monitoring system from pops.
Line Input
TRS Connection
The 88M line input is fed through the 88R Marinair transformer and can be used to input external preamps and a host of line-level instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines.
Press the GAIN pot until the LINE LED illuminates to select Line input.
Connect your line-level instruments to the 88M with a ¼’’ jack cable into the combi TRS port. The 88M accepts balanced (TRS) or unbalanced line inputs.
DI Input
TRS Connection
The 88M DI input is fed through the 88 Marinair transformers to add warmth and weight to instrument signals.
Press the GAIN pot until the DI LED illuminates to select DI input.
Connect your instruments to the 88M with a ¼’’ Jack cable into the combi TRS port. The 88M accepts balanced (TRS) or unbalanced direct inputs.

Monitor Controls

MON Level
The 88M Monitor level is controlled from the red knob controller on the front of the unit. This level controller pot is also found on the Neve 88RS console and provides an accurate level controller that tracks the stereo image precisely through all levels.
The Monitor Level pot has a center-detent which is set at -12dBu from the maximum output level. This can be used to calibrate studio monitors to an optimum listening level.
HP Level
Just above the Monitor level pot is the headphone level controller. This pot sets the level for the stereo headphone TRS output on the front of the unit. The headphone pot is push function. Pressing this pot toggles through the four monitoring options which are reflected in the MON/OP loudspeaker outputs and the headphone outputs.
The HP Level pot has a center-detent which is set at -12dBu from the maximum output level.
Stereo Direct Monitoring (DIR)

This option is ideal for stereo recording situations such as piano or acoustic guitar.
DIR feeds the direct signal from both preamps into the monitor outputs. This monitor feed is post-insert so that any analog gear used in the insert loop, is also included in the monitoring.
To select stereo direct output monitoring, press the HP Level pot until the DIR LED illuminates
Since DIR is stereo, preamp 1 output is sent to the left headphone and monitor output. Preamp 2 output is sent to the right headphone and monitors output. Stereo Mix Monitoring (MIX)
This option is ideal for stereo overdubbing, such as recording a piano or acoustic guitar live along with a backing track played from the DAW.
MIX feeds the direct signal from both preamps into the monitor outputs and the stereo DAW return signal. This monitor feed is post-insert so that any analogue gear used in the insert loop is also included in the monitoring. To select stereo mix output monitoring, press the HP Level pot until the MIX LED illuminates
Since MIX is stereo, preamp 1 output is sent to the left headphone and monitor output. Preamp 2 output is sent to the right headphone and
Stereo DAW Monitoring (DAW)
This option is ideal for mixing and for monitoring DAW/Computer audio.
DAW feeds only the stereo DAW signal into the monitor outputs and headphone outputs.
To select DAW output monitoring, press the HP Level pot until the DAW LED illuminates

Mono Mix Monitoring (MONO MIX)
This option is ideal for mono recording/overdubbing situations such as solo vocals or DI instruments.
MONO MIX feeds the direct signal of both channels 1 & 2 as a mono signal into both left and right headphones and monitors outputs. This signal is blended with the stereo DAW signal so that when overdubbing, the DAW track retains its stereo image.
To select mono mix output monitoring, press the HP Level pot until the MONO MIX LED illuminates BLUE.
Since MONO MIX uses mono direct monitoring, preamp outputs 1 & 2 are sent to the left and right headphones and monitor outputs equally. The DAW Return is stereo.

Rear Panel

Mon O/P
The two TRS outputs labeled LEFT & RIGHT are used to connect to your studio loudspeakers or speaker amplification system. The stereo main monitor output is fed into your speakers post monitor level control at a maximum of +18dBu. The monitor source is selected by pushing the HP Level pot and toggling through IR/MIX/DAW/MONO MIX.

CH1/CH2 Inserts
The four TRS outputs labeled CH 1/CH 2 SEND/RET are used to connect to additional analog hardware units into the 88M preamp signal chain. Each insert circuit is balanced at +4dBu, providing an ideal connection to professional equipment.
To create an insert loop
➢ Connect the SEND TRS to the input of external analog equipment.
➢ Connect the output of the external analog equipment back into the RET TRS connection.
Once connected, the complete audio signal chain

• Preamp source (Microphone, Line, Instrument)
• Preamp gain
• Preamp output
• Insert send
• External analog equipment
• Insert return
• Analog to digital converter
• DAW input

K LOCK
This provides a connection port to secure the unit to a desktop.

The USB 3.0 B-type port is used along with the cable provided to connect to your computer and provides digital audio and power transmission.

The 88M features one optical output port and one optical input port. These two optical connections are used to connect the 88M via TOSLINK cables to another ADAT-enabled audio interface such as the Neve 1073OPX. This system allows you to expand the 88M’s recording capabilities by adding eight channels of inputs, such as additional preamps, or further line level inputs. The ADAT output also provides eight additional digital outputs which can be used to expand the monitor outputs of the 88M as cue sends, or for surround monitoring for example.

ADAT Output
The ADAT OUT port is used to feed signals from the 88M into an external ADAT- enabled device.
At lower sample rates (44.1kHz, 48kHz) the optical outputs can transmit eight channels of digital audio through a single optical cable.
At higher sample rates (88.2kHz, 96kHz) four channels of digital audio are transmitted.

• ADAT 1, 2, 3 & 4 are available
• ADAT 5, 6, 7, & 8 are deactivated

At the highest sample rates available (176.4kHz, 192kHz) two channels of digital audio are transmitted.

• ADAT 1 & 2 are available
• ADAT 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 are deactivated

Output| Available Outputs 44.1/48kHz| Available Outputs 88.2/96kHz| Available Outputs 176.4/192kHz
---|---|---|---
1| 88M Monitor 1| 88M Monitor 1| 88M Monitor 1
2| 88M Monitor 2| 88M Monitor 2| 88M Monitor 2
3| ADAT 1| ADAT 1| ADAT 1
4| ADAT 2| ADAT 2| ADAT 2
5| ADAT 3| ADAT 3|
6| ADAT 4| ADAT 4|
7| ADAT 5| |
8| ADAT 6| |
9| ADAT 7| |
10| ADAT 8| |

ADAT Input 1
The ADAT IN port is used to feed signals from external ADAT-enabled equipment through the 88M audio interface.
At lower sample rates (44.1kHz, 48kHz) the optical inputs can receive eight
channels of digital audio through a single optical cable.
At higher sample rates (88.2kHz, 96kHz) four channels of digital audio are received.

• ADAT 1, 2, 3 & 4 are available
• ADAT 5, 6, 7, & 8 are deactivated

At the highest sample rates available (176.4kHz, 192kHz) two channels of digital audio are received.

• ADAT 1 & 2 are available
• ADAT 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 are deactivated

I nput| Available Inputs
44.1/48kHz| Available Inputs
88.2/96kHz| Available Inputs
176.4/192kHz
---|---|---|---
1| 88M Mic Pre 1| 88M Mic Pre 1| 88M Mic Pre 1
2| 88M Mic Pre 2| 88M Mic Pre 2| 88M Mic Pre 2
3| ADAT 1| ADAT 1| ADAT 1
4| ADAT 2| ADAT 2| ADAT 2
5| ADAT 3| ADAT 3|
6| ADAT 4| ADAT 4|
7| ADAT 5| |
8| ADAT 6| |
9| ADAT 7| |
10| ADAT 8| |

ADAT Digital Synchronization
The 88M can operate as a master clock or can sync to an incoming external ADAT clock source when used as a Mac core audio USB device.
The clock source is selected via the MAC utility Audio MIDI Setup>Audio Devices.

For PC ASIO systems, the Neve USB audio device driver software allows the 88M to synchronize to an external incoming ADAT clock source. By default, the 88M will synchronize to its own internal clock.
To switch from the internal clock source to external ADAT, open the Neve USB audio device driver software.

If a Valid ADAT connection is made to the ADAT IN port, the AMS Neve ADAT clock option will be available to select from the Clock source tab. Tick the box to be selected with the adjacent tick box.

Dimensions & Power Requirements

Audio Specification

General Specifications

Headroom| +18dBu @ 1kHz (<0.5% THD+N)
Distortion (THD+N)| Typically 0.008% @ 1kHz (measured at +18dBu, 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
General Noise| <-85dBu (A-Mg)
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz| +/- 0.1dB
Frequency Response 10Hz to 35kHz| +/- 0.5dB
Dynamic Range| >110dB
Distortion (THD+N)| <0.0040/0
Noise EIN| -125dBA
Gain Range| +21dB to +68dB
Maximum Input Level (Max Gain 0 68dB)| -50dBu
Maximum Input Level (Min Gain @ 21dB)| -3dBu
Input Impedance| =1.5k0
Line Inputs
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz| +/- 0.1dB
Frequency Response 10Hz to 35kHz| +/- 0.5dB
Dynamic Range| >111dB
Distortion (THD+N)| <0.006%
Gain Range| -12dB to +35dB
Maximum Input Level (Max Gain (g) 35dB)| -17dBu
Maximum Input Level (Min Gain @ -12dB)| +30dBu
Input Impedance| =201(0
DI Inputs

Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz| +/- 0.1dB
Frequency Response 10Hz to 35kHz| +/- 0.5dB
Dynamic Range| >100dB
Distortion (THD+N)| <0.006%
Gain Range| +13 to +60dB
Maximum Input Level (Max Gain Cl’ 604:1B)| -42dBu
Maximum Input Level (Min Gain (I) 13dB)| +SdBu
Input Impedance| t900kO
Insert Sends
Maximum Output Level| 18dBu (Balanced TRS)
Dynamic Range| >112dB
Mon Outputs
Maximum Output Level| 18dBu (Balanced TRS)
Dynamic Range| >113dB
Headphone output (150 Ohm load)
Maximum Output Level| 10dBu
Frequency Response| 20-20kHz +/- 0.3dB
Distortion (THD +N)| <0.007% CD1OdBu 1kHz
Noise floor| -96dBA
Metering
Signal| -43dBFS
Clip| -3dBFS
Crosstalk|
Inter-channel crosstalk| <-60dBr @ 10kHz

AD/DA Specification

Type| Device| S.R| Noise| Dynamic Range| Distortion
---|---|---|---|---|---
USB| Analog to Digital Conversion| 48,000| better than -118dBFS1| –| <0.0007%3
USB| Digital to Analogue Conversion| 48,000| <-94dBu2| >120dB2| <0.0008%4
USB| Analogue to Digital Conversion| 192,000| better than -118dBFS1| –| <0.0007%3
USB| Digital to Analogue Conversion| 192,000| <-91dBu2| >117dB2| <0.0008%4

1. Noise (A-weighted), 22Hz, 22kHz filter ON
2. Noise (A-weighted), 22Hz, 22kHz filter ON, headroom set to +26dBu
3. Distortion, with a 20dBu input signal, headroom set to +26dBu
4. Distortion, with a -6dBFS input signal

Round Trip Latency (RTL)

Type| Device| S.R.| Bits| Buffer| Measured RTL (ms)| Noise Floor
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 16| 7.0068| -111.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 32| 7.8458| -111.5
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 64| 8.82086| -111.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 128| 13.1746| -111.4
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 256| 21.9501| -111.4
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 512| 31.2472| -111.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 1024| 55.102| -111.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 44100| 32| 2048| 102.109| -111.4
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 16| 6.91667| -111
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 32| 7.89583| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 64| 8.3125| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 128| 12.5| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 256| 20.4375| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 512| 30.1458| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 1024| 52.5625| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 48000| 32| 2048| 98.125| -111.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 16| 4.97917| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 32| 5.01042| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 64| 5.46875| -105.2
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 128| 6.38542| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 256| 10.3438| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 512| 19.0104| -105.2
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 1024| 28.3438| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 2048| 51.0104| -105.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 96000| 32| 4096| 96.4583| -107.1
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 32| 4.01563| -91.2
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 64| 4.18229| -91.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 128| 4.39063| -91.4
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 256| 5.18229| -91.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 512| 9.51563| -91.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 1024| 18.1771| -91.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 2048| 27.5156| -91.3
ASIO| AMS Neve USB Audio Device| 192000| 32| 4096| 50.0625| -91.3

Unit Connection Tables

¼“ Inputs and Outputs
All ¼’’ Line Inputs & Outputs on the unit have the same wiring, excluding headphones

XLR Inputs & Outputs
All XLR Inputs & Outputs on the unit have the same wiring

Dimensions & Exigences Alimentation

Head Office: AMS Neve AMS Technology Park
Billington Road Burnley Lancashire
England BB11 5UB
Phone: +44 (0) 1282 457 011
Fax: +44 (0) 1282 417 282
Email: info@ams-neve.com
Web: www.ams-neve.com

References

• Neve - Homepage - AMS | Neve
• Neve - Homepage - AMS | Neve
• Neve - Homepage - AMS | Neve

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