Neve 2254 R Limiter and Compressor

Neve 2254 R Limiter and Compressor The original 2254 units are still in high demand decades after manufacture ended, and they are considered milestone pieces of studio equipment. Forty years later, the Neve 2254/R mono limiter/compressor symbolizes another milestone. It not only retains the original 2254’s distinctive sound qualities by employing the same design, matching components, and hand-wound transformers, but it also adds functionality requested by current producers and engineers. The original, built before outboard designs were defined, was approximately cubic; the modern 2254/R is 1U 19″ rack-mountable. In addition, the signal presence LED has been enhanced, changing from green to red to warn of impending clipping. Compressor AND Limiter The 2254/R features two chains that regulate the level control element: one for compression and one for limiting. Limiter A yellow illuminated button toggles the limiter sidechain into and out of the circuit. Its level ranges from 4dBu to 20dBu in 2dB increments. There are three preset recovery periods (100ms, 200ms, and 800ms), as well as an automated option. In the Auto mode, the assault and recuperation periods are combined and self-adjusting. Speeds are quick for single peaks but sluggish for continuously high levels, preserving the sense of a normal dynamic range while the program rides on a slowly moving “gain platform”. The 2254 features a delayed attack time of 5ms by default to minimize unwanted effects while processing certain inputs like percussive piano or voices. A restricted dynamic range may be produced by inputting high levels into the 2254/R and setting a low limit level. When a quick attack is chosen, the attack time may be adjusted from 100μS to 2mS using the rotary dial. This control is constantly changeable and has a complete sweep range between the two values. Compressor When the Compress button is chosen, it becomes yellow and switches the Compressor sidechain in and out of the circuit. There are five pre-set ratios: 1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 6:1. The control characteristic is designed such that the start of compression is smooth and gradual, with the real ratio reaching within the first 5 to 10dB above the threshold. The threshold may be adjusted in 2dB increments from 0dBu to 10dBu, allowing for a broad range of effects. Low ratios with a low threshold setting will maintain dynamic range while achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio. A high ratio with a high threshold acts as a partial limiter. When the threshold falls below the line level, the gain control applies up to 20dB of makeup in 2dB increments to restore the mean program level. The 2254/R features four preset recovery times: 100ms, 200ms, 800ms, and auto. In the Auto mode, the assault and recuperation periods are combined and self-adjusting. Speeds are swift for single peaks but sluggish for chronically high levels, giving the appearance of a typical dynamic range. Meter The program meter is powered by a simple drive circuit with quick attack and moderate decay durations, which match the standard PPM characteristic. At roughly -10dBu, the green LED on the meter’s right side will light up. When the program hits 25 dBu, the LED turns red, indicating that clipping is approaching. The meter may be configured to indicate either the input signal, level, output signal level, or the overall amount of gain reduction applied to the signal by the compressor and limiter combined. AMS Neve 2254/R Mono Limiter/Compressor Specifications:  replica of Neve’s iconic studio limiter/compressor.  The Class A design has four transformers, a diode-bridge VCA, and a BA283 amp circuit for vintage tone.  Intuitive and motivating workflow with straightforward controls.  Limiter and compressor portions may be used alone or in series.  A brick wall-style limiter with adjustable recovery periods (steps of 100ms, 200ms, and 800ms) and AUTO mode.  The compressor offers 5 ratio choices (1.5:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 6:1) and 4 recovery options (400ms, 800ms, 1.5s, and AUTO).   A ballistic VU meter can measure input, output, and gain reduction levels.  Use the bundled Neve Total Recall software to save, load, and maintain favorite settings via USB.