The Rupert Neve 5254 delivers vintage diode bridge compression with modern refinements for tracking, mixing, and mastering. Designed with the same musicality as the legendary 2254 compressor, the 5254 offers two channels of iconic Neve tone, enhanced timing controls, and improved headroom for professional studios.
Key Features
-
Dual-Channel Diode Bridge Compression – Classic Neve tone with modern enhancements.
-
Vintage Warmth with Precision – Captures the legendary character of the 2254 with increased headroom and low noise.
-
Advanced Timing Controls – Custom-shape your compression envelope for punch, clarity, and musicality.
-
Full-Wave Sidechain Detection – Provides more accurate and responsive compression than vintage half-wave designs.
-
Internal Parallel Compression – Blend compressed and uncompressed signals for flexible dynamics control.
-
31-Position Detented Controls – Precise, repeatable settings for gain reduction, threshold, and attack/release parameters.
-
Stereo Linking – Seamlessly compress stereo sources with accurate, cohesive control.
-
Internal Universal Power Supply – Compatible with 100–240V for global use.
Legendary Tone Meets Modern Workflow
The 5254 brings the iconic “Shelford Channel” compression into a modern, versatile package. Its dual diode bridge design delivers punchy, larger-than-life dynamics that have shaped countless hit records over five decades. With fully detented controls, internal parallel processing, and precise timing adjustments, the 5254 allows engineers to dial in both subtle warmth and aggressive coloration with ease, making it perfect for tracking vocals, drums, guitars, or full mixes.
Signal Path
-
XLR Line Input → XLR Line Output
-
Compressor Bypassed: Source = 40 Ω balanced
Impedance
-
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
-
Output Impedance: 40 Ω
Levels
-
Max Input Level: +26.7 dBu typical (@ +4 dBu Selected)
-
Max Output Level: +26.7 dBu typical
Noise
-
Full Band (10 Hz – 120 kHz): -104 dBu typical
-
Compressor Noise:
-
0 dB Makeup Gain: -84.5 dBu typical
-
+20 dB Makeup Gain: -64.5 dBu typical
Frequency Response
-
10 Hz – 120 kHz: ±0.25 dB typical
THD+N
-
1 kHz, Max Level, 22 Hz – 22 kHz: 0.0008% typical
Compressor Timing (1.5:1 → 8:1 Ratio, FAST Mode)
-
Fast: Attack 250 μs – 2 ms / Release 100 – 200 ms
-
MF (Medium Fast): Attack 1 – 5 ms / Release 100 – 200 ms
-
Med (Medium): Attack 3 – 18 ms / Release 350 – 700 ms
-
MS (Medium Slow): Attack 5 – 40 ms / Release 600 ms – 1 s
-
Slow: Attack 10 – 80 ms / Release 800 ms – 1.5 s
-
Auto: Attack 5 – 40 ms / Release T1 400 – 900 ms, T2 1 – 2 s
Physical
-
Dimensions (WxDxH): 19" x 9" x 1.75"
-
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs
