The Rupert Neve 543 is a fully featured VCA compressor/limiter that offers precise dynamic control, subtle warmth, and unmatched flexibility in a compact 500 Series format. With feed-forward/feedback modes, Peak/RMS detection, and a built-in sidechain high-pass filter, the 543 adapts to any source material or mixing style—whether you need transparent compression, smooth musical glue, or hard limiting.
Key Features
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Threshold: -30 dB to +20 dB for wide compression range.
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Ratio Control: 1:1 for gentle leveling up to 40:1 for brickwall limiting.
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Attack: Adjustable from 20 ms to 75 ms for fine envelope shaping.
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Release: Variable from 100 ms to 2.5 s for smooth or snappy response.
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Gain: Continuously variable from -6 dB to +20 dB for makeup gain.
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Comp In: Engages the compression section.
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Feed-Forward (F/F) Mode: Adds bounce and punch with modern response.
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Feedback (F/B) Mode: Delivers classic, smooth compression character.
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RMS/Peak Detection: Switch between average (RMS) and peak level sensing.
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Sidechain HPF: Prevents low-frequency energy from triggering unwanted compression.
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Stereo Link: Link two units for accurate stereo operation.
Sonic Character & Use
In contrast to the 535 Diode Bridge Compressor, which imparts thick, vintage coloration, the 543’s low-noise, low-distortion VCA design provides transparent control with just a touch of warmth. This makes it ideal for vocals, drums, guitars, buses, and mastering chains where precision and musicality are equally important. Switch between feed-forward for modern punch or feedback for vintage smoothness, then fine-tune dynamics with Peak/RMS detection and variable attack/release.
Gain / Threshold / Ratio
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Gain Range: Continuously variable from -6 dB to +20 dB
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Threshold Range: Continuously variable from -30 dB to +20 dB
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Ratio Range: Continuously variable from 1.1:1 to Limit (40:1)
Attack / Release
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Attack Range: 20 ms to 75 ms (continuously variable)
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Release Range: 100 ms to 2.5 s (continuously variable)
THD + Noise
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@ 1 kHz, 0 dBu output level, no load (compressor bypassed): Better than 0.002%
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@ 20 dBu output: Better than 0.0015%
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Compressor engaged: Better than 0.075%
Noise (un-weighted, 22 Hz – 22 kHz, 50 Ω terminated)
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Unity gain, compressor disengaged: Better than -98 dBu
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Unity gain, compressor engaged: Better than -93 dBu
Frequency Response
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Main Output, Unity Gain: -3 dB @ 150 kHz
Additional Details
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Meters: Monitors INPUT LEVEL and GAIN REDUCTION
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Line Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
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Max Output Level: +21 dBu (20 Hz to 40 kHz)
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Power Requirements: Supplied by 500-series rack, 110–125 mA @ ±16 V
