The Rupert Neve 551 is the only 500-Series EQ designed by Rupert Neve himself, delivering the unmistakable vintage character of classic Neve consoles in a modern, compact format. Featuring three inductor-based EQ bands, custom transformers, and Class-A gain blocks, the 551 brings legendary warmth, punch, and sweetness to your 500-Series rack.
Key Features
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EQ In Switch – Engages all EQ bands except the high-pass filter.
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High Frequency Band – Selectable at 8kHz or 16kHz with adjustable HF Level for silky highs.
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Hi Peak Mode – Switch between shelving and peak operation for the high band.
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Midrange Band – Selectable frequency with Mid Level control and Mid Hi-Q switch for precise adjustments.
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Low Frequency Band – Adjustable LF Level with selectable frequency points, switchable between shelf or peak (Lo Peak).
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HPF – Fixed 80Hz, 12dB/octave high-pass filter for tight low-end control.
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Custom Inductors and Transformers – Classic Neve tone with updated components for reliability and headroom.
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Class-A Discrete Electronics – Low-feedback design ensures rich harmonic content without harshness.
Why It Stands Out
Inspired by Rupert Neve’s vintage 1064 and 1073 designs, the 551 captures the creamy lows, musical mids, and sweet, airy highs of classic analog EQs—while offering greater flexibility and precision. Its proportional-Q midrange design makes it perfect for sweetening vocals, sculpting instruments, or removing problematic frequencies. The hybrid HF design blends vintage character with modern control, ensuring your tracks retain their warmth and presence without sacrificing detail.
Bypassed Mode
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Noise: Better than -102 dBV (Main Output, un-weighted, 22 Hz–22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ω balanced)
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Frequency Response: ±0.1 dBu from 20 Hz to 31.5 kHz, -1 dB @ 120 kHz
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Max. Output Level: 23.25 dBu
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THD + Noise:
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@ 1 kHz, +20 dBu, no load: Better than 0.0025%
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@ 20 Hz, +20 dBu, no load: 0.13% typical (2nd & 3rd harmonic)
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High-Pass Filter: -2.7 dB @ 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave slope
Engaged Mode
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Noise: Better than -94 dBV (Main Output, un-weighted, 22 Hz–22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ω balanced)
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Frequency Response: ±0.25 dBu from 20 Hz to 45 kHz, -2 dB @ 120 kHz
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Max. Output Level: 23 dBu
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THD + Noise:
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@ 1 kHz, +20 dBu, no load: Better than 0.009%
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@ 20 Hz, +20 dBu, no load: 0.13% typical (2nd & 3rd harmonic)
Power Requirements
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+16 VDC: 120 mA
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-16 VDC: 110 mA
