Released in 1974, the Neve 2264 limiter/compressor shared much of its DNA with Neve’s storied 2254 limiter/compressor, but it packed that unit’s functionality into a smaller form factor. Like the 2254, the 2264 boasted transformer-coupled circuitry but swapped the former’s Class A design for a Class AB design, allowing for more headroom and, thus, more flexibility to choose how much color you wanted to impart to a signal. The AMS Neve 2264ALB faithfully re-creates the original 2264 design but shrinks it down even further for use in a 500 series setup. This pint-size multifunctional unit is a total studio workhorse, primed for both meat-and-potatoes dynamic work and creative applications.
While it can be desirable to have a truly transparent limiter/compressor, sometimes you want to reach for a piece of hardware that has an identifiable, characterful sound. And what a sound the AMS Neve 2264ALB has! When running a signal through it without any compression, you’re treated to a subtle harmonic enhancement that adds instant vitality to any source. Start dialing in some compression, and you’ll experience punchier snare drums, more present vocals, and pianos dripping with analog vibe. With just three concentric knobs on its front panel, the 2264ALB gives you access to a fantastic brickwall-style limiter and diode-bridge compressor, which can be used independently or in series. Use them to rein in rogue transients without starving natural dynamics, or lean in hard to give movement and life to a mix.
Specifications:
- Faithful re-creation of a legendary diode-bridge limiter/compressor in a 500 Series format
- High-headroom Class AB design allows for a wide range of tone-coloring options
- Flexible dynamic control tool with independent limiter and compressor selector
- Signal presence indicator and digital LED with approximate PPM ballistics for monitoring gain reduction level from 0dB to –20dB
- Transformer-coupled circuitry in input, bridge-driver, sidechain, and output stages
- Bypass switch removes the circuit completely from the signal path
- Choose between classic 2264A attack settings or new slow attack settings ideal for bus compression
- Audio processing insert allows you to pair the 2264ALB with an AMS Neve 1073B 500 Series preamp for a pure Neve signal chain
- Compatible with most 500 Series chassis; call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for details