Rupert Neve Designs 5025 Dual Shelford Microphone Preamplifier

*Special Order

“I love it, it’s fantastic, and it’s saved my bacon on many occasions.” – Mark ‘Spike’ Stent (Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Muse)

“…after working on a vintage Neve console for 10 years, it’s exciting to hear the Shelford sound like a 1073 is supposed to, but without all the baggage.” – Producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay)

“The 1073 vocal sounded really good, but dare I say, I preferred the sound of the Shelford over the vintage module? Heresy!!! That’s when Sam and I exchanged looks that said, ‘Damn, that thing is killer!’” – Tape Op

Two channels of the finest microphone preamplification in the world.

Rupert Neve Designs’ best-selling Shelford Channel represents the definitive evolution of Rupert’s iconic designs — drawing from classics like the 1073, 1064, and 2254, and reimagined for the needs of today’s studios. Thoughtfully refined with modern features while preserving the essence of the originals, it has become a benchmark for high-end analog recording.

Now, by popular demand, the Dual Shelford Mic Pre — originally a limited-edition release — is back. This two-channel version of RND’s flagship preamp delivers the full sonic character of the Shelford Channel’s microphone preamplification in a streamlined 1U chassis with an internal power supply. It’s everything you love about the Shelford, doubled — two channels of uncompromising, world-class microphone preamplification.

The Transformer Gain Mic Pre

Inspired by Rupert’s classic designs from his time in Little Shelford, the Dual Shelford Pre features a custom step-up input transformer that delivers the first 15 dB of gain. This carefully engineered transformer, paired with its integration into the surrounding class-A circuitry, plays a key role in producing the bold, mid-forward character that defines so many legendary recordings.

While much of the harmonic richness in Rupert’s designs comes from the output transformer and class-A amplifier stages, the input transformer brings its own distinct musical contribution. Its reactive impedance interacts with the connected microphone in a way that adds subtle, non-linear harmonics—enhancing low-frequency depth and imparting a refined sweetness to the highs. The result is a uniquely musical response that sets the Dual Shelford apart.

In designing the input stage for the Shelford Channel and Dual Shelford Pre, the goal wasn’t simply to recreate Rupert’s classic circuits—but to thoughtfully advance them. The aim was to preserve the unmistakable character of vintage designs while achieving modern standards: wide-bandwidth frequency response, consistently exceptional performance across all gain levels, and ultra-low noise operation.

To meet this standard, the custom input transformers were meticulously optimized and fully enclosed in MuMetal shielding to eliminate interference. The result is a preamplifier that remains flat from below 10Hz to beyond 60kHz—delivering the purest tone possible, with outstanding clarity, headroom, and versatility for any recording application.

What is Silk?

The Silk & Texture circuit on the Dual Shelford Mic Pre gives you precise control over the harmonic content of the output stage — letting you shape the tone from clean and transparent to richly saturated. With the ability to dial in up to 10 times the harmonic density of Rupert’s vintage modules, the Dual Shelford offers two distinct Silk modes (Red and Blue), each delivering its own unique character. Whether you’re aiming for subtle warmth or bold coloration, Silk gives you the tools to craft the perfect sound.

Dual Output Level Transformers

Enhancing the impact of the Silk circuit are the custom-designed output transformers, built with Rupert Neve Designs’ signature dual output topology. This design provides both a Main output (+26 dBu) and a -6 dB output (+20 dBu), giving engineers the flexibility to push the preamps into rich, classic transformer saturation—without overloading converters or downstream gear. It’s a powerful tool for achieving vintage warmth while maintaining modern headroom and signal integrity.

Specifications

INPUT IMPEDANCE
2.2 kΩ

MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
@ 1 kHz: +24.9 dBu
@ 1 kHz (Main Out): +26.7 dBu
@ 1 kHz (-6dB Out): +20.7 dBu

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20 Hz to 20 kHz: +/-0.25 dB
10 Hz to 62 kHz: +/- 0.5 dB
5 Hz: << -3 dB
70 kHz: -3 dB

THD+N% (BW 10Hz – 90kHz)
0dBu Input, 1 kHz: < 0.0025%
+20dBu Input, 1 kHz: < 0.008%

NOISE AT MAIN OUTPUT (BW 22Hz – 22kHz)
0dB Gain: -102 dBu
+30dB Gain: -94 dBu
+66dB Gain: -61 dBu
EIN (+66dB Gain): -127 dBu

NOISE AT -6dB OUTPUT (BW 22Hz – 22kHz)
0dB Gain: -107 dBu
+30dB Gain: -100 dBu
+66dB Gain: -67 dBu
EIN (+66dB Gain): -133 dBu

PRODUCT DIMENSIONS (W x D x H)
19” (48.3 cm) x 9.2” (23.4 cm) x 1.75” (4.4 cm)

SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W x D x H)
24” (61 cm) x 13” (33 cm) x 4” (10.2 cm)

SHIPPING WEIGHT
5 kg

* A “Special Order” is a product that we normally do not keep in stock. We order it from the manufacturer as soon as you order from us. We are the exclusive distributor for Rupert Neve Designs, so we can get your special order to you fast, in about 1-2 weeks. Remember that special orders are non-cancelable, so make sure the item you are ordering is correct. Call us at +65 63388657 if you need assistance.

*Delays may be expected in the event of high order volumes or unforeseen circumstances.