Rupert Neve Designs 5034 Newton Channel

*Special Order

“Its overall sonic performance is impressive and it displays all the quality and characteristics you’d expect of an RND design. It also allows you, quickly and intuitively, to achieve great‑sounding results. This, together with the Texture/Silk combination, distinguishes the Newton Channel from its obvious competitors and, to my way of thinking, more than justifies its price. It may not be what most readers would call inexpensive but it is, as I mentioned earlier, the most affordable complete channel strip RND have produced.” – Sound On Sound

“We award full marks to Rupert Neve Designs for this exceptionally capable and versatile channel strip, which not only sounds fantastic, but is also well laid out and boasts excellent build quality. The Newton isn’t a bargain basement design by any means, yet it could be the best hardware investment you ever make.” – MusicTech

“Even better than one Newton are two Newtons for stereo bus work. Each processed track seems to come through more clearly defined, occupying its own separate space between the speakers. Under his breath I heard J.P. say, ‘I wish I had a dozen of these,’ and his studio features a Wunder Audio console…he did end up buying a Newton for acoustic guitar tracking and mixing.” – Tape Op

A powerful modern channel strip with an instantly recognisable sound.

The Newton Channel emerges as a potent, contemporary channel strip, forged from a storied sonic heritage. Its user-friendly design effortlessly delivers a timeless sound, featuring the unmistakable character, musical tone-shaping prowess, and unwavering reliability synonymous with Rupert Neve Designs products. Whether in a project studio, expansive commercial facility, or live sound setup, the Newton extends an invitation to a broader community of engineers, producers, and artists to become part of the RND family, making this iconic sound more accessible than ever before.

The nomenclature finds its roots in Rupert’s birthplace, Newton Abbot, England, embodying the sonic odyssey of his life—from the historic town to the contemporary embrace of Wimberley, traversing the realms of vintage to modern, and exploring every nuance in between. As a genuinely versatile and world-class channel strip, it possesses the unparalleled capability to breathe life into any audio source, encapsulating the timeless essence of the Rupert Neve Designs’ classic sound.

The Input Stage and Mic Preamp

The Newton’s microphone preamplifier encapsulates the tonal richness and musicality characteristic of Rupert Neve Designs’ craftsmanship. This preamp streamlines the process, enabling swift adjustments to achieve a crisp, pristine, and intricately detailed sound. With an ample 72dB of gain, coupled with 6dB of fine trim control, the Newton proves itself as an optimal choice for an extensive array of sources.

Tailored to seamlessly match standard microphone source impedance, the input stage of the Newton is equally adept at accommodating line levels. This versatility positions a pair of Newtons as high-end mixing tools, ideal for any studio setup. Noteworthy is the inclusion of our distinctive variable high-pass filter, featuring a comprehensive frequency range adjustment and an independent bypass switch. This empowers engineers to efficiently eliminate unwanted noise, rumble, or other low-frequency build-ups in the source signal, enhancing the precision and clarity of the audio output.

The Equalizer

The EQ section within the Newton is meticulously crafted for rapid adjustments and unparalleled flexibility, featuring an uncomplicated array of controls. Precise control over the low and high-frequency shelf bands is facilitated by 31-detent potentiometers, offering a generous 12dB of gain boost/cut. This grants users the ability to finesse settings, ranging from subtle nuances to more pronounced and extreme adjustments based on preference.

In the Newton’s EQ arsenal, the parametric mid-band boasts another 31-detent potentiometer and a broad spectrum of mid frequencies, switchable from 220Hz to 7kHz. This versatility makes the MF band exceptionally adaptable, whether it’s for taming low-mid muddiness, amplifying mid-frequency presence, or mitigating harshness in the upper midrange. The thoughtfully selected fixed Q setting strikes a harmonious balance between musicality and precision—wide enough for nuanced equalization without encroaching on neighboring frequencies.

Maintaining consistency across the Newton Channel, the EQ section is equipped with an independent bypass button, ensuring the ability to double-check settings at every stage of the process.

The Compressor

The Newton Channel features the most recent advancement in Rupert Neve Designs’ ultra-smooth VCA compressor, offering a substantial +20dB of make-up gain and extensive control to accommodate any desired level of compression, all while preserving an effortlessly pristine sound.

Additionally, a convenient ‘pre EQ/post EQ’ push button is incorporated, allowing users to position the compressor either before or after the EQ section according to their preference. This dynamic flexibility ensures optimal signal shaping possibilities. The Newton Channel’s commitment to user-friendly design is further exemplified by the inclusion of an independent bypass button, facilitating quick assessments and comparisons during the production process.

What is Silk?

At the end of the Newton’s signal path is the exceptional and highly sought-after variable Silk circuit. This circuit imparts the authority and precision to amplify 2nd and 3rd order harmonics by saturating our bespoke Rupert Neve Designs output transformers, delivering a distinct vintage tonality. Whether seeking a nuanced transformer tonality without Silk or craving a more pronounced colour palette, achieved by fully engaging the Silk/Texture circuit, the Newton’s output stage emerges as a transformative force, enriching tracks with heightened power and sparkling clarity.

Custom Transformer Outputs

The Newton Channel is equipped with a tailor-made transformer output stage featuring a balanced MAIN standard line level output. Complementing this, a dedicated -6dBu XLR output serves as a strategic solution for mitigating potential issues associated with elevated input levels and Silk harmonic saturation. This allows engineers to push the Newton to its limits, unlocking a richer tapestry of transformer harmonics without the risk of clipping the subsequent device in the signal chain. Both outputs are simultaneously active, providing users with the flexibility to leverage them concurrently for diverse routing possibilities.

Specifications

Input Impedance: 8900 Ohms

Input to Line Output (No Features Engaged, Un-weighted)
Maximum Input Level: +23.6dBu

Noise (Un-weighted)
Line Out (Unity Gain): -102dBu
-6dB Line Out (Unity Gain): -107dBu
Line Out (+30dB Gain): -95dBu
Equivalent Input Noise @ +30dB Gain (EIN): -125dBu

Maximum Output Level @ 1kHz: +23.6dBu

Frequency Response
<10Hz to 30kHz: +/- 0.1dB
<5Hz to 70kHz: +/- 0.25dB
<5Hz to 140kHz: -3dB

THD+N, BW (<10Hz to 22kHz)
0dBu at 1 kHz: 0.0013%
+20dBu at 1 kHz: 0.0007%

Input to Line Output (Equalizer Engaged)
Noise (BW <10Hz to 22kHz): -90dBu
THD+N @ 0dBu (EQ Flat): 0.003%

Input to Line Output (Compressor Engaged)
Noise @ 0dB Make-Up Gain (BW <10Hz to 22kHz): -91dBu
THD+N @ 0dBu (EQ Flat): 0.005%

Compressor Section
Attack Time: 20mS (fixed)
Release Time: Variable; 50mS (Fast) to 500mS (Slow)

PRODUCT DIMENSIONS (W x D x H)
19” (48.3 cm) x 8.125” (20.63 cm) x 1.75” (4.5 cm)

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

SHIPPING WEIGHT
4.1 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 2-3 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.