AMS NEVE 88m Demo & Review 

Hi Alec, I am a 88M owner and for the most part I fully agree with your assessment, thanks so much for putting all the effort into this video. I think it's worth mentioning that the power matrix of the 88M is able to provide everything the box needs to run efficiently and effectively. While this box may not be to everyone's taste or budget I do believe this is a remarkable value considering the extraordinary quality. I would like to have seen a spdif input option to connect my 8801's and I would have liked to have seen a USB recording port where we could track directly to a usb drive with a similar configuration to the brilliant Soundcraft Ui webpage over a closed wifi connection. I did use my iPad pro with the 88M but I used a bog stock power brick , not aware Neve has a recommended power hub we should be using. Lastly, I've attempted using the 88M as a mixing interface with surprisingly good results, I have not gotten it to fall over as yet but for medium size project mixing, this has thus far proven to have more than enough power to operate in this capacity as well, and sound absolutely spectacular. I appreciate the omissions you'd have preferred to see but I don't see any of those as a real concern and my own wants for this box are purely personal and based on my own experience. Stay safe and well mate gene

People should take some time to appreciate this guy's beautiful songs in his reviews! What a great channel, i am very glad i found it!

Excellent review. Love the song!

I'll stick to my Tascam 😏

Brits, here we go....cuttin' straight to the chase. The 88M doesn't make sense bro‼️ 🤔If I have roughly $1500 to buy an interface and want to record this very song.... there's no way I'm buying the Neve 88M. it doesn't have top tier conversion, its expensive, and it has anemic I/O, It doesn't make sense to overlook outstanding units by Audient like the EVO 16 $500, or the Audient iD44 mkii $700, RME UCX $1600, Focusrite Clarett Pre for a low utility offering in a $1300 Neve 2x2 that creates a hassle when tracking bigger projects. the 88M sounds good, no doubt, its certainly not the 1073 OPX and I understand why its not, but its not worth $1300 when I have other needs and better options. My thoughts initially were: well, if the 88m has top tier conversion like Apogee, Lavry, etc...then its a worthy investment even with low channel count. But I listened to this 88m on this channel and others and...its kinda flat, not really a high resolution unit ...it has great sonics, but only decent resolution. I could spend around the same money and achieve the same thing but have more utility. ....I could buy an EVO 16 for I/o, and if I want more colored pres, I could get something from Warm Audio, SSL, Cranborne etc. ....I could even go for low channel count and high Rez with a Lavry AD10 and a BLA 2 channel mic pre. ....There are many mix and match options that would provide more Utility/Versatility and or better resolution than this 88M. Its a thumbs down for me👎....sorta kinda.😊 I wouldn't mind having one b/c it looks fantastic and sounds pretty decent, and b/c all Gearsluts want something Neve and cheap.

Wow, the classic phrase "I came for the gear, stayed for the music" fits perfectly in this case. Great content! The Neve sounds lovely aswell.

When using the 88M as an audio interface, and expanded with the 1073opx via ADAT, can you digitally send line level signals out? I.e. to external hardware while mixing?

wow... you are a musician, many intrument player, producer, sound engineer 😵👏

Thank you for including a full demo that isn't just stale or a few notes. It really helps to hear a well-recorded song and nice mix!

Do you prefer the 88m conversion over RME Fireface UCX II Interface?

This is pretty amazing. Very good review AND great music / performance. Love the Song!

Amazing, thanks for doing this review. I have a Steinberg URRT with Rupert Neve transformers and I'm thinking of replacing it with a 88M. I would love it if someone did a comparison vid of the 88m with a UR-RT2.

🤔You’d be better off buying a real 1073 or BAE 1073 or a clone of some type and running it through an Audient EVO 8. That would make more sense than buying the Neve 88M....👎 Sorry.

Look, Alec. I think you might be confused by a few things. Firstly. This is really nothing more than a, transformer coupled, Neve, microphone preamp/preamps. With digital conversion. And while they used different converter chips. Than, most others use. That makes sense. Because you don't want your Neve stuff to sound like most others. Second. If the 1/4 inch inputs are unbalanced. They wouldn't be, TRS. Because that stands for Tip Ring and Sleeve. And if it's TRS? That usually means it's balanced. Not unbalanced where you only need TS. But I have not looked fully into this device. As I still have my, 1970, custom, $85,000 US, 36 input, vintage Neve console. My second of two. Thirdly. It has enough current. Within it. To have included those other, convenience items. That are largely passive. Low cut, phase inversion, yada yada. Requires no power! Fourthly. What this device is actually, intended for. Is, for those people that want that Neve sound. And yes! Your recording was exceptionally nice. And yup! It sounds like a Neve. Largely because of those included transformers. Heavy and expensive. Because Rupert was a genius with transformers. And just a genius. But he also made his mistakes, he told me. And so he didn't much like the sound of his, earliest equipment. He told me he made many mistakes. As I had spoken with him. Many times over for many hours. Through the years. Since I got my NBC-TV Neve. Back in 1996. And had been using it there. As one of their premier, Audio Engineers. Since 1984. So I know these things, inside and out. As I also used to work in the, Pro Audio Manufacturing, industry. For other legendary companies. And also associated with API. As my friend owned that company. For 13 years. So, I have lots of their stuff also. And it's very different sounding. So in the end. While you would like to see these other creature comfort features. All those extra features it's lacking. Generally, resides within your software anyhow. As of this device was created. Those people that just wanted, Neve sound. It's not that the box is too small. To accommodate these other features. Because they created it! And they could have made the box larger. But they didn't. It was designed to be used in a very specific way. And so is lacking features.. No one actually needs in a device of this type. Conversely. One could simply obtain. An entire Neve, channel strip. And simply plug that into your favorite flavor A.D./DA, box. But that's not very portable. In fact it's huge and clumsy. C'est la vie. But certainly smaller and more portable. Than an entire console. Weighing in, as much as a compact car. Which is my console. So since I will soon be selling off my last Neve console. I've had my eye on this device. And I think it would be great! Even without those extra additional features. You feel are lacking. Because if I want Neve sound? This gets you there. And I thought it sounded lovely! I'm sold! So I really don't care, whose converter chips it has. As I have also used some cheap, inexpensive, USB audio interface devices. Connected to my Neve. And guess what? You can still tell. It sounds like a Neve. Because it is. No matter how good or substandard, the converter devices are. You still get that Neve, smell and taste. Which, if you love Neve's? Obviously you're going to get with this box! And so why sweat the small stuff? Now that bit about, no monitor mute button? Oh well! Turn the fucking volume down! I know what an effort that is. You have to lift a finger or two. But isn't that why we are engineers? So I found your examples, quite lovely. That song was lovely. I liked it. You did a good job. And it sounds like you got a Neve console! Now I won't have to worry. When I get rid of my 36 input version from 1970. What a relief! I'll sleep better now. Thanks to your superb review! Now that bit about, TDI F multitrack digital input. UM, those are normally on, 25 pin, connectors. And I don't see that? Sure. It may have a, USB input connector? That is not, T DIF. That's multitrack USB. Or something like that. Fire port, etc. So as well-equipped as you are. As competently musical and engineering you are. I don't think you have enough knowledge. To properly describe this device. I think your nomenclature, is a bit off. So if it's got 1/4 inch, unbalanced inputs and outputs? Unbalanced is perfectly fine. There is no quality improvement to, balanced. In fact. Balanced, electronically. Can introduce more distortion components and artifacts. Where, back in 1978. I designed and built, Baltimore, Maryland's, second largest, music, production and recording facility. With a 24 x 8 custom console. That I built from scratch. And I made it all, unbalanced line inputs and outputs. To do so. Requires very good and careful, grounding schemes. And were actually. You get an improvement in audio. With unbalanced. Less transformers. Less active circuitry. A more straight wire signal path. With no ground loop buzzing to speak of. When you follow proper grounding techniques. In fact. One of the most famous, disc mastering engineers. Bernie Grudman, years ago. Had a custom, mastering console built. Completely unbalanced. For improved audio fidelity. I didn't even know that. When I created my control room. Back in 1978. At 22 years of age. Yes I am a genius also. I'm happy to report. Not that it matters? I know plenty of great but dumb engineers. So brains are optional in our industry. Most don't have any. This device is not cheap. It's not $150. It's $1500. And you do get what you pay for! It's real! And it does have that sound character to it. The low-end is big and fat and lush and punchy. The high-end is smooth clear and sweet. I will likely be getting one. As I am in the market. For a new portable, 2 channel, USB interface. And to be able to walk around. With something that sounds like my existing Neve console. Would be a great boon to me. I can't walk around with something that weighs over a ton. As it would be bad for my back. I've got a lousy back. I'm in a lot of pain. Especially without good audio. And another reason, to disaster myself. Of my beloved vintage Neve. It's almost impossible for me to work on it and maintain it. Like I used to. 25 years ago. This device is designed for very specific niche market. And it fills the bill. As I don't think anybody could be unhappy with this device. When you want that sound. And I do. So do you. So do others. Now you've got a Neve console. You can stick in your Fanny pack. Bravo! The old codger RemyRAD

You're doing God's work with these reviews! Thanks

Haven't binge watched a channel like this in a while! Top shelf content and production. I'd like a studio tour video! Cheers!

Can you run guitar pedals through the inserts/sends and use them as FX loops? Can they be set to instrument level?

Bonjour a tous j'ai reçu la 88 m et je l'ai comparer avec Apollo twinn et croyez moi on joue pas dans la même cour la 88m sonne vraiment bien si vous avez un traitement acoustique convenable c'est impressionnant et surtout vous faite de la musique fini les ouvertures dans tous les sens pour faire des prises.

Again thank you always for your honest review. I like when you quote: “For Neve to come to the interface market tells you a lot on how the music industry is running”. But I wish before they even put their product out for the public, they should’ve check with honest reviewers like you, who are not just get the money and make you think that the product is heaven sound. That is why now i shot down some channels and watch someone like you who is being honest and tell me what i need to know, or if it’s good for my production or not. Thank you Alic Brits !!!

the MINIMUM gain is +21dB on Mic (range of +21 to +68dB) and +13dB minimum on instrument, meaning these inputs are likely to clip on many (maybe even most) sources.Potential issues that Mic input impedance is a tad on the low side at 1.5 kOhms, and a minimum gain of +21 dB would mean that mic input overload would occur at -3 dBu

amazing as always bud, really sounds great. I'm liking the tonal choice they've made on the conversion. you know I love my Bottom end extension sir

Hold the phone!!! Did I hear you correctly @1:38 ? The OPX will have an ADAT card available soon? I can find nothing on the internet about this but it would be a small game changer for my setup where I have to employ a whole other unit just for adat ins for the OPX.

i think this thing sounds amazing and your engineering of tones is fantastic I think the only thing this mix needs maybe is too open up the high-end with a maag eq or something similar

It's 70% there... With a HP filter it would be a certainty of purchase.

Bro how have you only got 5k subs? Most underrated audio channel on YT

Why not USB C or Thunderbolt 3 at that price point USB B is a waste especially for MACBOOK PRO users even the newer PC laptops

This thing sounds amazing!!! None of that thin, nasty sound of the other interfaces with the same type of build-including UA and Antelope AND the others.

Amazing work no one is doing what you do! You should be out on tour! Great tech info also right on!

I appreciate the 'no bullshit'! (was kind of hard to find this video again, because of peope w 'goldrush syndrome' spamming and polluting as always) Anyhow, keep up the no BS stuff, i like it! Cheers 🤘

Nice review Alec, i see your Echofix EF-X2 do you plan on doing a review of it?

Yep, it's been said it before. But unlike so many other gear reviewer where you hear the same tracks, usually of low quality, across diferent videos, Britt composes, records and mixes a unique track for each review. And they are really good! Congrats! I need some mixes done and I like your style. Will be in touch.

Wow this is great and the demo song was really good thank you !!!

When you mention the 1073opx and say when you switch to 96 or 192 that they “half accordingly”, what does thst mean?

Al Schmitt-blessed be his name-got fully-baked, mix-ready sounds at the mic and preamp*. The rest of us usually call those sounds _raw_ and need a little help getting to the finish line. 😉 As much as I enjoy your songs at their gear-showcase level of completion, I'd like to hear your final mixes as well, either in the video or posted elsewhere. *a real, actual, full-fat Neve 88RS as a matter of fact.

A couple of Neve preamps would be great but I bought an SSL Six a while ago and have been extremely happy with its flexibility and sound. Matched for price and features the Neve leaves a lot to be desired.

I’ve watched a few videos on this and no one has actually explained how the return channels work exactly. This was great! Being able to record dry and wet on separate channels is HUGE - thank you

Do you think this device has the *best* preamps for any portable interface? Is there an appreciable difference in sonic quality vs Apollo's "Unison" preamps/plugins in your opinion?

Sounds great man. Love the tracks you made! Subbed!

Does the over-the-top thumbnail help the algorithm? I’m noticing most RU-vid reviewers looking more and more ridiculous (not directing at you, just curious if that’s why).

core audio only? so that means latency of 7+ milliseconds on the lowest buffer. I would have happily switched my brand new audient id44mkii for this with a dedicated low latency driver. great song and playing!

No MIDI and way too expensive. I checked it out and I don't think the electronics would make any noticeable difference in audio quality compared to what I'm using now.

I got the Steinberg by Yamaha just because it had the Neve Transformers, but the noise floor isn't low enough. I thought about getting this but the price range is about three times too much. I'll just go with the SSL, since both the noise and price are low.

Great review I’m learning something new with every review. Great song !!

watching this through my Audient iD44 MKII and laughing. great review and presentation though

Hi Alec, really appreciated your review. I thought for certain my mind was made up for an Audient id44 mkii, but now I'm not so sure. These are entirely different beasts. Have you done a review on this particular Audient. I'm at bit of a loss here. I'm thinking the bottom line difference must lay in the audio, but hearing the difference in one review would be so advantageous. Thanks if something like this is ever possible. Good job in your review.

Many interfaces out there equal or better for half price you are just buying a brand name quality yes but the down part too much profit being taken, but it will convince many

I like this one because no software on my mac. And usb powered. A true good device for traveling outside.

Hey Alec, great video! But, WHAT IS THAT SONG? Had to come back to it 3 times. Ps. Ex 🇿🇦?

What if your Mac only has Thunderbolt and no USB? If you buy an adaptor, will this negatively impact the sound?

Thanks for great review! I’m considering to get one, but only my concern is that I want to use 88M for Mixing and Mastering inserting other outboard. Can we use Insert SND to send sound from DAW to outboard and receive back to RTN from outboard? Or only way to do is to use main out to use as send and receive the return to pres or RTN and monitor through Headphones only?

Why don't you make music.....your songs have world standard as a Christopher Cross, or America......I would buy immediately.....I am 56 but I did not buy a cd or stream since more than 20 years. The last one was Crash Test Dummies. Don't waste your time with making RU-vid videos, although you do it very well......but at the end of the day I would be more satisfied making music than YT Videos.

At the price point you should be able to expect big things. Unfortunately they really messed up on this device. Not enough headroom to record guitar di with active pickups. How could this happen? No qc at Neve? Sure it sounds great in general it seems, but so does a lot of Interfaces. Who would buy this?

Would you say the Neve 88m is your favorite interface so far, if it’s not which one is your favorite one so I can study the interface,

Still putting the Neve through its paces,Was also thinking about rme babyface as well ,thoughts? Using the interface for songwriting ,John

Excellent performance, production, and review!

I don't need "the functionality" just give me "the sound". 😄

Is there a way to just access the use of the pre amps without the conversion? Maybe out of the send? Great video. Thank you

great song. reminds me a bit of sting. but unique. sounds really really good for being just rough tracks without compression, eq and other processing. I ordered one. I'm a bit skeptical but I'm going to give it chance.

2 Preamps, a simple routing circuit and a good adc at that price is ridiculous. Great review though! Thumbs up for your awesome skills!

Thanks Alec!, any difference in sound between the preamps and the 88RLB 500 series?

Hi Alec, great job. I notice that the large red mon level also is a button like all the other pots. What happens when you press it? Can't find any info on it anywhere. Cheers

GREAT review!! And a great song and performance. Subscribed right away ...

Have you measured the Jitter? Usually converters that do not have a dedicated power supply struggle with the stability of clocking as laptops and pc's have alot of parts that use power. Power will be inconsistent for the interface and cause clocking issues (jitter). So that would not make this device a reliable printing machine. However, that is always the trade off you make with a portable device like this

Alec ,Just got this unit .when tracking what did you set it daw or? ,I am hearing latency?

Does it have the ability to control the balance between daw and input monitoring?

I'll wait for some musician who overspent on this to sell it used and then I'll snap it up at a bargain price. lol

Good review and demo! Thank you!

Thanks, does your demo have a banjo on a track? Or is that the elec guitar direct into the neve?. Sounds way clean. Your demos are excellent.

This song get SO stuck in my head, you should definitely have this one on your album

Thanks for your review! Would this be good for voice over compared to the Apollo Twin?

neve + neumann is a classic combo.

The Motu M4 uses Sabre32 Ultra DACs

I'm on the market for an ADAT preamp to expand my 88M and I don't understand why Neve has nothing to offer. Maybe new release coming soon?

Fantastic review Alec...ty! "Sounds absolutely unbelievable". Sound quality niche product...just as I suspected. "Interesting" indeed.

Who is going to buy this so expensive interface that have only 2 purposes 😂😂😂😂😂

You deserve way more subscribers. Peace

Sonically which one you prefer Uad Apollo or neve 88m?

Hi Alec. I have a question regarding the ADDA converters of this unit and the Apollo's. How you would compare those 2? On my current set I'm good with preamps (no need extras, 1-2 is fine just in case) and Im mostly looking for good DA converters and monitor control- speaker outs and headphones. Thanks in advance! always enjoy your vids, Jess

I like that solid sonic sound it’s definitely there and also the clarity. I just don’t like that harshness going on with the pre, I wish they would’ve Smoothing out some of that harshness. But other than that I love the thing.

Thanks for the thorough review. Which would you go with if you had to choose between the 88m or Babyface Pro for home recording? Predominantly using 1-2 microphones on acoustic instruments, vocals, amps, and some live drums. No synths, samples, midi, etc. Looking for vintage studio sounds (50s-70s). Or is there another good option to consider?

Great vid. Also, great demo song. Hit me like a wall of bricks. Good work!

That's how to give a review. I'm contemplating ownership.

Loved the song, Alec. How would you say that the conversion of the 88M compares with Apogee/RME/Apollo?

great song and explenation I feel like it does deliver a neve feeling but with a smaller sound I am also contemplating the idea of buying a apogee desktop Any thoughts about it Cheers

Hey mate; great video! Was wondering: how good would you say is the conversion in the 88M compared to say, the Cranborne Audio 500R8?

You will become big one day. Just keep persevering and create content.

Great review Alec. I learned a lot and I will certainly get one of these when it hit the second hand market. Do you think it's the first gear of this kind? I have the feeling that buying this is like buying outboard pres. It is not clear for me if we can eventually use this as preamps only and hit another gear for the conversation.

how does it compare to rme babyface? that's a dilemma I have now

great video as allways!

did you record everything with just one card? did you do any overdubs? the sound is amazing 😎

Wow. Excellent job dude! Congratulations.

Thanks!

Great song man. Where can I find your music?

Nice. Subbed instantly. Thank you!

ok pal your music is amazing! Your style is so so so...

First and foremost, great song! Keep up doing a great work!

man you are a dope ass songwriter that song is fire

So same converters as Apogee. That explains alot.

Awesome... Love the Song as well

Yes!