RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS RND-5254 | 5254 | Dual Diode Bridge Compressor | Tracking, Mixing & Mastering

Get a classic vintage sound with better headroom and markedly improved control thanks to the Rupert Neve Designs 5254 Dual-Diode Bridge Compressor. This stereo compressor takes the classic diode-bridge compressor of Neve's early days and updates elements of the power supply and signal path for the modern world. As such, it's supremely useful on vocals, drum busses, guitars, and sometimes, even the mix buss.

This is not a transparent compressor for subtle detailed work. Instead, unit offers a weighty, dense, and harmonically rich tone for adding saturation as well as dynamic control. Though the unit provides the characteristic grit and feel of the vintage classic, Neve took great care to improve the performance of this characterful compressor compared to previous models. The noise floor is lower, the time constants are more flexible, and the sidechain detection has been tweaked for a better dynamic response. You can really push a vocal, guitar, or bass to the front of the mix while adding just the right amount of saturation, and nothing more.

A unified TIMING control offers six selectable settings over the customary three found on vintage units. A blend knob allows for parallel compression without any additional patching. You'll also find controls over threshold, ratio, and the sidechain path, all useful for shaping the response to your needs.

On the rear of the unit, you'll find a balanced XLR I/O path as well as a 1/4" TRS send/return path for the sidechain. Use the external sidechain if you wish to feed the compressor with independently tweaked material. A wordwide power supply is built into the compressor with a power cord included.