Rupert Neve Master Bus Transformer (MBT) - Audio Examples

In this video we show you the incredibly versatile creative use of the Rupert Neve MBT. The MBT is has great sounding EQ that is very useful, a colour comp that can be used when mixing or tracking, a really nice width parameter and the Super Silk section which is what this unit is all about. We show you in this video the scope of all these features and what can be archived using them.

Audio transformers have been at the core of Mr. Rupert Neve`s audio circuit design philosophy for over six decades. They`re an integral part of Rupert Neve Designs` products, especially the MBT. Packed with these transformers, the MBT offers a wide range of options to enhance, shape, and transform audio sources, making it a versatile tool for musical coloration. Whether applied to a full mix, groups, stems, or individual sources, the MBT combines legendary tonal quality with flexible controls.

Tonal Magic with HPF & Shelf EQ:
The MBT features a variable high-pass filter (HPF) that spans from 100Hz to 15Hz, ideal for managing low frequencies in a mix. It also includes a new 2-band Shelf EQ section with adjustable LF and HF bands, providing +/- 9dB of gain control. The LF band shapes low-end weight and power, while the HF band adds shine and clarity. Experimentation with the interaction of these sections is encouraged.

Breathe New Life with the Color Comp:
The Color Comp introduces an optical compressor design that emphasizes non-linear distortion and character to enhance audio depth. You can set the compressor ratio from subtle 2:1 to dramatic 5:1. A variable high-pass sidechain filter and Blend control offer flexibility in shaping compression. The Color Comp introduces harmonic content even with minimal gain reduction, and its release time ranges from 100mS to 1.5S for varied compression effects. It also provides 20dB of Class-A makeup gain for further harmonic enhancement.

New Dimension with Width:
The Width section enhances the stereo spread without losing low-end focus. It has an additive width control with a broader range and a variable high-pass filter (HPF) to adjust width content. Subtle high-frequency tapering prevents harshness in the widened soundstage.

Control Harmonics with Super Silk:
Super Silk takes the beloved Silk circuit to a new level. It includes independent Red, Blue, Harmonics, and Zener Drive controls. Silk Red emphasizes upper mid and high-frequency harmonics, while Silk Blue enhances low and low-mid frequency harmonics. The Harmonics control saturates the MBT`s custom interstage transformers, offering unique blends and balances. The Zener Drive introduces asymmetrical soft clipping for a more aggressive tonality.

Drive and Control Levels with I/O Amplifiers:
The MBT incorporates Class-A input and output amplifiers to ensure optimal gain staging, interstage transformer operation, and precise level matching. Output amplifiers drive custom output transformers for line balancing and isolation.

In summary, the MBT is a versatile tool for audio professionals seeking precision and musicality in sound shaping. Whether you`re looking to EQ, compress, manipulate harmonics, enhance stereo width, or manage levels, the MBT empowers you to explore exciting and creative new possibilities in your audio production.

FEATURES
• Built around Rupert Neve’s Class-A, Transformer Coupled Signal Paths
• Revitalize mono or stereo tracks, stems and mixes with a suite of new controls
• Add that missing weight and power with our new Super Silk circuit
• Add dynamic character with the opto-based Color Comp
• Quickly adjust tone with the gentle and musical LF & HF shelves
• Use the newly designed Width section to create dimension without losing focus
• Drive and level-match the interstage transformers with the I/O amplifiers

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[EzraExan]

I’d love to see a soft clipping comparison between the Rupert Neve MBT—using the Zener Drive and driving the input—versus the Elysia Alpha’s Soft Clipping! If you have access to both units, this would be an amazing test to see.

I’m particularly curious because Elysia is releasing the XMax soon, which is really tempting. However, the MBT offers more control with its EQ and compression settings, making it a strong contender. The main thing that intrigues me about the XMax is its soft clip feature, which is derived from the Elysia Alpha. Seeing a direct comparison between these two soft clipping approaches would be super insightful!

[TannerByTheSea]

I have the portico2 and I’m planning on getting this like next on my list! Well, this, and the ng tube- for my mastering chain obviously. 🙄 I’m a musician and I’m trying to build my own chain. My question to you is… After that EQ, I was planning on getting an SSL bus plus then running that into the portico then into the MBT. My question for you sir is should I skip the SSL and just run from EQ to portico to MBT? Or will I need the bus plus in that chain?

[johngulliver]

I have the Fusion and MBT in my rack. The Fusion is good value for money but on the mix bus it is totally overshadowed by the MBT. The MBT can be used for mastering, but the Fusion is very limited for mastering. For stem or mix bus duties the Fusion works well and the vintage drive can beef up individual tracks. I think the Fusion was really aimed at stems processing. As noted in videos on this channel, the Fusion has mid-side which is brilliant at this price point, and I still use it for mid-side on the mix bus with a dual channel eq on the insert. I think the eq, width and silk on the MBT are amazing. If you have a good bus compressor, some more surgical eq options, and the MBT you have a great processing chain.

[john]

Wow. This unit sounds great!!! How do you use the neve in your setup with all the other outboard you have? Thanks for the demonstration.

[michael.maurus]

I love the MBT! Thanks Paul, for this great video. Would you prefer the MBT over the MBP?

[Oshonthemix]

For me, I simply love to mix into the mbt from the get go. Then turn on the comp and spread towards the end of the mix. Eq and silk is already dialed in from the start of the mix. Then I hit it a lot harder to get the zener to do its soft clipping.

[braxal]

Sigh, I want a MBT. My WesAudio Pandora arrives tomorrow

[milosjeftic]

Great video! I was wondering if it's possible to do something like the Pultec cut/bust trick on the MBT, cut with EQ, and bust with Silk? Maybe it would give an interesting result. Can you do a demonstration?

1. file: MBT bust 2db EQ (hi and low), bust 2 db Slik (red and blue)

VS

2. file: cut 2 db EQ (hi and low), bust 4 db Slkl (red and blue)?

[mrmorpheus]

Is this what the Nfuse is modeling? That thing is worth every dime

[risingphoenix]

I wish they had a box that just had the color compressor and the super silk

[brianwynn]

just receive mines I brought it because of your video I brought it for my vocal chain ima lil disapointed, the silk turn all the way up I couldn't hear a different, listening in my headphones, maybe I will on my monitor, but today my 1st time playing with it, im thinking of getting the madd eq because I was looking for that top end high airy sound

[MrHidrissa]

Hi Paul! I wish you the best for this new year 2025. I'm currently on the fence about this unit. I have 2 slots left in my titan rack which I plan to use for Hyperion along with Dione, Prometheus and Rhea and in this case I will add the MBT. But I wonder if you think it's better to get 2 RND 542 instead of the Hyperion to fill the rack and another 19 unit eq. The 2 units are obviously different but I m mostly attracted to the saturation and color sides and they seem to do something almost similar if I'm not mistaken?

[mixfactortv]

Hmm. I tried to avoid this unit because I already have a Fusion, but... Well... It's time to think about this topic again.

[riktascale]

What do you then use for width if not the MBT?

[NRVE]

I’m gonna be honest the only difference I hear is the change in gain and width. There’s nothing that can’t be done elsewhere. I don’t notice the color, texture, silk or whatever you wanna call it. I truly believe all this hype is playing into the gear nerd placebo effect and I know a lot of you were going to disagree with me, but that’s fine. Spend your money.

[STREETMOV]

Hi im building my mastering chin so far i have
tegeler audio creme rc
Empirical Labs fatso
Rupert Neve mbt
I'm thinking about adding Maag Audio EQ4M Stereo Mastering 6-Band Parametric Equalizer
And tegeler Audio schwerkraftmaschine compressor for my mastering setup

[future_Victoryofficial]

Im hearing a noise when some knob are up . 😳 like SSL driver