Tone, transparency and power! The ultimate tool for creating digital signals, the MBC is a fully-featured analog limiter, 24-bit/192kHz conversion fed by selectable analog drive paths for tonal versatility, high-resolution metering, word clock I/O, analog XLR inputs and simultaneous AES, S/PDIF, and
TOSLINK outputs.
Rupert Neve Designs MBC Master Buss Converter Features
Selectable Analog Drive Paths
The very best of class-A transformerless and custom transformer-coupled designs at the touch of a
button.
Transformer Path with Silk / Texture
Add weight and punch with a dedicated custom inter-stage transformer before the converter. Silk /
Texture allows you to dial in the harmonic content and drive saturation of this signal path.
Class-A Transformerless Path
Maximizes clarity and transparency of the input signal.
Active Compound Release Analog Limiting
Push your levels further with fewer artifacts than plug-ins, and introduce clip safety for tracking or
broadcast.
24-bit/192kHz Reference Conversion
Unparalleled analog capture with precision clocking using top-of-the-line chips.
Multi-Standard Connectivity
Connect to any of your digital devices with AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK all simultaneously available.v
Precision Clocking
Maximum accuracy with minimal jitter and phase noise, able to operate as a master clock or sync from
another master.
Whether you’re tracking, printing mixes, or mastering, the Master Buss Converter is a revelation in quality
and functionality of A-D conversion technology. The analog drive circuitry allows the MBC’s converter to
be fed by either a class-A transformerless path for maximum transparency, or by custom inter-stage audio
transformers with variable Silk for a wide variety of tonal enhancements. Coupled with an astonishingly
musical limiter, the MBC is always the best choice to capture your analog signals with breathtakingly
three-dimensional accuracy.
A Long Time Coming
With over seven decades of analog circuit design experience, Mr. Rupert Neve had never considered a
converter worthy of his hallmark until the release of the RMP-D8 Dante-connected microphone
preamplifier in 2018. While the RMP was primarily designed as a mic preamp, its adoption by engineers
at the highest levels of recording, mastering, and touring as their preferred converter led to the
development of the MBC, creating a new standard for PCM conversion quality.
Dual Path Analog Design
As the last link in the analog chain before digitization, converter drive circuitry is critical in determining the
imprinted digital sound quality. From the ground up, the MBC was designed for reference performance
regardless of genre or desired sonic character, and the key to this lies in the quality and adaptability of the
analog drive circuitry.
For a bolder, more powerful imprint, a custom-designed inter-stage transformer with Rupert’s acclaimed
Silk circuitry can be inserted to recreate the classic tonality of his vintage designs. Uniquely, unlike our
audio transformers intended for line-level output, this new transformer is designed to achieve output
transformer harmonic content characteristics at a level appropriate for input to the converter itself. With
the addition of variable Silk, the engineer is able to precisely dial in the desired amount of harmonic
content – with the Red mode highlighting harmonics in the mid and high frequencies, and the Blue mode
accentuating harmonics in the low-end. From a subtle transformer tonality without Silk, to significantly
more color than vintage modules with the Silk / Texture circuit fully pushed, the selectable transformer
path fills your tracks with enhanced dimensionality and power.
When maximum transparency and fidelity is desired, the transformerless path provides extraordinary
detail and clarity. While many transformerless circuits suffer from thin tonal balance and a lack of punch,
the MBC’s Class-A circuitry was painstakingly designed to deliver a beautiful sense of clarity, with vibrant
detail at both high and low frequencies. As an additional tonal palette to capture your tracks, the
transformerless path is an essential complement to the weighty, classic sound of the transformer path. No
matter what sonic character you’re seeking, the MBC can provide it at the push of a button.
Compound Active Release Analog Limiter
The challenge here was to design a limiter that could act as both a musical sculpting tool exceeding the
quality of available plug-in limiters, while also being able to act as a transparent safety limiter for tracking
or live performance & broadcast.
To achieve this, we refined our compound active release topology to enhance both the accuracy and
musicality of the limiter response. The resulting limiter achieves both transparency and the capability of
pushing the level of tracks or mixes without damage to the integrity of the source.
To further adapt the sound of the limiter, we’ve added a number of controls to fine-tune its response. The
built-in Side Chain High-Pass Filter, sweepable from 20-250Hz, minimizes the limiter’s reaction to low
frequencies, which tend to be more sustained in nature than high frequencies. The threshold control sets
the maximum levels for your digital signal, and the variable release time constant alters the response
characteristic to better fit different source material. To further push levels into the limiter, the class-A line
amp stage is capable of adding 20dB of ultra-clean gain. The limiter may be used as a dual mono or
stereo linked design via the Link switch, depending on the desired use.
Mastering-Grade Conversion
The MBC’s 24-bit/192kHz converters were developed after years of careful listening, and represent a
further advancement of the design within the RMP-D8. The precision controlled internal clock’s minimal
jitter and phase noise allow the converters to capture the complete performance of your music with a
great degree of accuracy – simply put, the MBC creates an uncanny digital representation of your analog
signals.
Make Connections
To connect into your interface or digital console, the MBC is equipped with AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK
outputs capable of simultaneous output to multiple destinations. The word clock output allows the MBC to
act as high-end master clock for your entire setup, and the word clock input allows external sync to a
separate master clock if desired. Finally, to seamlessly integrate the MBC into a multichannel conversion
environment, four standard levels from -14dBFS to -20dBFS can be selected to accurately match your
other converters. These Reference Level calibration standards are implemented with a superb degree of
accuracy via high-precision resistors and relay-controlled stepped attenuation.
Ultra-Precise Metering
A pair of 22-segment meters provide extremely precise level metering of the input to the converter stage,
utilizing a new design that represents the highest resolution LED metering in a Rupert Neve Designs
product to date. For monitoring of the limiter’s gain reduction, there are 8-segment gain reduction meters
designed to display transient reductions with a superb degree of accuracy. The level meters can be
further customized with a 1-second or 3-second peak hold option.
Rupert Neve Designs RHNP Headphone Amp
With effortless, wide-open sonic performance and the ability to drive any pair of headphones without compromise, the RNHP allows you to perform, mix and enjoy your music with a new level of clarity. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or just listening to music, your headphone amplifier is as important to the final sound quality as your headphones so Rupert and his team at Rupert Neve Designs have developed the RNHP.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP Precision Headphone Amp Features
Precision Sound
Wide-open, extremely detailed sound quality allows you to get the most out of your headphones
Dedicated Power
High-power, high-headroom design can effortlessly drive high-impedance (up to 600 Ohm) headphones even during the loudest, most dynamic tracking sessions
Reliable Translation
The near-zero output impedance (.01 Ohm at 1kHz), direct-coupled amplifier design provides for excellent translation with any pair of headphones
Precision Stereo Potentiometer
The highly damped stereo potentiometer is designed to give you precise level control and maintain perfect left-right balance
Professional Line Input
The calibrated +4dBu line input is selected with the “A” switch. The combo jack accepts either XLR or TRS inputs for balanced professional devices.
RCA Input
The unbalanced RCA input is calibrated for -10dBV signals and is selected with the “B” switch. The RCA jack is commonly used with home stereo devices or Prosumer equipment
3.5mm Input
Stereo 3.5mm input specifically calibrated to work with mobile devices like phones, computers and digital cameras
VESA Mount
The VESA 100 compatible mount enables you to mount the RNHP wherever it needs to be. Common mounts are pole-mount arm for mic stands, pivoting multi-arm desk mount, and wall / surface mount for securing upside-down under a table, music stand or other studio furniture
Steel Clamshell Chassis
The RNHP’s rugged, solid-steel chassis is built to a high industrial standard with an overhang to protect the connectors and main level control from glancing blows, as well as shock-absorbing rubberized feet
24V DC Input
The RNHP can be powered using either the included 6 watt power supply or a 24V, 0.25A min battery (not sold by RND)
Based on the headphone output circuit in the 5060 Centerpiece Desktop Mixer, the RNHP is a dedicated 24V reference-quality headphone amplifier with specifically-calibrated +4dBu balanced line, unbalanced RCA and 3.5mm (1/8”) inputs, housed in a rugged VESA-mountable steel chassis.
Dedicated vs Integrated Amplifiers
For much equipment, the headphone output is an afterthought. Most products with integrated headphone amps have large feature sets, small footprints, and relatively low price points. This leads to comprised power and audio quality of the headphone amplifier itself, which can lead to a number of issues in real world usage such as low headroom, unreliable performance, and a lack of focus.
The RNHP was made to accomplish one simple purpose: making any headphones sound their best. As a dedicated design, the RNHP is tailored to deliver extremely high quality, powerful amplification, with precise calibration for any source input. This exceptional level of quality can be the difference that inspires an artist to give their best performance, lets an engineer make better choices in mic and placement, gives a mix engineer reliable translation of EQ and dynamics adjustments, or lets a music listener appreciate the full depth and detail of a recording.
Specially-Calibrated Inputs For All of Your Devices
In addition to being able to drive a wide variety of headphones without sacrificing performance, the RNHP is also capable of receiving a wide array of signals with its 3 inputs, calibrated for optimum level and impedance. Check the Application notes for how the RNHP can be utilized for different purposes.
Here are some common device examples:
Input A: +4dBu Line (XLR or TRS) Devices
Studio Audio Interfaces (Line or Monitor Out)
Headphone Mixers (Line Output or HP Out)
Mixing Consoles (Line, Aux or Monitor Out)
Professional Turntable Mixers (Line or Monitor)
Professional Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter
Professional Camera
Studio Monitor Controllers
Input B: RCA Devices
CD / DVD Players
Stereo Tuners
Preamplified Turntables
Prosumer Recording Devices / Cameras
Input C: 3.5mm (1/8") Stereo Devices
Mobile Phones
Portable Music Players
Computers
DSLR Cameras
Handheld Recording Devices
Any 3.5mm headphone output
VESA-Mountable Design
The RNHP is designed for mounting with any VESA 100 compatible mount. These may include pole mounts, wall mounts, table mounts, or articulating arm mounts. These mounts can help to ensure the RNHP is always in the perfect position.
Multiple-Line Feed
In some situations where you only have one set of outputs but need to simultaneously feed the RNHP and another device such as speakers, a second headphone amplifier, or a 2-track recorder, we recommend using splitter cables from the Left and Right line outputs to feed both devices from the same stereo pair.
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WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm -
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