Neve 8078 Vintage Recording and Mix Console
This vintage Neve 8078 recording console #A7396 was sold November 2011 by songworx. I was a partner and then owner since 2003. I’ve taken down the advert but I’ll leave up my photos and details for your perusal. Cheers – CJ
Neve 8078 Photos . Video Of Automation . 8078 Wiki
Featured modifications:
* All monitor channels headroom increased from +18dbv clipping to +26dbv clipping.
* All monitor channels have balanced output amp which allows send to recorder.
* 4Track-2 monitor section to 4track-1 fold-down, which allows 72 channels for mixdown.
* 4track1 Stereo Buss Insert Send/Return Circuit.
* Frequency response improvement mod.
* API EQ’s with Balanced +26dbv headroom in and out.
* Active meter amps with Line in, Buss, or Monitor selector.
* Phoenix Audio (Geoff Tanner) class A output stage on mix out.
* 48 VU meters all actively buffered can select Buss, line in, Monitor In.
More bits:
* Moss and Mitchell TT patch-bay all wired to 56 pin Elco, ready for 96 chnls.
* In-Board 5.1 Monitor Control unit.
* In-Board LYNX console control.
* Outboard LYNX System Supervisor for Flying Faders Machine Control.
Console configuration options:
The patchbay and producers desk with the api’s and machine control can be removed from this 8078 and then rack mounted with the patchbay which greatly reduces the size of the console for small studios. If the setup is full-length as it is now, patchbay can be moved to either side of the console or racked.
Included Accessories:
All Manuals, schematics and service documents, power supplies and related wiring. spare
parts, spare power supply, extra 31105, extra API EQ.
Additional re-furb info:
In addition to the cosmetic re-fitting done in the spring of 1999 which included fabrication of
a new leather bolster, new red oak trim and re-screening the panels, a complete hardware
inspection and extensive re-furb were performed under the watchful eyes of Barker and
Tanner. This re-furb encompassed all aspects of the console with a focus on the utmost
signal integrity without losing that vintage “Neve” sound for which these consoles are so
vastly sought after. Every module was removed, cleaned
and upgraded. The monitor section was modified with balanced output drivers on each
channel to allow recording directly to tape from the monitor section. This facilitated an
increase in headroom from +18 to +26dB as well. A custom “Producers Desk” was built
into a bucket containing (8) Channels of API 512 Pre’s and (16) channels of API 550 EQ’s
(normalled to the monitor section while fully patchable), 5.1 monitoring control, Lynx
System Supervisor Control unit (allows control of up to four Lynx synchronizers), (8) 2-
Track Playback selectors and an additional (4) Shep 31105 modules, (2) 1073 modules.
History:
This NEVE 8078 was originally built for Ronnie Milsap in about 1977. It was sold to A&R
Recording after that and many sessions by Phil Ramone where done on the console. After
A&R it Wound up at Cove Sound on Long Island. It eventually found it’s way into Sony
Music Studios NY’s Studio D. Prior to installation in Sony NY all capacitors where replaced,
all send and aux pots in all channels where replaced with new clarostats, balanced meter
amps and a new Moss and Mitchell TT Patchbay where added. After a few years of use in
that facility, it was de-commissioned, packed and crated for shipping to the West Coast.
Once on location at Sony Music Studios in Santa Monica is spent 4 months in pieces being
meticulously cleaned, mod’ed and restored by Peter Barker, Sony’s Director Of
Engineering, and Geoff Tanner of Phoenix Audio (not to mention a member of the original
8078 design team). It was re-commissioned in the summer of 1999 to rave reviews. A
party held in its “honor” attracted the likes of Bob Clearmountian, Ed Cherney and Steve
Churchyard among others. Among the artists that recorded on it at Sony Santa Monica
were Elton John, Pink, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Jennifer Lopez, Train, and Destiny’s
Child. This Console performed dutifully until the closing of Sony Music’s west coast studio
operation before it’s location to Threshold studio’s partnered with Songworx in Santa Monica.
