Overview
8424
Connect. Compose. Create.
The 8424 console’s slick design fits the needs of the modern hybrid studio, featuring multi-DAW automation & unparalleled connectivity to your favourite outboard gear. Supreme sound quality is ensured by combining modern and vintage Neve topology, including voltage mixing through Marinair® transformers, made famous in the early 80-series consoles.
Independent DAW & Recording Inputs
Digitally Controlled Trim
Marinair Transformer-Balanced Cue Bus
3 Mono Auxes
24 Balanced Inserts
Group & Mix Routing Matrix
24 Numbered Manual or Motorized Faders
Large VU Meters
Group & Stereo Mix EQ
Dual 1073 Preamps
Class DI Inputs
500 Series Slots
Professional Monitoring Options
Stereo Width Feature
Dual Stereo Reverb Returns
Under Armrest Headphone & DI Connections
Built-In Recall System
Multi DAW Control & Automation
360° – Click & Drag
Legendary Analogue Sound
Voltage Mixing
The 8424’s unique mix bus uses voltage mixing through Marinair® transformers. This topology uses the best characteristics from the vintage Neve® 80-series consoles to provide a unique sonic signature unmatched by modern studio consoles.
Modern Neve® Topology
The 8424 channel topology is evolved from the modern Neve® Genesys and 88R console range, providing a wide bandwidth, transparent platform with perfect stereo imaging. This design allows you to add colour where needed at your discretion via inserts or through the Marinair® transformer-coupled mix bus.
1073® Recording Inputs
The centre section features two independent 1073® preamplifiers with standalone I/O and smart routing, ideal overdubbing tools.
Class A DI's
Two instrument DI’s with under-armrest connection, class-A circuitry and smart routing are perfect for instrument recording from the console surface.
500 Series Slots
Two VPR alliance specification 500 series slots are mounted into the centre of the console. These slots can be dynamically routed to several locations on the console via smart routing switches and can be added as mix bus inserts, group inserts or 1073/DI recording inserts.
Mix Bus Processing
Unique to studio consoles, the 8424 features built-in master bus EQ and stereo width enhancement. These processors, coupled with stereo insert, mix bus inject feature and 500 series smart routing, provide powerful tools for mixing or mastering.
Pro Creative Tools
Dual Input Channel Strip
Independent inputs via D-Type and TRS allow you to simultaneously connect 24 DAW returns and 24 recording inputs into the console.
Digitally Controlled Trim
Stepped trim encoders provide total accuracy of incoming and outgoing analogue audio signals.
24 Direct Outputs
The 8424 is a fully customisable recording platform; each channel is available for tracking via its digitally controlled direct output.
Aux & Cue Sends
The stereo Marinair® transformer balanced cue send and three mono aux sends are ideal for routing signals to outboard FX and performer cue mixes.
Balanced Inserts
Each channel has a switchable, balanced, +4dBu insert with send and return TRS connections. This design allows for a patch-bay-free connection using existing studio cabling.
Professional Solo System
Three solo modes – solo-in-place, after-fader-listen and pre-fader-listen, provide professional solo options for tracking, mixing, or overdubbing.
Large Format Features
Three Stereo Loudspeakers
Three loudspeaker outputs, each with trim calibration, allow for connection to three stereo loudspeaker sets. The console monitor control pot has 85dB SPL calibration, independent dim control, and mono summing provides total control over your studio monitoring system.
Dual Headphone System
Dual-headphone outputs, with independent mix sources, are mounted under the armrest, giving the Artist and Producer the convenience of working together at the console surface.
PPM & VU Metering
All 24 channels use 8-stage post-insert LED metering, ideal for metering all incoming signals and the large, backlit VU meters mounted in the centre of the console can be assigned to any mix output.
Four Mono Groups
The console’s four mono groups each have EQ, variable point balanced insert, routing matrix and pre/post-fade direct output – perfect for stem mixing or balancing instrument groups.
Dual Reverb Returns
The centre section features dual reverb returns with independent routing, solo options, and cue send, ideal for connecting analogue FX units or additional stereo line inputs.
Three-Way Talkback
The console features a built-in three-way talkback/return talkback system for communication between artist, engineer & producer, with creative options for demanding sessions.
Digital Control Technology
Onboard Recall System
Every setting on the 8424 console can be recalled via the embedded recall system. Console routing, soft switches, and motorised faders are automatically recalled at the push of a button.
Smart Routing
The intelligent switching options within the 8424 console make complex routing decisions simple. With single-button pushes, the 1073’s, DI’s, & 500 series slots can be dynamically routed to multiple locations depending on your current session workflow.
Offline Stores
The 8424 apps offline store feature communicates with the consoles internal storage, utilising the DAW computer for archiving, renaming, and loading console recall store files.
Customisable Recording Platform
Add up to three 1073OPX units to the console or any combination of external preamplifiers to create a custom recording platform built to your studio’s requirements.
OPX Linking
Remotely control up to three 1073OPX units from the console surface as if they were fully integrated preamps, with a digital display of all gain levels and input types.
Zero Faders
The motorised fader option includes a zero fader option, allowing the analogue levels to be restored to an absolute zero position at any point in a session.
Modern DAW Automation
Motorised Faders
The self-calibrating motorised faders transform the 8424 console into a fully-fledged DAW controller for complete in-the-box control.
Multi-Layer Control
Flip between analogue level control and DAW level control at the push of a button using highly accurate fader control technology.
Multi-DAW Workstation
Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo or Ableton can be controlled at the push of a button, allowing for an uninterrupted studio workflow.
Transport & Automation
The transport and automation controls are always active, allowing for total control of the DAW timeline in any console mode.
DAW VPOT Control
The consoles 24 trim controllers can control DAW pans, aux sends, and plugin controls in DAW mode, giving complete, ergonomic control over software parameters.
Active Fader Mode
This final mixdown feature transposes the positions of the DAW faders, onto the analogue layer of the console, giving post-processing, flying-fader style analogue automation controlled from the DAW.
From our Community
Mr. Firechild
“With the 8424 console I found my perfect match because the routing and features were exactly what I wanted but it also has the iconic Neve sound.”
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Kevin Teasley
“The 8424 enables me to get to the sound I hear in my head much faster – and therefore work more efficiently because I’m already starting off on the right path”
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J Studio
” We can preserve the vintage Neve tone while still benefiting from modern workflow enhancements.”
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Belly of the Beast
“The combination of Recall and summing is exactly what we wanted – and of course it has that fabulous, warm Neve sound”
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Joe Elliott
“Our Engineer Ronan and I wanted a Neve, and we identified the 8424 – which is a magic desk. I have one in my studio here, and Ronan has one in his studio – it works really well.”
Watch Video
Infinite Power Studios
“The 8424 offers everything I am used to on a large format mixer but it’s scaled to a size that made more sense in a control room where space is tight.”
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An Expert Overview
Watch Joe and Graeme’s four-part series discussing the 8424 and it’s impressive feature set
More Information and Support
General Specification
- Two inputs per channel – seamlessly switch from mix to record inputs at the push of a button
- Third channel strip Input for dual-layer use
- Mix up to 48 Mono Signals at once
- Marinair® Transformers on Mix, AFL, CUE bus for true Neve® voltage mixing
- 80 - series Neve sound in a compact frame
- Large format console centre section. Multiple speaker sets, dual cue system and three-way talkback system
- Internal snapshot system to save/load multiple all console settings across multiple sessions
- 500 series slots for internal expansion options
- 1073 preamps and DI inputs with Smart Routing for recording in the live or control room
- In-line console capability
- 25-way D-Type and balanced jack inputs on rear and on the front for a combination of simple and professional I/O connection
- Heat Dissipation: 225 watts
- Power factor: >0.87
- Input voltage range: 90-240v AC Only
- Current: Amps RMS 240v1.1A
- Current: Amps RMS 90v2.3A
- Current: Switch-On surge current -4 amps for 7ms (average)
Audio Performance
Line Input B to Direct Output
- Headroom+27.7dBu @ 1kHz (<0.5% THD+N)
- Frequency response typically +/-0.1dBu, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Distortion (THD+N)Typically 0.004% @ 1kHz (measured at +10dBu 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
- Noise <-88dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter)
Line B to Mix Output
- Headroom+27.4dBu @ 1kHz (<0.5% THD+N)
- Frequency ResponseTypically +/-0.1dBu, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Distortion (THD+N)Typically 0.004% @ 1kHz (measured at +10dBu, 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
- Noise<-85dBu (20Hz to 20kHz filter, no channel routed)<-84dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter, 1 channel routed)<-80dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter, 24channels routed)
1073 Input to 1073 Output
- Headroom+28.8dBu @ 1kHz (<0.5% THD+N)
- Frequency Response Typically +/-0.1dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Distortion (THD+N)Typically 0.005% @ 1kHz (measured at +20dBu, 10Hz to 80kHz filter)
- Noise(EIN)<-125.5dBu (20Hz to 22kHz filter, 60dB gain, input terminated 150Ω R)
Dimensions
- HeightTo top of LS Shelf (No Stand): 500mm (19.68 inches)
- Height To Top of LS Shelf (With Stand): 990mm (38.98 inches)
- Width: 1190mm (46.85 inches)
- Depth: 850mm (33.46inches)
- Weight(no stand): 53kg (117 pounds)
- Weight (with stand): 64kg (141 pounds)
- Console Weight: (with packaging) 84kg (185 pounds)
- Stand Weight: (with packaging) 12kg (26 pounds)
Frequently Asked Questions
I need more preamps for tracking, how can I expand the 8424's recording capability?
The 8424 console recording capability can be expanded easily, depending on your studio requirements. The 1073OPX and 8424 console were developed in tandem to allow console users to choose how many preamps they need for their setup. Up to three 1073OPX units can be connected to and controlled by the 8424 console, providing up to 26 total 1073 preamps across the board.
How do I connect the 8424 to my audio Interface?
The 8424 input A should be connected to your audio interface outputs; this allows for individual mix channels to appear on channels 1-24 of the console. The main mix output & group outputs should connect into audio interface inputs, along with any channel direct outputs 1-24, this will allow you to record signals coming from the 8424 outputs back into your DAW.
Which DAW's can the 8424 control?
The 8424 DAW control uses HUI & MCU protocol, Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Ableton, Luna, and Studio One are fully supported. However, many other DAW’s will connect provided that they use HUI or MCU protocol.
Can I automate real analogue fader levels?
Yes, the 8424’s Active Fader mode allows for complete automation of the analogue fader levels; this feature transposes DAW fader positions onto the analogue layer of the console. This system delivers the benefits of real analogue automation & fader grouping while being controlled from a single DAW session, removing the need for a secondary automation system with unlinked archiving.
Can I work on a DAW mix and an analogue mix at the same time?
Yes, the 8424 uses technology to allow you to ‘flip’ the faders into DAW mode at the push of a button; the analogue fader levels are retained underneath and can be accessed once again by pressing DAW mode. In addition, the 8424 console can work in split mode with DAW control assigned to any group of 8 faders you choose,. For example, you can have analogue faders on channels 1-16 and DAW control on faders 17-24.
Can I control DAW plugins?
Yes, the 8424 VPOTS can be assigned to control DAW plugins, pans, aux sends and automation, independent of the DAW faders. This system gives total control of all essential DAW parameters including full transport control and fader banking.
Can I use 500 series preamps in the 500 slots?
Additional 500 series preamps can be mounted into the 500 series slots; however, they will only be available in standalone mode and should not be routed as inserts across the mix bus or groups.
Does the 8424 have EQ on every channel?
No, the 8424’s 24 channels do not have built-in EQ, the console has been designed to supplement an in the box workflow, allowing you to continue to use your favourite plugins but to break out into the analogue domain, each channel has a fully balanced insert so external processing can be added at your choice. The console has EQ on the stereo mix fader and group faders allowing you to add sweet-sounding Neve EQ to the final mix outputs.
Does the console have Total Recall for all settings?
Yes, every setting, pot & fader position can be completely recalled with ease. The soft switches and routing are all automatic as well as the motorized faders, with a built-in recall program to recall pot positions. The 8424 app allows for recall files to be archived onto the DAW computer which can trigger the consoles recall program automatically.
Can I mount the 8424 console into custom studio furniture?
Yes, the 8424 can be mounted into custom studio furniture; we can provide dimensions, bulkhead drawings and instructions on how to remove the side trims, top trim and buffer so that you can seat the console into any custom studio setup.
Want to learn more about the 8424?
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