33609
Effects by Neve
The Neve 33609 is a stereo compressor and limiter introduced by the British manufacturer Neve in 1983. Built around a diode-bridge gain reduction circuit derived from the classic 2254 module, it delivers a smooth, glue-like compression that has made it a studio favourite for mix bus and mastering work for decades.
Specifications
| Type | Stereo diode-bridge compressor/limiter |
| Controls | Independent compressor and limiter sections per channel; compressor ratio 1.5:1 to 6:1, fast/slow attack, stepped threshold and recovery (100ms-1.5s plus auto), +20dB make-up gain; limiter with fast/slow attack and recovery; mono/stereo link switch; per-channel gain-reduction meters |
| Bypass | Per-channel hardware bypass with compressor and limiter independently switchable |
| Series | 33609 (1983), 33609/C, 33609/J, 33609/JD, 33609/N |
| Format | 19-inch rackmount, 2U |
| Dimensions | 482 x 90 x 254 mm |
| Weight | 5 kg |
| Power Supply | 100-230 V AC, 50/60 Hz, internal universal PSU |
| Power Consumption | 28W |
| Connections | Balanced XLR input and output per channel; input impedance 10kΩ (switchable to 600Ω); maximum output >26dBu into 600Ω; rear D-sub for tandem control voltage and external linking |
| Notes | Diode-bridge gain reduction derived from the Neve 2254 module; discrete Class A design with Marinair/Carnhill transformers; independent compressor and limiter circuits; frequency response ±0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz, distortion <0.075% in bypass. In production since the early 1980s, with the hand-built 33609/N the current revision. A long-standing studio-standard mix-bus and mastering compressor. |
