Hand-built in Burnley, England to its original 1970’s specifications, the Neve 33609 Stereo Compressor offers comprehensive limiting and compression facilities for music recording, mastering, post production and broadcast applications. The 33609’s combination of hand-wired transformers and gain reduction circuitry produces a sound quality which is often duplicated, yet seldom achieved by any other compressor / limiter. Coupled with the unit’s unparalleled ease of use, this inimitable sound quality has made the 33609 a worldwide studio standard for three decades.
The hallmark 33609 compression sound is very smooth, and extreme settings may be used with the compression or limiting remaining transparent. Two versions of this compressor are available, the 33609J and the 33609JD. Both units offer the legendary Neve sound, with enhanced internal and external I/O switching compared to the original model. The only difference between the units is that the 33609JD utilizes a discrete output stage for a slightly warmer sound that is preferred by some professionals. Multiple units can be easily linked for multi-channel operation.
The 33609 features independent sidechains for the compressor and limiter sections, with similarly independent threshold, recovery and attack controls. The compressor features a selection of ratios from 1.5:1 to 6:1 and a gain make-up control that comes before the limiter. Overall gain reduction is indicated on a moving coil meter.
Much like the classic 1073 and 1081 microphone preamplifiers, the 33609 Stereo Compressor is often cited as a “desert island” compressor—one which a healthy sampling of the world’s top engineers and producers would choose above all others.
Heritage The 33609 is based on the classic 2254 Limiter/Compressor, introduced by Neve in 1969. The 33609J uses circuitry similar to the classic 33609C. The 33609/JD, on the other hand, incorporates a 340 discreet output stage as used in the original 33609 design.
Neve 33609 JD Overview
Classic Stereo Compressor / Limiter designed
to exacting 1970’s specifications
Hand-made using hand-wired Neve
transformers in Burnley, England
Classic 2254 feedback compression circuitry
Discrete output stage for warm, full sound
Brick Wall Limiting
Transparent level control
Perfect for mixing, broadcast, and
mastering applications
Hard Limit feature for digital recording
Limit in/out Compress in/out
Neve "Classic" Outboard - Genuine Neve product hand built in UK using all of the original components, nothing new in 30 years
