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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer is a timeless tool that has been shaping the sound of music since its inception in 1972. Originally designed as an upgrade to the iconic 1073, the 1081 offers a 4-band inductor-based equalizer that elevates tone-sculpting to an art form. Revered for its sonic authority and robust build, this preamp is an essential addition to any studio aiming for that classic, radio-ready sound. Whether you're capturing vocals or instruments, the 1081 delivers a rich, full-bodied presence with its proprietary Marinair transformers, ensuring wide, linear bandwidth and unparalleled audio fidelity.

This preamp doesn't just shine in its sound quality; it also offers a user-friendly experience. The precision gain levels, adjustable in 5dB steps, allow for meticulous control over your audio, while the separate high-pass and low-pass filters help eliminate unwanted frequencies. The AMS Neve 1081 maintains the vintage aesthetics and craftsmanship of its predecessors, with a military-grade build that remains reliable under the most demanding studio conditions.

For those in pursuit of the legendary Neve sound, the 1081 is a dream realized. Its ability to handle up to 80dB of gain makes it perfect for even the quietest sources, while the innovative design continues to set standards in today's hybrid analog-digital workflows. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a budding producer, this preamp offers the flexibility and sound quality needed to craft exceptional recordings.

Key Features:

  • 4-band inductor-based equalizer with expanded tone-sculpting capabilities
  • Proprietary Marinair transformers for input and output stages
  • Precision gain control with 5dB step increments
  • 80dB of microphone preamp gain
  • Selectable high-pass and low-pass filters (18dB per octave)
  • Separate 48V phantom power supply
  • Phase flip and solo button for channel output selection
  • Handcrafted by Neve engineers in the UK

Product specs

Preamp Type 80 Series Solid State Preamp (horizontal)
Number of Channels 1
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)
Phantom Power Yes
Polarity Switch Yes
EQ 4-band EQ, Hi Q Mid Bands, Bandpass Filter
Module Slot Size Single
Power Usage 24V DC, 192mA
Height 1.8"
Depth 10.8"
Width 10.9"
Weight 6.4 lbs.

FAQs

What are the main features of the AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer?

The AMS Neve 1081 features a 4-band EQ with Hi Q mid bands, a bandpass filter, and a single-channel 80 Series solid-state preamp. It includes phantom power and a polarity switch, making it versatile for various recording applications.

How does the AMS Neve 1081 compare to the Neve 1073?

The Neve 1081 offers four EQ bands with variable highs and peak or shelving options, while the 1073 provides three EQ bands and a fixed high-shelf. Both are highly regarded for their unique sound qualities.

Is the AMS Neve 1081 suitable for recording vocals and instruments?

Yes, the AMS Neve 1081 is ideal for recording both vocals and instruments, offering a wide frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and the classic Neve sound that has been favored by engineers for decades.

Does the AMS Neve 1081 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the AMS Neve 1081 includes phantom power, allowing it to be used with condenser microphones that require external power.

What type of power supply does the AMS Neve 1081 require?

The AMS Neve 1081 requires a 24V DC power supply with a power usage of 192mA.

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Neve 1081 | VintageKing.com

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Neve 1081 | VintageKing.com

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer.

Features and functionality

  • The 500 series format allows for a compact setup with the use of a single power supply, though it may cause power issues if not high-quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Neve 8803 offers a wider, more precise, and high-end sound suitable for vocals and acoustic instruments, while the 551 is aggressive and excellent for low-end applications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 8803 excels on vocals and pianos, providing a 3D, round sound, whereas the 551 is more suited for kicks, snares, and bass due to its raw and gritty character.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 8803's robust functionality includes precise equalization and a fat, thick sound, offering more versatility than the 551's traditional Neve character.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Given the 2023 price point, the Neve 8803's functionality makes it a more desirable investment compared to the RND 551, unless specifically seeking the latter's aggressive sound.

    Source

Other

  • AMS Neve produces the authentic Neve products like 1073 and 1081, while Rupert Neve Designs (RND) is a separate entity, although both carry Rupert Neve's design legacy.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Daft Punk recorded bass guitar DI, via the Neve 1081.

See how Paul McCartney uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Neve 1081 channel strips are listed in this blog

See how Johnny Marr uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Mixonline

This article on the making of Marr's 2018 Call the Comet album by MixOnline.com touches on some of the gear used during the recording process. "The Shure SM58 is the preferred microphone for his vocals for its grittiness, run through the 1081 into a Tube-Tech CL 1B with low compression ratios to even everything out." (While the engineer is providing this feedback, the gear is housed in Marr's own Crazy Face studios, which contains gear he's collected over his decades in the music industry.)

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mix engineer Tommaso Colliva on recording Drones : “We had the bass cabs in the basement, which meant quite a long cable run, and for this reason we also had the mic pres in the basement, which usually were Neve 1081s, going into an [Teletronix] LA2A or [Empirical Labs] Distressor for compression, and then into insert returns on the desk, where we could apply some final level and EQ while bypassing the line amp on the desk.”

See how Geddy Lee uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified

Geddy Lee's use of the AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer is confirmed through the recording techniques described in Eric Hansen's article, "The Recording Techniques Behind Snakes & Arrows," published in EQ, September 2007. It is noted that engineer Richard Chycki recorded each direct line through a Neve 1081 preamp as part of the signal chain, which also included a Tech 21 SansAmp DI, a Palmer Speaker Simulator, and a Martech MSS-01 Bass DI, along with Universal Audio LA-2 compressors.

See how Neil Young uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Accoridng to this Sound on Sound interview with producer Al Schmitt, Young used an Neve 1081 for his vocals on Storytone.

"Neil stood right next to the conductor, and sang into the same Neumann M49 that Barbra Streisand used. I figured that mic would work well on his voice, and it did. (...) I used my Neve 1081 mic pre on Neil’s voice, though I did not use compression in his case."

See how Justin Vernon uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In the photo that starts with "Studio A.." you can see the Neve 1081 preamps on the left of the photo in the rack mount

See how Björk uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Björk

Singer, Keyboardist

The Sugarcubes

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Much of the writing and recording of Vulnicura took place at Björk’s New York home, where she has the ultimate 21st Century studio. The total music–tech content consists of an Avid Pro Tools HD Native Thunderbolt system, Genelec 1032 monitors (“I like them a lot, they sound very creamy. But they can be deceptive, because everything sounds good in them. So you have to be a little careful.”), an M–Audio controller, a Telefunken ELAM 251 microphone and Neve 1081 mic preamp.

See how The Chemical Brothers uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via Synthtopia

the AMS Neve 1081 can be seen on of the racks in the center of this image

See how Beck uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Beck

Singer, Guitarist

Loser

...
Verified via AudioTechnology

Used on vocals for Morning Phase, as stated in this May 4, 2014 Audio Technology interview with mix engineer Tom Elmhirst.

On lead vocals, Elmhirst used a Neve 1081 with a high pass at 82Hz and a little cut at 15kHz, an Altec A322C tube compressor and Pultec EQP-1A3.

See how Noah "40" Shebib uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Noah "40" Shebib

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this artcle Noah 40 Shebib states "a Neumann U87, and his scratch vocals. I'll use either a Sony C800G on him or, if he's in the control room, a Shure SM57. The mics go through a Neve 1073 or 1081, and I'll have an Teletronix LA2A on his voice, not hitting that too hard. These sketches will sometimes make it to the record. I'll sometimes sample them." on recording Drake. This was for the Take Care era

See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

the AMS Neve 1081 can be seen in the image

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
6
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
6
Neumann U47 FET
Neumann U47 FET Condenser Microphones
4
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
4
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
4
Beyerdynamic M88
Beyerdynamic M88 Dynamic Microphones
3
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
3

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