Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $4,360
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "AMS Neve 33609". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the world of iconic sound with the Neve 33609, a signal processor that has become a staple in studios worldwide. This discrete Class-A design compressor/limiter is revered for its exceptional warmth and ability to enhance mixes with unmatched clarity. Drawing inspiration from its 1970s roots, the 33609 offers a compelling blend of vintage character and modern functionality. Whether you're smoothing out vocals or adding punch to your drum tracks, its versatility shines through.
The Neve 33609 is equipped with independent compressor and limiter sections on each channel, allowing for flexible signal processing. Its handwired Neve transformers not only ensure premium quality but also preserve the rich analog tone that Neve is celebrated for. The unit can be used in stereo or dual-mono, providing a dynamic range of applications from tracking to mixdown. The compressor offers a variety of ratio settings and recovery times, while the limiter features a brickwall style with adjustable recovery options. This combination delivers a cohesive sound, gluing your mix together while maintaining the integrity of individual tracks.
Perfect for music recording, mastering, post-production, or broadcast applications, the Neve 33609 is more than just a stereo buss compressor. It's a versatile tool that elevates your recordings to a higher sonic standard, making it an essential asset for any studio aiming for professional-grade results.
Key Features:
- Discrete Class-A design for low-distortion performance
- Handwired Neve transformers for authentic analog warmth
- Independently selectable limiter and compressor
- Brickwall-style limiter with variable recovery times and auto modes
- Versatile compressor with multiple ratio and recovery settings
- Fast and slow attack options
- Pre-limiter gain makeup control
- Usable in stereo or dual-mono modes
Product specs
| Type | Diode-Bridge Compressor/Limiter |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Controls | Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Recovery |
| Threshold | Limit: +4dBu to +15dBu, Compress: -20dBu to +10dBu |
| Ratio | 1:5:1 to 6:1 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB) |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR |
| Outputs | 2 x XLR |
| Sidechain I/O | 1 x 15-pin (tandem control voltage) |
| Rack Spaces | 2U |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 10" |
| Width | 19" |
| Weight | 11 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of compression does the AMS Neve 33609 use?
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The AMS Neve 33609 is a diode-bridge compressor/limiter, known for its smooth and musical compression characteristics.
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How many channels does the AMS Neve 33609 have?
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The AMS Neve 33609 features two channels, making it ideal for stereo applications or dual-mono use.
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What are the main controls available on the AMS Neve 33609?
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The AMS Neve 33609 offers controls for threshold, ratio, attack, and recovery, allowing precise shaping of compression and limiting.
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Does the AMS Neve 33609 have sidechain capabilities?
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Yes, the AMS Neve 33609 includes a sidechain I/O via a 15-pin connector for tandem control voltage.
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Is the AMS Neve 33609 suitable for mastering?
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Yes, the AMS Neve 33609 is highly regarded for mastering due to its transparent compression and wide frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Videos
John Browne
The legendary Ams Neve 33609 compressor/limiter
The legendary Ams Neve 33609 compressor/limiter
John Browne
Vintage Neve 33609 Compressor/Limiter | VintageKing.com
Vintage King
Reviews
PROS
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Dual independent processors offer both limiting and compression in one unit
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Crafted in the UK, ensuring high-quality build and sound fidelity
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Versatile use for vocals, mixing, and mastering with a polished sound output
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Functions as two completely independent mono processors for flexibility
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Provides exceptional headroom for a wide dynamic range
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Adds a 'glue' effect to mixes, making tracks sound cohesive
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Warm, natural sound expansion without specific settings
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Clean and clear sound under technical conditions, warm saturation under extreme conditions
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Suitable for a variety of applications, including out-of-the-box mixing and mastering
CONS
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Limited attack speed settings, which might not suit all mixing preferences
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AMS Neve 33609.
Comparisons
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The Neve 33609 is described as adding too much color with less low-end punch compared to SSL, making it tighter-sounding and suited for specific genres.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Neve 33609 is preferred for tracking to add flavor to individual tracks, while SSL is favored for mixbus duties for its versatility.
Source
Features and functionality
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Neve 33609 has a fast attack characteristic that cannot be altered, impacting its suitability for certain mixes.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In a 2014 interview with AudioTechnology, Manny Marroquin mentioned he used the Neve 33609 Compressor when mixing Burn It Down by Linkin Park:
"The outboard was an Avalon 2044 compressor going into a Neve 1073 EQ on the kick and the snare, which came up on Channels 4, 5, & 6 on the board. I also added parallel compression on all the drums, using the Neve 33690 compressor and the Pultec EPQ-1A, to add more punch."
In this video you can see Philippe Zdar showing a 33609G compressor
Vance Powell utilizes the Neve 33609, a versatile effects processor known for its independent sidechains for compressor and limiter sections. It offers controls for threshold, recovery, and attack, and features a selectable compression ratio from 1.5:1 to 6:1 with gain make-up before the limiter. A moving coil meter displays overall gain reduction. A user-uploaded photo confirms his use of this gear.
Used for vocals on Josh Groban, Closer, Awake, Noël and Stages, as stated by producer Bernie Herms in this August 2015 Sound on Sound interview.
Groban’s vocals were also recorded at Westlake, using, says Herms, “a Schoeps CMC5U condenser mic with MK5 capsule, going to a Neve 1073, into a GML 8200 EQ , and finally a Neve 33609 compressor. This chain was actually designed for Josh by Hum [Humberto Gatica] on the early records he engineered and mixed for David Foster.”
Per this photo in a feature for Women in Sound dated Feb 12, 2018. Several 33609 compressors can be seen, rack-mounted in Prince's Studio.
In a YouTube video by 作曲家・和田貴史の庭, Neeraj Khajanchi is shown using the Neve 33609 in his studio, NK SOUND TOKYO. The Neve 33609 is a versatile effects processor, featuring independent sidechains for its compressor and limiter, adjustable threshold, recovery, and attack controls, and a selectable compression ratio ranging from 1.5:1 to 6:1, complete with a gain make-up control.
Album Usage
The AMS Neve 33609 has been featured on the following albums:
Anthem Of The Peaceful Army
Greta Van Fleet (2018)
Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends
Coldplay (2008)
Violet Hill
Coldplay (2008)
Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
Foo Fighters (2007)
Icky Thump
The White Stripes & Jack White & Jack White (2007)
Frank
Amy Winehouse (2003)
Mule Variations (Remastered)
Tom Waits (1999)
C'est Chic (2018 Remaster)
CHIC (1978)
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 33609, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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