Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Sound Enhancer

$1,999.00

4.5 (2)

Used

$2,161.42 5 available New

$2,299.00

$2,299.00

5.0 (4)

$2,277.00 $2,255.00 $22.00 · All time low

$2,299.00

Average Price: $2,239

High-end/Boutique

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

In the Preamps category, Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Sound Enhancer is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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Description

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In the quest for pristine sound quality, the Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Sound Enhancer emerges as a quintessential tool for tackling feedback in live environments, without compromising the sonic integrity of your audio. Unlike conventional noise gates, this 2-channel enhancer remarkably boosts microphone levels by up to 20dB before feedback sets in, making it invaluable for venues such as churches, stadiums, and performance halls where feedback can disrupt performances.

Harnessing the power of its all-analog design, the 5045 features custom input and output transformers that maintain the purity of the source material. Its intuitive controls, including Threshold, Depth, and Time Constant, allow for swift adjustments on-the-fly, even in the heat of a performance. The unique RMS/Peak switch provides dynamic control over the attack and release speeds, ensuring the most natural and effective feedback reduction.

The 5045 seamlessly integrates into your setup with XLR connections and the ability to connect through mic preamp outputs or console insert sends. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a newcomer to live sound, this enhancer's ease of use and powerful capabilities make it an indispensable part of any audio toolkit.

Key Features:

2-channel feedback reduction without signal filtering
Increases microphone gain before feedback by up to 20dB
Custom input and output transformers for pristine analog sound
Threshold, Depth, and Time Constant controls for precise operation
RMS/Peak switch for dynamic response adjustment
XLR input and output for versatile connectivity

Product specs

Inputs	2 x XLR (line in)
Outputs	2 x XLR (line out)

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Sound Enhancer?: The Rupert Neve Designs 5045 is designed to reduce feedback and reverberation in live sound environments by enhancing the primary source signal, making it ideal for stage use where clarity is crucial.
How does the time constant feature on the Rupert Neve 5045 affect its performance?: The time constant setting adjusts how quickly the unit attenuates sound, with "A" being the fastest and "F" the slowest. This helps tailor the response to different acoustic challenges, such as preventing feedback or ensuring smooth transitions between words.
Can the Rupert Neve 5045 be used for both vocals and instruments?: Yes, the Rupert Neve 5045 can be effectively used for both vocals and instruments, enhancing the primary sound source by reducing unwanted noise and feedback, making it versatile for various live sound applications.
What are the input and output options available on the Rupert Neve Designs 5045?: The Rupert Neve Designs 5045 features 2 x XLR line inputs and 2 x XLR line outputs, allowing for easy integration into professional audio setups.
Does the Rupert Neve 5045 offer different detection modes for sound processing?: Yes, the Rupert Neve 5045 offers RMS and Peak detection modes. RMS provides a slower, averaged response, while Peak mode is faster, useful for handling transient peaks and shaping dynamic envelopes.

Videos

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Billy LaGuardia

Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer | Part 4 Live Sound

Billy LaGuardia

Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer | Part 2 Sound Test On A Live Recording

Billy LaGuardia

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptionally effective at reducing background noise even with the gate open
Enhances in-ear monitor experience by eliminating unwanted ambient sounds
Provides significant feedback reduction, allowing clearer vocal mixes
Features Rupert Neve transformers for subtle analog warmth in digital setups
Easy to use with quick setup and consistent performance
Especially effective for live vocal performances in noisy environments
Highly recommended for singers and speakers in challenging acoustic spaces

CONS

Primarily used for larger installations, may be overkill for smaller setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Sound Enhancer.

Features and functionality

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The 5045 is designed to sense the human voice, activating within the voice-specific spectrum with attack/release tailored to human vocal characteristics.
Source
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Achieving 6dB more gain before feedback is possible, but settings must be precise to avoid cutting off phrase ends, especially with quiet singers.
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The 5045's attack and release times are noted in the manual, with the attack being greater than zero, suggesting it handles transient signals differently than typical gates.
Source

Comparisons

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Compared to the Cedar DNS, the 5045 is less advanced, lacking ambient noise learning and independent multi-band processing, but it's also more affordable.
Source
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The Neve 5045 is often compared to standard gates, but its RMS detection and possible EQ in the detection circuit set it apart, offering unique gating capabilities.
Source

User experience

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Some users note the need for a very hot signal, nearly clipping the output on certain consoles, to achieve optimal performance.
Source
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Owners note that while the unit is excellent for reducing bleed when artists stay close to the mic, it's less effective with dynamic vocalists who frequently move away.
Source
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Some users find supercardioid mics, like the Audix OM7, beneficial in reducing bleed due to their tight pickup patterns, especially when directly in front of a drum kit.
Source
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Vocalists often face bleed issues when not singing or moving away from the mic, prompting the suggestion of changing mics or mic placement for better isolation.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Critical in environments like NFL stadiums for referee mics, providing essential noise reduction and gain before feedback.
Source
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The 5045 excels in open mic situations in front of the PA, particularly on stages with artists using wedges and sidefills.
Source
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The 5045 has notably improved clarity on multiple vocal mics for loud rock bands, significantly cleaning up ear mixes.
Source
0 0

For vocalists with drum bleed issues, using an expander mode on the X32's gate with sidechain filtering can mimic much of the 5045's functionality.
Source

Other

0 0

It's essentially a voice-intelligent gate, distinct from standard gates by its sophisticated real-time sinusoidal wave detection and cancellation capabilities.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Yamaha consoles offer an official plugin version, while Waves provides a more flexible but less transparent option, leading to varied user preferences.
Source

Critic Reviews

Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer | FOH | Front of House Magazine

fohonline.com

Rupert Neve Designs' 5045 Primary Source Enhancer is a live sound engineer's dream for taming feedback without sacrificing audio quality. This sleek, analog device boasts a simple three-knob interface, making it accessible even under pressure. During a challenging test in a reverberant venue, the 5045 delivered a significant increase in gain before feedback, without audible glitches—proving its worth in tough acoustic environments. However, the price tag might make some wince, and the reliance on an external power supply could be inconvenient for mobile setups. Despite these minor drawbacks, its performance and sound quality make the 5045 a solid investment for serious audio professionals.

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