Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,299

High-end/Boutique

$599

$2000+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

In the world of audio engineering, the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ stands as a beacon of sonic excellence and innovation. This module pays homage to the legendary Neve 1073, boasting a 3-band inductor EQ and preamp that capture the essence of Rupert Neve's classic designs. With its discrete Class A topologies and custom-wound transformers, the 5052 not only delivers the vintage sound that aficionados crave but does so with modern precision and reliability.

The Shelford 5052 features an array of contemporary enhancements, such as the variable Silk and Texture controls from the Portico II Series, allowing you to sculpt your sound with unparalleled versatility. Dial in the perfect amount of harmonic richness and warmth, or keep it clean and pristine. The highpass filter is sweepable from 20Hz to 250Hz, offering precise control over your low-end frequencies. With Mic/Line selection, 48V phantom power, and polarity reverse, it's equipped to handle any recording situation with ease.

Whether you're tracking vocals, instruments, or crafting complex mixes, the 5052's EQ section provides a blend of vintage and modern tonal options. Its low frequency band, inspired by the revered 1064, offers both peak and shelf modes, while the midrange band, modeled after the 1073, ensures your tracks sit perfectly in the mix. This preamp is more than just a piece of gear; it's a sonic powerhouse that bridges the gap between the golden age of analog and today's digital precision.

Key Features:

  • Discrete Class A gain with 72dB of gain
  • Custom-wound transformers and inductors
  • Variable Silk/Texture controls for harmonic content adjustment
  • 3-band inductor EQ with peak/shelf low band
  • Sweepable 20–250Hz highpass filter
  • Mic/Line selection, 48V phantom power, and polarity reverse
  • Fits Rupert Neve Designs 5088 console or vertical racks
  • Handcrafted in the USA

Product specs

Preamp Type Solid State
Number of Channels 1
Phantom Power Yes
Polarity Switch Yes
EQ 3-band
Analog Inputs 1 x XLR (mic), 1 x XLR (line), 1 x XLR (EQ in)
Analog Outputs 1 x XLR (main out), 1 x XLR (mic out)
Frequency Response 10Hz to 40kHz (±0.1dB)
Power Source Requires Shelford 24V power supply

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 require?

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ requires a Shelford 24V power supply to operate.

Does the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 is equipped with phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones.

What are the connectivity options available on the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052?

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 features 1 x XLR mic input, 1 x XLR line input, 1 x XLR EQ input, 1 x XLR main output, and 1 x XLR mic output.

Is the EQ section on the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 adjustable?

Yes, the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 includes a 3-band EQ section, allowing for detailed tonal shaping of your audio.

What is the frequency response of the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ?

The frequency response of the Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 ranges from 10Hz to 40kHz, ensuring high fidelity audio reproduction.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Series 5051 and 5052 Modules Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Series 5051 and 5052 Modules Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Series 5051 and 5052 Modules Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Shelford 5052 Overview during AES 2013 by Rupert Neve

Shelford 5052 Overview during AES 2013

Rupert Neve

Rupert Neve

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Series 5052 / 5051 Modules Review with Samples by purewaveaudio

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Series 5052 / 5051 Modules Review with Samples

purewaveaudio

purewaveaudio

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs 5051 & 5052 - AES 2013 by Sound On Sound magazine

Rupert Neve Designs 5051 & 5052 - AES 2013

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs - Shelford 5052 - KMR Demo Room by KMR Audio

Rupert Neve Designs - Shelford 5052 - KMR Demo Room

KMR Audio

KMR Audio

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5051 & 5052

soundonsound.com

Rupert Neve Designs' Shelford 5052 Mic Preamp & EQ channels the spirit of classic Neve consoles with a modern twist, delighting audio aficionados. The blend of vintage 1064 and 1073 elements with contemporary Portico series components results in a unit that offers the revered Neve warmth and precision. The 5052 stands out with its inductor-based EQ, offering refined control over frequencies, while adding flexibility with new frequency settings. The thoughtful design ensures a minimalist signal path, preserving sound clarity and musicality. While the need for external power and custom racks might deter some, the Shelford 5052 delivers exceptional sonic quality that justifies the investment for serious engineers.

positive

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Mic Preamp & EQ dazzles with its stunning design and remarkable sound quality. Drawing inspiration from classic Neve modules, the 5052's Mic Pre and 'best-of' EQ section offer rich, full tones that breathe life into recordings. The Silk/Texture feature adds contemporary versatility, allowing for both modern clarity and vintage warmth. However, this level of craftsmanship comes at a hefty price, positioning the 5052 as a serious investment for dedicated studio users. Despite the cost, its unparalleled audio fidelity makes it a worthy consideration for those seeking to elevate their sound.

positive

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5051 and 5052 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Rupert Neve Designs' Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ is a sonic masterpiece with its robust analogue circuitry. Musicians will appreciate its solid mic pre with ample gain and a musical EQ that adds character to any sound. The craftsmanship is impeccable, delivering a construction that's as beautiful as it is functional. While the price tag might be daunting, the only notable downside is the absence of a DI option on the 5052. Overall, this unit is a fantastic choice for those seeking creamy, rich, and detailed audio without compromise.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

1 alternative for Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Rupert Neve Designs Preamps

Rupert Neve Designs 511

$769.00 - $849.00

# 10

Rank

Josh Dun Oliver Ackermann Bibio
5 artists using
Avalon VT-737SP

$2,250.00 - $4,111.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Ed Sheeran
106 artists using
API 512c

$835.38 - $968.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
33 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,205.39 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Billie Joe Armstrong Kevin Parker John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$499.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$915.00 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,950.56 - $2,830.00

# 8

Rank

Steven Wilson Avicii Matt Berry
12 artists using
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

$333.00 - $464.00

# 9

Rank

Chris Cornell James Taylor Masaru Teramae
11 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

# 11

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$729.00 - $899.00

# 12

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 14

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$766.84 - $1,799.99

# 18

Rank

Tim Henson beaux Alex Rüdinger
5 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$979.00 - $1,435.00

# 21

Rank

Andy Schichter Matt Didemus
2 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$143.00 - $168.00

# 22

Rank

mndsgn James Petralli Mirrored Theory
3 artists using
ART Pro MPA II

$492.00 - $579.00

# 24

Rank

Josh Turner Ivan Julian Zac Tiessen
3 artists using
Warm Audio WA12

$230.00 - $449.00

# 25

Rank

George Clanton Jonwayne
2 artists using
Vintech Audio X73i

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

# 26

Rank

Joe Bonamassa Kashiwabara Yuzuru Headscan
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Gear Guides