Rupert Neve Designs 5052 Shelford Mic Pre / Inductor EQ (vertical only)

• Class A microphone preamp with transformer-based gain
• 3-band inductor EQ with selectable midrange frequency
• Silk and Texture controls for harmonic saturation
• 72dB of gain for low-output microphones
• Built-in high-pass filter
• Designed for vertical mounting in 500-series racks

The Rupert Neve Designs 5052 Shelford Mic Pre / Inductor EQ is a sophisticated, high-end audio module designed to combine the best elements of vintage Neve tone with modern flexibility. The 5052 features a Class A mic preamp circuit based on Rupert Neve’s legendary 1073 design, providing a rich, harmonically complex sound that brings warmth and character to vocal, instrument, or drum recordings.

The integrated 3-band inductor EQ gives users precise tonal control. The selectable midrange frequency allows detailed shaping in the critical mids, while the low and high shelves help to sculpt the extremes of the frequency spectrum. This makes the 5052 ideal for recording, mixing, or even mastering, as it can add analog color and clarity to digital recordings.

The Silk and Texture controls are one of the 5052’s standout features, allowing users to dial in various degrees of harmonic saturation. Whether you’re aiming for subtle warmth or a more aggressive vintage edge, these controls offer a wide tonal palette, enhancing the analog feel in recordings.

With up to 72dB of gain, the 5052 is an excellent choice for low-output microphones, like ribbon mics, ensuring clean and robust amplification without noise. The built-in high-pass filter further adds flexibility, allowing engineers to filter out unwanted low-end rumble, making it ideal for vocal and acoustic instrument recordings.

Designed exclusively for vertical mounting in 500-series racks, the 5052 integrates seamlessly into modular studio environments. Whether you're outfitting a home studio or a professional recording setup, this module adds legendary Neve warmth and tonal control to any signal chain.

Use Cases:

• Ideal for capturing detailed and rich vocal performances with a vintage tone
• Enhances instrument recordings with both precision EQ and analog warmth
• Adds harmonic richness and analog character to digital recordings, making it perfect for mixing and mastering

General
Model: Rupert Neve Designs 5052 Shelford Mic Pre / Inductor EQ
Type: 1-channel microphone preamplifier and EQ module (500 series, vertical orientation only)

Frequency Response
Range: 20 Hz to 40 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)

Gain
Mic Preamp Gain: 0 dB to +72 dB (variable)
Trim: -6 dB to +6 dB

Inputs
Mic Input: 1 x XLR balanced
Line Input: 1 x XLR balanced (switchable)
Hi-Z Input: 1 x 1/4” TS (for instruments)
Phantom Power: +48V, switchable

Outputs
Main Output: 1 x XLR balanced
Maximum Output Level: +23 dBu

EQ Section
High Frequency: 8 kHz fixed, ±15 dB shelf
Mid Frequency: 70 Hz to 8 kHz, ±12 dB peak
Low Frequency: 35 Hz to 220 Hz, ±15 dB shelf
High-Pass Filter: 60 Hz, 12 dB/octave

Impedance
Mic Input Impedance: 2.4 kΩ
Line Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Hi-Z Input Impedance: 2 MΩ

Controls
Phase Reverse: Switchable
Silk / Texture Control: Provides harmonic enhancement with variable “Silk Red” and “Silk Blue” modes for harmonic coloration
EQ Bypass: Switchable for inductor EQ

Performance
THD+N: <0.025% at 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Noise: -90 dBu (unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Power
Power Requirement: Requires compatible 500-series rack for power supply (±16V)

Physical
Module Format: 500 series (vertical)
Dimensions: Standard 500-series module size