Rupert Neve Designs 543 Mono Compressor / Limiter

• Mono compressor/limiter: Perfect for individual tracks or instruments.
• Feed-forward and feedback modes: Switch between modern and vintage compression styles.
• Sidechain high-pass filter: Prevents low-end frequencies from over-triggering compression.
• Blend control for parallel compression: Mix dry and compressed signals with ease.
• Fast and flexible attack/release settings: Ideal for diverse dynamics control.
• 500-series format: Compact design for modular studio setups.

The Rupert Neve Designs 543 Mono Compressor/Limiter is a versatile 500-series module, engineered to deliver professional-grade dynamics control for individual tracks, instruments, or even full mixes. Incorporating Rupert Neve’s signature sound and precision design, the 543 offers a wide range of dynamic shaping capabilities while adding musical warmth and character to any audio source.

The 543 is equipped with both feed-forward and feedback compression modes, giving users the flexibility to choose between modern, transparent compression or a more vintage, colored response. In feed-forward mode, the compressor reacts quickly to input levels, providing precise, clean compression that is ideal for modern production techniques. In feedback mode, the unit emulates the more classic Neve compression style, which is known for its smooth, musical compression characteristics that add warmth and depth to audio sources.

One of the key features of the 543 is its sidechain high-pass filter, which allows you to prevent low-end frequencies (such as bass or kick drums) from triggering excessive compression. This is particularly useful in situations where you want to maintain a solid low end without compromising the rest of the mix or track. By engaging the sidechain filter, you ensure that the compressor reacts primarily to midrange and high frequencies, resulting in a more balanced and controlled sound.

For enhanced flexibility, the 543 includes a blend control that enables parallel compression. With this feature, you can blend the compressed signal with the unprocessed "dry" signal, allowing for subtle dynamic control without losing the natural dynamics and transients of the source material. This is particularly useful for vocals, drums, and other instruments where preserving the original dynamics is essential while still benefiting from compression.

The attack and release controls on the 543 are highly adjustable, offering fast, medium, and slow settings to suit a variety of sources and dynamics. The fast attack setting is ideal for taming transient-heavy signals such as drums, while the slower settings work beautifully for more sustained sources like vocals or bass. The compressor also features a gain reduction meter, providing real-time visual feedback on the amount of compression being applied.

Built into the 500-series format, the Rupert Neve Designs 543 integrates seamlessly into modular studio setups. Its compact form factor is ideal for both small and large studios that rely on flexible, high-quality signal processing. Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or mastering, the 543 delivers precise dynamics control with the renowned warmth and character of Neve’s classic designs.

In studio use, the 543 excels on individual tracks such as vocals, guitars, bass, and drums, where dynamic control and tone-shaping are critical. The compressor's ability to switch between feed-forward and feedback modes makes it versatile enough to handle everything from modern, transparent compression to rich, vintage-style limiting. Its parallel compression feature makes it ideal for handling complex dynamics without sacrificing the natural tone of the source material.

Gain Range
Continuously variable from -6 dB to +20 dB