RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC A/D Converter

A/D Converter

The RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC is an ideal A/D converter for tracking, mixing, or mastering, featuring dual analog circuitry that provides both a transformerless Class-A signal path (for the most transparent sound possible) and a more colored one, with custom audio transformers and variable Silk (to achieve a wide variety of tonal nuances).
The RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC was designed to deliver "reference" performance regardless of the desired genre or sonic character. The key to achieving this result lies in the quality of the analog circuitry.
To obtain a more powerful and distinctive sonic imprint, a custom transformer with Rupert Neve's famous Silk circuit can be inserted into the signal path, re-evoking the classic sound of his vintage designs. This transformer, unlike other RNDs designed for line-level outputs, is engineered to provide appropriate harmonic content even when feeding directly into the converter. With the addition of variable Silk, the user can precisely decide the amount of desired harmonic content. The "Red" mode emphasizes mid/high harmonics, while "Blue" accentuates low-band harmonics. From a transparent sound without Silk to a decidedly more colored and vintage one with the Silk/Texture circuit, the selectable transformer path can handle tracks with new and improved power. When maximum transparency and the highest sonic fidelity are required, the transformerless signal path allows for extraordinary clarity and detail.
While many transformerless circuits suffer from poor sonic balance and a lack of "punch," the Class-A circuit of the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC has been meticulously designed to offer a beautiful sense of sonic naturalness, with lively detail in both high and low frequencies. The completely clean signal path is an essential complement to the classic and "massive" sound that transformers typically provide.
RUPERT NEVE DESIGN has designed a limiter capable of functioning both as a high-quality musical "sculpting" tool, superior to plugin limiters, and continuing to serve as a "safety" limiter. To achieve this, RND has redefined the "compound active release" topology to improve both the accuracy and musicality of the limiter's response. The result is a limiter that offers both sonic transparency and the ability to push tracks and mixes to the limit without compromising the sonic integrity of the source. To further control the sound of the limiter, parameters have been provided to fine-tune its response. The integrated Side High-Pass Filter, adjustable from 20Hz to 250Hz, minimizes the limiter's reaction to low frequencies, which tend to have more "sustain" than highs. The threshold control sets the maximum level for the digital signal, and the variable release time alters the type of response to better suit different source types. To further raise levels within the limiter, the Class-A line amplifier can add 20dB of ultra-clean gain. The limiter can be used in either dual mono or stereo via the "link" switch, depending on the desired application.
The 24-bit/192kHz converters of the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC were developed after years of careful listening and represent a further improvement over those designed for the RMP-D8. The internal clock has ultra-low jitter and phase noise values, making recordings as accurate as possible. Simply put, the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC recreates an unprecedented digital representation of analog signals.
To connect digital interfaces and consoles, the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC features AES, S/PDIF, and TOSLINK outputs capable of simultaneously outputting to multiple destinations. The word clock output allows the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC to act as a high-end master clock for the entire setup, while the word clock input allows for external synchronization to a separate master clock. Finally, to perfectly integrate the RUPERT NEVE DESIGN MBC into a multichannel conversion environment, four standard levels from -14dBFS to -20dBFS can be selected to accurately match other converters. These calibration standards are implemented with a particularly high level of accuracy using high-precision resistors and relay-controlled stepped attenuation.
A pair of 22-segment meters provides extremely precise control over the input conversion stage. This new design represents the highest resolution LED meter found in a Rupert Neve Designs product. For monitoring limiter gain reduction, there is an 8-segment meter designed to show transient reduction with great accuracy. Level meters can be further customized with 1 and 3-second peak hold options.

Specifications

• XLR Line Input to AES3 Digital Output (Limiter Bypassed) – ZSOURCE= 40 Ω Balanced
• Input Impedance: 9.9 kΩ
• Common Mode Rejection @ 1 kHz: 105 dB typical

Transformerless Path

• Frequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.025 dB typical
• THD+N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.0009% typical
• Noise (BW 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -108 dBFS typical

Transformer Path

• Transformer Frequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typical
• THD+N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.002% typical
• Noise (BW 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -114 dBFS typical
• Limiter Specifications (Transformerless Path Selected) - ZSOURCE= 40 Ω Balanced
• Frequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typical
• Noise @ 0 dB Make-Up Gain (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -107 dBFS typical
• Noise @ +20 dB Make-Up Gain (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -97 dBFS typical