64-Channel Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Console Installed in Honolulu

Honolulu Community College (HCC) has installed the largest Rupert Neve Designs 5088 discrete analog console manufactured to date.

A 64-fader desk outfitted with 33 Portico modules in the penthouse section plus Martinsound Flying Fader automation, the 5088 console is the centerpiece of the Music and Entertainment Learning Experience (MELE) program’s brand new state-of-the-art production facility. The facility was funded by the Mike Curb Family Foundation through the University of Hawaii Foundation (UHF) and by federal grants.

According to the MELE Program Director, Keala Chock, the decision to install the 5088 was based on Mr. Neve’s long history as a premier designer of analog audio circuitry together with the quality and flexibility of his current Portico technology. “It’s a very solid platform for our students in Hawaii to engage in some really cutting edge technology in an analog format,” explains Chock. “We are the only program in the university and in the state of Hawaii that offers a degree in audio engineering, so it was important for us to recognize who the industry giants are and some of the technological contributions that have been made. Rupert Neve is among the best – if not THE best – because of his contributions.”

The new Mike Curb MELE Studio facilities, which include a classroom and two tracking rooms and offer space for future expansion, were designed by local architects Shimokawa + Nakamura. The contractors were Hidano Construction, also based in Honolulu. Additionally, the console was commissioned by master technician, and audio industry legend Martin J. “Babylon” Arthurs Esq.

Mele Program faculty John Vierra and Eric Lagrimas describe The Mike Curb MELE Studio as a “modern studio, which takes advantage of the best technology has to offer. The showpiece of the studio is a 64-channel frame Neve 5088 console designed by Rupert Neve.”

All outboard gear is routed through a state-of-the-art patchbay designed and installed by Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment audio engineering faculty and Belmont Dean Wes Bulla. The outboard credenza racks includes some of today’s best compressors, limiters and equalizers, such as George Massenburg 8304, Universal Audio 1176N, LA-2A, Vintech Pre/EQ, and Manley Variable Mu units. The studio also has high-end Eventide 7600 and Lexicon PCM 96 DSP devices. All this outboard analogue gear is integrated with a Pro Tools|HD4 Accel System, which is loaded with UAD plug-ins. The microphone cabinet is loaded with studio standards manufactured by Neumann, Shure, AKG, Manley, Earthworks, Audix, Rode and Sennheiser. Studio B is set up with a Toft ATB24 console integrated with a Pro Tools LE system.

Honolulu Community College developed an educational partnership with a national leader in the music business & entertainment education, Belmont University in Nashville, TN – “Music City.” The 21st-century music business is global-music from anywhere can go anywhere, and that includes music from Hawaii. There is no reason anymore to think of the word “local” as a limitation. Music from Hawai’i is currently being recognized as never before, nationally and around the world. Think of Brother Iz’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” on Facing Future, the first CD from Hawaii to go platinum, and Jack Johnson’s CD debuting at # 1 nationally. There is much more to come. Students enrolling at the MELE program can elect to pursue an associate degree in music business and/or audio engineering with matriculation opportunities to Belmont’s Curb College.

Founded by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs is built on passion, experience and a desire to create products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

For further details on Rupert Neve Designs, visit www.rupertneve.com.