The History Behind The Neve 33609 Compressor

Vintage King's Ryan McGuire recently deciphered the history of Neve's 33609 compressor/limiter to explain the differences between the several models that have been released over the years. Read on to discover what makes each significant and how this studio favorite has evolved and been emulated since its creation three decades ago.

Neve 33609

The original (often called "Metal Knob") Neve 33609 was a rackmount adaptation of the Class A/B 2264, 32264 and 33314 (broadcast version) compressor/limiter console modules, which were a later incarnation of the fully Class A 2254. All use what's called a "diode-bridge" topology to achieve gain reduction.

Neve 33609/C

The original all discrete "Metal Knob" version of the 33609 was discontinued by Neve and replaced with the 33609/C version. The C version had a more robust power supply and the amplifiers used the BA640 IC based cards, as opposed to the earlier discrete BA440 cards. The new 640 had more headroom and a faster recovery time after clipping, which was important for broadcast use. Another difference was based on the transformers, the C used Belclere transformers, as opposed to the Maranair/St.Ives of the original version.

AMS Neve 33609/J

The next version following the C was called the 33609/J. The "J" stood for Japan, as after Neve discontinued the C version, there was enough demand from Japan specifically that AMS Neve reissued the 33609. The J was non-discrete as the C had been, so shortly after release and following the requests of many users, AMS Neve turned the J into the 33609/JD version. The "/JD" stands for "Japan Discrete" and went back to the BA440 type amplifiers of the earliest version, which many end users preferred.

AMS Neve 33609/JD

AMS Neve 33609/N

The most recent iteration, the 33609/N, uses more modern construction techniques, similar to the 1073N. The transformers are now of the Maranair branded variety that AMS Neve is having custom made for them to the original specs of the earliest version. The look of the unit harkens back to the original "Metal Knob" a bit more. They have added a fast and slow switch to the compressor attack time, which none of the other versions had. The unit remains discrete and has a sound very much in line with those originals. There is also enhanced "I/O" switching on this newest version.