Who should I ask to service our Neve 2254/E ?

[original_min]

This is really quite embarrassing.

Right off the bat, I confess to having limited experience with stuff of this ilk, broken or otherwise but I think this unit needs a look at.
At least I think it does...
Unlike the Prism or the 1073 modules that I've spent a bit of time on in the past, this 2254 is unnervingly subtle, well almost inaudible.
Needless to say this grey box is challenging my confidence!, either it or I need a bit of help!


It passes signal in and out, the meters work, the dusty switches click audibly but it's not compressing or limiting anywhere near what I'd expect,
The unit doesn't seem to do much until the threshold is wound round to +10, it then kicks in rather dramatically exhibiting all signs of squashed to hell, lets get crazy kind of pumping.
To be honest I can't say if the compressor is doing much or not, various levels, meters and tests say not, the limiter I can see and hear working but the gain through the box seems completely wrong.

We're in Melbourne, I've had a few suggestions outside the forum.
Are there any wise opinions on who to take it to?

[HA_DA_JA]

Just cut your losses and give it to me.
Cheers

[HA_DA_JA]

OR give Rob Squire a call Pro Harmonic. 0421 321 544.
Cheers

[Chinagraf]

Hi, sounds like it needs a recap. There may be an issue with the sidechain board. They are really simple to recap, only 4 little boards, but you need the right tools. Documentation is pretty tricky to get as there are a lot of revisions. Coincidentally I was loooking for some documents I have on the calibration procedure yesterday as I suspect the limiter calibration is out on my ones. No luck yet, but if I find it I'll drop you a line.
In Melbourne I'd suggest Ross Giles @ Giles Audio. Ross is in Ashwood. PM me if you need his number.
They are beautiful comps when working right.
Some schemo stuff here : http://www.10000cows.com/Neve2254Stuff.htm

Cheers

[rick]

i have had at least twenty of them , i am out on my lonesome here but i hate em .
except for how they look and the brand name i could never see any redeeming features about the sound .

that said other people LOVE them ... go figure .. different strokes i guess

ps i hate the 1176 as well :)
oh while i am at it the amek 9098 limiters are in this pile as well...

[Chinagraf]

9098....one trick pony, but it does that one trick well. (it has something to do with the ambience setting) Rick, I will help you out by hauling away any of the pieces you mentioned that you come across.....free of charge! :)

[HA_DA_JA]

Hey Rick have you got any 1176 lying around that you hate and dont need anymore?
I can relate to your article in the lastest AT magazine. You walk into someones garage and start picking up there junk and playing with it making all the appropriate oohs and aah noises.
I really enjoying looking at older stuff and appreciating just how remarkable some things were back in the "olden days".
Anyone got a spare 1970s Atomic expresso machine they dont use ?
Cheers

[HA_DA_JA]

I also have plenty of storage if people need more room to store there excess studio electronic gear.

[original_min]

It was going so well until Chinagraf said 'recap'.

Vintage King have pics, it's a few replacements, in technician land that is.
Here comes the next green question..
Would anyone care to take an educated guess at price?
I sense hysteria around the corner.

Funny you mention the 9098, I have one of the mic/eq strips, I'm not so thrilled with that at the moment either.
Must be the weather.

[rob]

i've got two here as we speak...they work fine

they are bitch to work on when you have curly problems as it is almost impossible to get access to the internals to probe around with them running.

A full recap is a good thing. This may or may not solve your problems. Have you looked inside? Are all the pcbs nicely seated in their sockets?

I can certainly poke a stick at them if you wish

[Chris H]

It was going so well until Chinagraf said 'recap'.

Vintage King have pics, it's a few replacements, in technician land that is.
Here comes the next green question..
Would anyone care to take an educated guess at price?
I sense hysteria around the corner.

Funny you mention the 9098, I have one of the mic/eq strips, I'm not so thrilled with that at the moment either.
Must be the weather.

I have one of the 9098 dual mic pres and i think it's brilliant at what it does. It brings out the best in any mic i put through it. If API or i guess Neve 1073 is what you are after in a preamp then it's not for you. As a pre that opens up the signal recorded and puts nothing in the way then it's stellar. Great for vox and feed it through a valve comp, think AWA or UA176, for some transformer/valve euphonics. I read in AT, Nash chambers uses the 9098 into an AWA for Casey Chambers vocals. Its also a great pre for classical or blues / jazz acoustic recording.

[13thbeach]

Thats right Chris,
He used the 9098 pre into an AWA G58 valve comp (apparently). Can't really go wrong with a chain like that.

[original_min]

Casey Chambers huh...

Rob, I'll give you a call.

[ChrisW]

He used the 9098 pre into an AWA G58 valve comp (apparently).

And he's got that beautiful vintage API desk sitting there unloved?

[Chris H]

He used the 9098 pre into an AWA G58 valve comp (apparently).

And he's got that beautiful vintage API desk sitting there unloved?

I think that was when he had the Trident that he later sold to Mark Rachelle.

[13thbeach]

yeah, maybe i should go and take that old API desk off his hands. happy to help out.