Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Converter

NOTE: Used A/D converter. Good condition. See photos for cosmetic details. 6-month warranty.

Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Converter

The Master Bus Converter (MBC) is a high-end two-channel A/D converter with an integrated analog limiter, designed to capture audio with exceptional clarity, tonal flexibility and precision. Created for professional recording, mixing, mastering and live applications, it combines reference-grade conversion with Rupert Neve’s renowned analog circuitry to deliver digital audio of the highest quality.

Dual-path analog drive

MBC provides two selectable analog paths before the converter stage: a transformerless Class-A path designed for maximum transparency, and a transformer-coupled path equipped with Rupert Neve’s variable Silk/Texture circuitry for controlled harmonic enhancement. The transformerless path offers detailed clarity across the spectrum, while the transformer path allows precise harmonic shaping with Red or Blue Silk modes — emphasizing either mid/high content or low-end weight.

Musical analog limiter

The integrated limiter uses a Compound Active Release design for fast, musical operation. It supports both transparent level control and creative tone shaping, featuring a sweepable sidechain high-pass filter from 20 to 250 Hz, up to 20 dB of ultra-clean Class-A gain, and optional dual mono operation for high-fidelity instrument tracking.

Mastering-grade conversion

The 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion stage features exceptionally low jitter and advanced internal clocking for accurate, detailed digital capture. AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK outputs are all available simultaneously, and the unit supports both internal and external word clock. Four selectable reference levels from −14 to −20 dBFS provide seamless integration with other converters.

Precision metering and control

The front panel includes dual 22-segment LED level meters with high-resolution display, as well as 8-segment gain reduction meters for the limiter. Peak hold can be set to 1 or 3 seconds. With both adaptable tonal paths and exacting calibration options, the MBC is built to meet the demands of modern professional workflows.

Specifications

• Type: Dual-path A/D converter with analog limiter
• Analog paths: Class-A transformerless / custom transformer with Silk
• Silk modes: Red (mid/high harmonics), Blue (low-end harmonics)
• Limiter: Compound Active Release, stereo or dual mono
• Sidechain HPF: Sweepable 20–250 Hz, 12 dB/oct
• Resolution: 24-bit / 192 kHz
• Digital outputs: AES, S/PDIF, TOSLINK (simultaneous)
• Clocking: Internal master clock, word clock I/O
• Reference levels: −14 / −16 / −18 / −20 dBFS
• Input impedance: 9.9 kΩ
• Latency (analog → AES3): 0.95 ms @ 44.1 kHz; 0.19 ms @ 192 kHz
• Frequency response, transformerless: ±0.025 dB (20–70 kHz)
• Frequency response, transformer path: ±0.1 dB (20–70 kHz)
• THD+N transformerless: 0.0009% @ 1 kHz
• THD+N transformer path: 0.002% @ 1 kHz
• Dimensions: 19” × 9.25” × 1.75” (1RU)
• Weight: 3.6 kg

FAQ

What analog paths does the MBC provide?

It offers a transformerless Class-A path and a transformer-coupled path with Silk/Texture for harmonic shaping.

What is the converter resolution?

The MBC converts at 24-bit / 192 kHz with exceptionally low jitter.

Can the limiter be used both musically and transparently?

Yes, the limiter supports both creative tone shaping and precise level control.

Which digital outputs are available?

AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK are available simultaneously.