Rupert Neve Designs NEWTON CHANNEL User manual

Newton Channel
Mic Preamp, EQ, Compressor, SILK
Operations ManualOperations Manual

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no
object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed
on the apparatus.
16. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
17. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection (the third grounding prong).
18. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power
switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain
readily accessible to the user.
19. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
20. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly
approved by Rupert Neve Designs LLC, could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment under FCC rules.
21. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le
réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des
communications du Canada.
22. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified
the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially
dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended
that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high
sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment
is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the
ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent
permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth
here:
Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE
CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.
CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE
OU A L'HUMIDITE
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Duration,
per day in
hours
Sound Level
dBA, Slow
Response
Typical Example
8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway Train
3 97
2 100 Typical music via head phones
1.5 102
1 105 Siren at 10 m distance
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
PORTABLE CART
WARNING
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's
enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est utilisé
pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux"
non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d'éléctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé pour alerter
les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et
l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil.
This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste.
Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it
over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and
electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment
at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you purchased the
product.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Block Diagram
Newton Front Panel
Newton Rear Panel
Newton Features
Specifications
Limited Warranty
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1
2
3
4
7
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Newton Channel Block Diagram
Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel
Thank you for purchasing the Rupert Neve Designs Newton Channel. We hope you enjoy using this product as
much as we have enjoyed designing and building it. The Newton Channel features Class-A analog signal paths,
a 3-band discrete EQ section, a VCA compressor and custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer coupled outputs
with variable SILK. The Newton Channel is designed to provide users with an intuitive, high-quality channel strip
that is useful in a wide variety of recording and mixing applications.
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Newton Channel Front Panel
2
Model 5034
Faceplate Artwork P/N 710-00151 Rev B
For Faceplate P/N 430-00359
8/19/2021 DA
RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS
TRIM FREQ
48V
HPF
-10 -2 4 6 10 14 18 22
TEXTURE
THRESHOLD
SILK
POWER
14 12 10 8 6 4 2 1
NEWTON
dBu
-dB
OUT
GR
MIC PRE EQUALIZER COMPRESSOR
GAINLF MID
HFMID FREQ
60
150
8K
16K
COMP INEQ IN
36
30
24
18
12
60dB 66
60
54
48
42
MIC GAIN
0dB
-6 +6
125
20Hz 250Hz
0dB
-12 +12
2kHz
220Hz 7kHz
0dB
-12 +12
0dB
-12 +12
0dBu
-30 +20
+6dB
0
-6 +20
MIN MAX
MED
FAST SLOW
RELEASE
PRE EQ
CHANNEL
RED / BLUE
MIC GAIN
12 position rotary switch that
controls the microphone
preamp gain in 6dB steps
POLARITY
Push-button switch that inverts
the phase of the microphone
preamp signal
HPF
Push-button switch that
engages the variable
high pass filter
48V
Push-button switch
that engages 48V
Phantom Power
FREQ
31-detent potentiometer that
adjusts the cutoff frequency
for the high pass filter within a
range of 20Hz to 250Hz
TRIM
Continuously variable
+/- 6dB level control
EQ IN
Push-button switch that engages the EQUALIZER section
LF
31-detent potentiometer that controls the
amount of boost or cut for the low frequency
shelf within a range of +/-12 dB
8K / 16K
Push-button switch that selects
between the 2 available HF SHELF
frequencies: 8 kHz or 16 kHz
60 / 150
Push-button switch that selects between the two
available LF SHELF frequencies: 60 Hz and 150 Hz
MID FREQ
31-detent potentiometer that controls the frequency of
the mid-band peaking EQ within a range of 220 Hz to 7kHz
MID
31-detent potentiometer that controls the amount of
boost or cut for the mid frequency peaking EQ within
a range of +/-12 dB
HF
31-detent potentiometer that controls the
amount of boost or cut for the high
frequency shelf within a range of +/-12 dB
COMP IN
Push-button switch that engages the
COMPRESSOR section
THRESHOLD
31-detent potentiometer that controls
the COMPRESSOR threshold range
from +20dBu to -30dBu
RELEASE
31-detent potentiometer that
controls the COMPRESSOR
release time
GAIN
31-detent potentiometer that controls the COMPRESSOR
make-up gain within a range of -6dB to +20dB
PRE EQ
Push-button switch that moves the COMPRESSOR
section before the EQ section when engaged
SILK IN
Push-button switch that toggles
through the three available SILK
modes: OFF, RED & BLUE
TEXTURE
31-detent potentiometer that controls
the amount of SILK harmonics when SILK is
engaged
POWER
LED that illuminates GREEN
when the Newton Channel is
powered on
GR and OUT Meters
8 segment LED meters that indicate
compressor gain reduction in dB and
output level in dBu

Newton Channel Rear Panel
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GROUND LIFT
Slide switch that lifts XLR Pin 1
from chassis ground to isolate
ground interference
INPUT
Balanced XLR-1/4” TRS combo
jack input that can be utilized
for MIC or LINE level signals
Model 5034
Rear Panel Artwork P/N 710-00150 Rev B
For Chassis P/N 430-00358
1/12/2023 DA
POWER
100-240 VAC
50/60Hz
35 Watts
CAUTION
Risk of Electric Shock
Disconnect from outlet
before removing cover
Rupert Neve Designs, LLC
Model 5034 MADE IN USA
LINK
GND
LIFT
MAIN OUT-6dB OUT INPUT
LINK
1/4” TRS jack that allows two Newton Channel compressors
to be linked together for stereo compressor operation.
ONLY INTENDED FOR USE WITH NEWTON LINK JACKS
POWER
IEC AC Power Inlet with power switch
100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
35 Watts MAX AC Power
Consumption
-6dB OUT
-6dB balanced XLR output using a
custom Rupert Neve Designs
transformer
MAIN OUT
Balanced XLR output using a custom
Rupert Neve Designs transformer

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Newton Channel Front Panel Features
Mic Gain
12-position rotary switch that controls the microphone preamp gain in 6dB steps. For line level input signals, set
the Mic Gain to the “0dB” position.
48V
Push-button switch that illuminates RED when +48V Phantom Power is engaged.
Ø (Polarity)
Push-button switch that illuminates AMBER when engaged and inverts the phase of the preamp signal.
TRIM
31-detent potentiometer that allows the user to adjust the preamp gain within a range of +/- 6dB.
HPF
Push-button switch that illuminates GREEN when the variable high pass filter is engaged.
FREQ
31-detent potentiometer that allows the user to adjust the cuto frequency of the variable high pass filter within a
range of 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
EQ IN
Push-button switch that illuminates GREEN when the EQ section is engaged.
LF
31-detent potentiometer that controls the amount of boost or cut for the low frequency shelf within a range of +/-
12dB.
60/150
Push-button switch that selects between the two available low frequency shelf frequencies: 60Hz (OUT) and 150Hz
(IN).
MID FREQ
31-detent potentiometer that controls the frequency of the midband peaking EQ within a range of 220Hz to
7kHz.
MID
31-detent potentiometer that controls the amount of boost or cut for the MID FREQ peaking EQ within a range of
+/-12dB.
8K/16K
Push-button switch that selects between the two available high frequency shelf frequencies: 8kHz (OUT) and
16kHz (IN).

5
Newton Channel Front Panel Features (continued)
HF
31-detent potentiometer that controls the amount of boost or cut for the high frequency shelf within a range of
+/-12dB.
COMP IN
Push-button switch that illuminates GREEN when the compressor section is engaged.
THRESHOLD
31-detent potentiometer that controls the compressor threshold range from +20dBu to -30dBu. When the input
signal rises above the set threshold level, compression begins with a soft-knee at a 2:1 ratio.
RELEASE
31-detent potentiometer that controls the compressor release time. The overall timing range available is 50mS
(FAST) to 500mS (SLOW).
GAIN
31-detent potentiometer that controls the compressor make-up gain within a range of -6dB to +20dB.
PRE EQ
Push-button switch that routes the compressor section ahead of the EQ section when engaged.
SILK
Illuminated push-button switch that toggles through the three available SILK modes: OFF, RED, and BLUE. RED
enhances harmonic content in high mid and high frequencies. BLUE enhances harmonic content in low and low
mid frequencies.
TEXTURE
31-detent potentiometer that controls the amount of SILK harmonics added within the transformer output stage
when SILK is engaged.
GR and OUT Metering
8-segment LED meters that indicate compressor gain reduction (dB) and output level (dBu).
POWER
LED that illuminates GREEN when the Newton Channel is powered ON.

POWER
IEC AC power inlet with integrated power switch. 100-240VAC at 50/60Hz. 35 Watts maximum AC power con-
sumption.
GROUND LIFT
Slide switch that lifts XLR Pin 1 from chassis ground on the MAIN OUT and the -6dB OUT to help isolate from
ground interference.
-6dB OUT
Balanced XLR output utilizing the center tap of a custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer.
MAIN OUT
Balanced XLR output utilizing a custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer.
LINK
1/4” TRS jack that allows two Newton Channel compressors to be linked together for stereo compressor operation.
ONLY INTENDED FOR USE WITH OTHER NEWTON CHANNEL LINK JACKS.
INPUT
Balanced XLR-1/4” TRS combo jack input that can be used for MIC or LINE level signals.
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Newton Channel Rear Panel Features

Note: All measurements typical, all measurements recorded using 25ft. XLR output cables
Input Impedance 8900 ohms
Input to Line Output (No Features Engaged, Un-weighted)
Maximum Input Level +23.6 dBu
Noise (Un-weighted)
Line Out (Unity Gain) -102 dBu
-6dB Line Out (Unity Gain) -107 dBu
Line Out (+30dB Gain) -95 dBu
Equivalent Input Noise @ +30dB Gain (EIN) -125 dBu
Maximum Output Level @ 1kHz +23.6 dBu
Frequency Response
<10Hz to 30 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
<5Hz to 70 kHz +/- 0.25 dB
<5Hz to 140 kHz -3 dB
THD+N BW (<10Hz to 22 kHz)
0 dBu at 1 kHz 0.0013 %
+20 dBu at 1 kHz 0.0007 %
Input to Line Output (Equalizer Engaged)
Noise (BW <10 Hz to 22 kHz) -90 dBu
THD+N @ 0 dBu (EQ Flat) 0.003%
Input to Line Output (Compressor Engaged)
Noise @ 0dB Make-Up Gain (BW <10 Hz to 22 kHz) -91 dBu
THD+N @ 0 dBu (EQ Flat) 0.005%
Product Dimensions (W x D x H) 19” (48.3 cm) x 8.125” (20.63 cm) x 1.75” (4.5 cm)
Shipping Dimensions (W x D x H) 24” (61 cm) x 13” (33 cm) x 4” (10.2 cm)
Shipping Weight 9 lbs. (4.1 kg)
7
Specifications

8
Mic Preamp Frequency Response Graph ZSOURCE=150 ohms, -45dBu Input Signal
Measurement sweeps taken at +6dB, +24dB, +42dB, and 60dB GAIN

9
EQ Frequency Response Graph

10
Compressor Ratio Sweep ZSOURCE=150 ohms, Measurement sweeps taken at +10, 0, -10, -20, and -30dBu Threshold

PRODUCT WARRANTY
Rupert Neve Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of
three (3) years from date of purchase, and agrees to remedy any defect identified within such three year period
by, at our option, repairing or replacing the product.
LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
This warranty, and any other express or implied warranty, does not apply to any product which has been improperly
installed, subjected to usage for which the product was not designed, misused or abused, damaged during
shipping, damaged by any dry cell battery, or which has been altered or modified in any way. This warranty is
extended to the original end user purchaser only. A purchase receipt or other satisfactory proof of date of original
purchase is required before any warranty service will be performed. THIS EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE EXTEND ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE
STATE LAW. IN NO EVENT SHALL RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so this
exclusion may not apply to you.
WARRANTY SERVICE
If you suspect a defect in this product, please contact our support sta for troubleshooting by phone (512-847-
3013) or email ([email protected]). If it is determined that the device is malfunctioning, we will issue a
Return Material Authorization and provide instructions for shipping the device to our service department.
Rupert Neve Designs
PO Box 1969
Wimberley TX 78676
www.rupertneve.com
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]-00043 Rev A
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