Rupert Neve Designs 5088 User manual

5088
Fully Discrete
Analogue Mixer
Operations 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
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. 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

Table of Contents
Introduction
Safety Guidelines
Unpacking
Installing Modules
Guarding Against Interference
Connecting Audio
Connecting the Power Supply
Studio Conguration Suggestions
Dimensions
5088 Console Block Diagram
Cleaning and Service Instructions
Channel Module
Channel Module Block Diagram
Group Module
Group Module Block Diagram
Master Section
Master Section Block Diagram
Limited Warranty
1
1
2
3
4
4
6
6
7
11
13
14
18
20
24
26
30
31

5088: Operations Manual
1
Introduction
Safety Guidelines
Thank you for purchasing a Rupert Neve Designs 5088 Fully
Discrete Analogue Mixing Console. We hope you will enjoy this
versale centerpiece in your studio for many years to come.
It has been a great pleasure to design and build a console of
this caliber, taking the utmost care to uphold the standards
and aenon to detail that you have come to expect from the
Rupert Neve name.
In an industry where digital technology is increasingly
prevalent, we have taken care to ensure that our console
topologies will integrate seamlessly into your modern studio
workow while simultaneously imparng an unparalleled
sonic character. Tracking, mixing, and overdubbing become
eortless within the scope of the 5088, allowing the engineer,
producer and arst to focus on that which is paramount:
making quality recordings.
While most of these warnings are common sense, they sll
warrant reiteraon:
Because +/- 45VDC rails power the Class A discrete ampliers,
extra care should be taken when removing or installing
modules. ALWAYS power down the console before removing
or installing any modules to ensure console longevity.
DO NOT aempt to service any part of the Console Power
Supply (no user serviceable parts inside). High voltages are
present and the power supply can deliver large amounts of
current. Disregarding this warning may cause harm to you or
to the console power supply. Contact our support sta at the
following email address for troubleshoong if you encounter
an issue: [email protected]om
DO NOT operate the 5088 near any water sources or in areas
with high indoor air polluon (smoke, dust, etc.)
DO NOT place any beverages on or around the 5088 console.
If liquids (water, coee, soda, etc.) are spilled on the console,
immediately turn o all console power supplies. Please
contact our support sta as soon as possible for resoluon:
[email protected]om

2
5088: Operations Manual
DO NOT setup the 5088 Console or its Power Supplies in an
unvenlated or ghtly enclosed space.
DO NOT block any of the chassis venlaon holes. The 5088’s
class-A discrete circuits generate heat during operaon
and the venlaon holes allow the internal console fans to
properly dissipate the heat. Modifying the fans or blocking
the chassis venlaon holes will shorten the life of electronic
components and could cause circuit instabilies.
BE CAREFUL to install the 541 CHANNEL and 561 GROUP
Modules in the correct slots. CHANNEL and GROUP modules
are NOT interchangeable.
1. Use a drill with a Philips head bit to unscrew the top
panel of the crate.
2. Carefully slide the top panel o the crate and set it
safely to the side.
3. Starng with the boom center screw, remove the
longer side panel by alternately loosening the screws
on the le and right sides of the panel. Leave the
upper le and upper right screws for last, so that the
panel doesn’t fall as the screws are removed. Aer all
screws have been removed, set the side panel safely
out of the way.
4. A) For 16 and 32 Channel consoles, unscrew the
brace that supports the Meter Bridge; carefully li it
out of the crate, then unscrew the brace that lays
across the faders and carefully li it out of the crate.
B) For 8 Channel consoles and Expansion Chassis,
unscrew the brace that lays across the faders.
Carefully li it out of the crate, then unscrew the
brace that supports the cheek and remove it as well.
5. With the help of 4+ people, remove the 5088 Chassis
from the crate. The easiest method is to slide the
console chassis across the foam unl one person has
Unpacking

5088: Operations Manual
3
a rm grip on each corner of the console. Persons
who li the front of the console should hold it by the
metal frame, NOT by the arm rest.
6. Once the 5088 is out of the crate, you may begin
removing the boxes from the boom secon of
the crate.
BEFORE loading the 5088 chassis with modules, make sure
to secure the chassis inside of the console stand in its nal
locaon within the studio. It is important to note that a fully
loaded 5088 console weighs on average 550lbs, making it
signicantly more dicult to reposion once it is loaded. To
reiterate, it is important to install the console chassis in its
nal locaon BEFORE loading the modules.
AFTER the 5088 Chassis is installed in the console stand,
unpack each module and slide it into the correct slot in the
appropriate console receptacle (Remember: 541 Channel
and 561 Group modules are NOT interchangeable and should
NEVER be installed in the wrong receptacle).
Once every module is inserted into the correct console
module slot, carefully hand-ghten the thumb screws at the
top and boom of each module to rmly secure them to the
5088 frame.
Note: 561 Group modules should always be installed in the four
available slots immediately le of the Master Secon Module.
The 561 Group modules and Master Secon are housed in a
separate receptacle from the 541 Channel modules.
Installing Modules

4
5088: Operations Manual
Guarding Against
Interference
Connecting Audio
Although the 5088 Console circuitry is very well shielded
by the console chassis and individual module frames, it is
impossible to guarantee immunity from all potenal sources
of Electromagnec (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference
(RFI).
The average recording studio environment has many potenal
noise sources in the form of radiang energy elds from
external power supplies, computer monitors, speaker power
ampliers, uorescent lights and dimmers.
Therefore, it may be necessary to take precauons to prevent
these radiated noise sources from coupling into your 5088
console’s audio path. As a rst measure, the soluon may be as
simple as relocaon of certain electronic devices to minimize
their eect. However, if interference issues persist, please
contact our support sta so that we may help troubleshoot
for potenal problems: [e-mail]
We recommend that you only use high quality, balanced
audio-grade cable for all of the input and output connecons
to and from your 5088 console. Although the 5088’s back
panel I/O can be directly connected to external desnaons,
we strongly advise you to consult a professional studio
technician for interfacing the 5088 Console’s I/O to a patch
bay. Installing a patch bay will protect the 5088’s rear panel
I/O from unnecessary wear and will make signal roung more
convenient. The 5088 console’s rear panel I/O consists of the
following connecons:
Channel I/O (per module):
2 x XLR-F (Line In, Tape In)
1 x XLR-M (Direct Output)
1 x TRS (Buss Input)
For a more detailed view of the I/O secon, refer to the Back
Panel Diagram on page 5.

5088: Operations Manual
5
Group I/O (per module)
3 x TRS
Eects Input
Group Insert Send
Group Insert Return
2 x XLR Male
Auxiliary Send Output
Group Output
Master Secon I/O
6 x XLR Female
3 Stereo External Source Inputs
9 x XLR Male
3 Stereo Speaker Feed Outputs
Stereo Buss Output
Oscillator Out
5 x TRS
Stereo Buss Insert Send
Stereo Buss Insert Return
Talkback Remote
Channel I/O
Back Panels

6
5088: Operations Manual
Connecting the
Power Supply
Studio Conguration
Suggestions
The 4 rack unit 5088 Power Supply included with your
5088 Console is designed to supply power to 32 channels
maximum. If another 16 Channel Expansion Chassis is added,
an addional power supply will be required.
Although the Console Power Supply is relavely quiet, we
recommend that it is installed in an area outside of the
control room, such as a well venlated machine room. If the
power supply is installed in a rack, leave at least one slot of
empty space (1RU) above and below the Power Supply for
venlaon purposes. Blocking the Power Supply’s venlaon
holes or modifying the fans can cause permanent damage to
the 5088 Power Supply.
The 5088 can bencorporated into a recording system in
several ways. The simplest method is to use a patch bay to
route microphone signals from the recording room into the
microphone inputs of your Porco or Shelford series preamps,
and connect their line outputs directly to your AD Converter
inputs. Route each DA Converter output to a corresponding
tape input on the 5088 (if latency is acceptably low), and
create stereo and cue mixes with the 5088’s 541 Channel and
561 Group roung controls for recording or mixing.
Alternavely, if you would like to add the 5088’s sonic
character during tracking, or if DAW latency performance is
poor, the preamp outputs can be routed to the line inputs on
the 5088, and the 5088’s Direct Outputs can be connected to
the Converter inputs for recording through the 5088, using
Auxes 1-8 and Groups 1-8 to create cue mixes and eects
sends/returns.
Another opon available to users with enough channel
modules is to operate the 5088 in a split conguraon for
tracking, using one half of the console for tape sends, and
the other half for tape returns. On a smaller console, the
DAW can be used to sub-mix tracks and return the sub-mixed
outputs to the Group Master returns and Eects returns for
monitoring.

5088: Operations Manual
7
Dimensions “Super 8” Main Chassis
Width: 76 cm / 29.9 in
Depth: 74.4 cm / 29.3 in
Height: 27.2 cm / 10.7 in
Weight: 189 lbs.
“Super 8” with Penthouse and Meterbridge
Width: 76 cm / 29.9 in
Depth: 105 cm / 41.4 in
Height: 58.2 cm / 22.9 in
Weight: 285 lbs.
16 Channel Main Chassis
Width: 116.8 cm / 46 in
Depth: 74.4 cm / 29.3 in
Height: 27.2 cm / 10.7 in
Weight: 235 lbs.
16 Channel Console with Penthouse and Meterbridge
Width: 116.8 cm / 46 in
Depth: 105 cm / 41.4 in
Height: 58.2 cm / 22.9 in
Weight: 459 lbs.
16 Channel Expansion Chassis
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 in
Depth: 74.4 cm / 29.3 in
Height: 27.2 cm / 10.7 in
Weight: 235 lbs.
16 Channel Expansion Chassis with Penthouse and
Meterbridge
Width: 73 cm / 28.7 in
Depth: 105 cm / 41.4 in
Height: 58.2 cm / 22.9 in
Weight: 459 lbs.

8
5088: Operations Manual
Dimensions
1172.6mm
46.17in
1131.3mm
44.54in
470mm
18.50in
780.2mm
30.72in
1054mm
41.49in
434.4mm
17.10in
582.9mm
22.95in
16 Channel 5088, Penthouse, Meterbridge

5088: Operations Manual
9
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Dimensions

10
5088: Operations Manual
Conguration Guide

5088: Operations Manual
11
5088 Console Block Diagram

12
5088: Operations Manual

5088: Operations Manual
13
Cleaning
Instructions
Shipping
Instructions
Disclaimer
When cleaning the 5088, do not spray cleaning soluons
directly onto the console surface. Only apply cleaning soluons
to a lint-free cloth, then gently wipe the console surface.
To remove a 541 Channel or 561 Group module for servicing,
power o the 5088, unscrew the thumbscrews at the top and
boom of the module and carefully slide the module out of
the slot by pulling upwards on the thumbscrews. Contact our
support sta for shipping instrucons.
Addional 541 Channel or 561 Group modules may be
purchased as spares in the event of a module requiring service.
If the Master module needs to be serviced, please call our
support team for instrucons prior to removal.
Rupert Neve Designs, LLC has an established policy of seeking
improvements to designs, specicaons and manufacture
of its products. Alteraons to exisng products take place
connually, oen without noce.
Despite considerable eorts to produce the most up to date
informaon, this user guide must not be considered an
infallible guide to the latest specicaons available.

14
5088: Operations Manual
Input Trim
Input Select
Phase Reverse
Group Send Select
Aux 7/8
Pre/Post Select
Aux 5/6
Aux to Group
Aux 3/4
Send Follows Pan
Aux 1/2
Channel Pan Engage
Channel SoloChannel Mute
Aux On
Channel Pan
Selects between Tape,
Line and Buss inputs
Rotates phase 180
degrees at the input
Dual Mono sends with non
detented level pots, mute
and pre/post fader
selection
Selects whether the aux
sends are derived pre
fader or post fader
Dual Mono or Stereo
sends with a detented
Level/Pan pot. and
non-detented Level pot,
Mute, pre/post, and SFP
Disables the Aux 3/4 Pan
and pans the aux 3/4
signal according to the
Channel Pan
Detented pot sends the
Channel signal Left(or to
odd groups) or Right(or
to even groups) such that
center is at -3dB on both
sides
Soft mute for the channel
signal
Routes the output signal to
the Stereo Solo Buss. When
an overload is present the
button will light red.
Engages the Pan for Stereo,
Solo and Group outputs
Dual Mono or Stereo sends
with a detented Level/Pan
pot. and non-detented Level
pot, Mute, pre/post, and SFP
Routes the Aux 5/6 signal to
the groups selected in the
Group section
Dual Mono or Stereo
sends with a detented
Level/Pan pot. and
non-detented Level pot,
Mute, pre/post, and ATG
Engages the Aux
signal
Sends the output signal of
the channel strip to any of
the 8 Groups and the
Stereo Buss
A detented trim pot allows
for +/-10dB adjustment of
the Input Channell
1/2 AUX
AUX
3/4
AUX 5/6
AUX 7/8
GROUPS
541 series
-10 + 10
0 d
B
B
U SS
TAPE
LINE
ON
PRE PAN
SFP
LEVEL 1
PAN 1/2
LEVEL 2
PAN
IN
RL
ON
PAN
ON
LEVEL 3
PAN 3/4
PRE PAN
SFP
AUX T
O
G R O UPS
LEVEL 8
ON
PRE
LEVEL 7
8
1
3
5
7
2
4
6
LEVEL 6
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 4
PAN 5/6
0
-10
dB
0
-10 dB
0
-10 dB
0
-10
dB
L R
0
-10 dB
0
-10
dB
L R
L R
0
-10
dB
0
-10
dB
TRIM
G
R O UP PAN
STERE O
SOLO
16
541 Channel Module
Input Trim
Input Select
Group Send Select
Phase Reverse
Aux On
Aux 7/8
Aux 5/6
Pre/Post Select
Aux 3/4
Send Follows Pan
Pan
Mute
Aux to Groups
Aux 1/2
Pan In
Solo

5088: Operations Manual
15
The push-buons at the top of each 541 Channel select be-
tween transformer-coupled LINE, BUSS or TAPE inputs. The
BUSS input is not a line input, and should only be used with
BUSS outputs from Porco modules.
Each 541 Channel features:
- An Input TRIM control with - 10/+10dB fully variable
input level adjustment.
- Push-buon assignment to the 8 Group Busses and
Stereo Buss.
- SOLO and MUTE Illuminated latching buons. The
SOLO buon lights red when there is a signal
overload present on the channel.
The pan control at the boom of the 541 Channel has a PAN
IN push-buon which engages the Pan control for Stereo,
Group, and Solo Buss assignment (in one Solo Mode).
The eight Auxiliary Sends come in three dierent congura-
ons:
Aux 1/2 and Aux 3/4 are idencal. They are dual mono sends
by default. When the PAN push-buon is engaged, they be-
come stereo sends, and the LEVEL 2 and LEVEL 4 controls be-
come pan controls. The ON push-buon the Aux Sends, and
the PRE push-buon changes Pre/Post Fader assignment.
Engaging the SFP (Send Follows Pan) push-buon allows the
stereo panning between Aux 1/2 or Aux 3/4 to be controlled
by the Channel Pan. For SFP to funcon, the desired Aux Send
must be set to Post Fader.
Aux 5/6 is a dual mono send by default. When the PAN
push-buon is engaged, Aux 5/6 becomes a stereo send and
the LEVEL 6 control becomes a Pan control. The ON push-but-
ton engages the Aux 5/6 send. The AUX TO GROUPS push-but-
ton routes the Aux 5/6 signal to the Group Busses selected in
the Group Send Select secon.
Aux 7/8 is a dual mono send. The ON push-buon engages
the Aux 7/8 send, and the PRE push-buon changes Pre/Post
Fader assignment (always pre-mute).
Channel Module

16
5088: Operations Manual
Every channel module has a transformer-coupled direct out-
put that can be assigned Pre/Post Fader and Pre/Post Mute
via internal jumpers (Post Fader/ Post Mute by default).
Each 541 Channel has an associated 100mm fader for con-
trolling the Channel level to the Stereo Buss.
The 541 Channel has internal jumpers that can be changed to
alter the funconality of Aux 5/6 as well as the Direct Output.
Before removing Channel modules to change jumper posi-
ons, power o the 5088. Grab the jumpers using your ngers
or a small set of needle-nose pliers.
Aux 5/6: Pre-Fader/Post Fader
The Aux 5/6 jumper J4 is physically located on the upper
(daughter) board between the AUX 3/4 PRE/POST and AUX
3/4 MUTE push-buon switches.
Channel Module
Jumpers
Direct Output: Pre-Fader/Post Fader & Pre-Mute/Post-Mute
The 541 Channel’s transformer-coupled Direct Output can
be assigned in three dierent ways via internal jumpers. The
jumpers are located in the boom corner of the Mother Board
(J2, J3, J4, and J5).