AMS Neve Genesys G96 (96 input, 48 fader) base console AMS Neve

The AMS Neve Genesys G96 is a hybrid analog/digital console that combines modular upgradeability with 48 channels of Neve 1073 mic pre/line amplifiers, 16-channel DAW monitoring, total reset and total recall, motorized faders, Encore automation, remote preamp control and much more—48-fader, 96-input console

Preceding the Genesys Black, but still in production, the AMS Neve Genesys was Neve’s first answer to the multi-level convenience of digital technology as well as it’s primary deficiency, which is the obvious lack of Neve’s analog sound and full midrange. In creating the Genesys, Neve engineers were truly up against some serious hurdles. Control surfaces offer the advantage of modularity, which enables you to build the console as your business needs dictate. However, since the real world is analog, you need to create a hybrid system of analog I/O and digital control. It’s not unusual to see a digital workstation perpendicular to a large analog desk at one end, which means the monitor is firing into one ear. Along with taking up studio real estate, a hybrid system also requires a lot of complicated wiring and interface issues. In a nutshell, the prime directive for AMS Neve engineers was to create a console that combined the advantages of digital control and automation, modular upgradability, and of course, classic Neve analog sound—but also to make owning a Neve console a realistic prospect for smaller studios without compromising on sound quality. Or, in other words, the AMS Neve Genesys.  

AMS Neve Genesys G96—Just the Facts:

• 48 channels of Neve 1073 mic pre/line amplifiers
• 48-channel DAW monitoring
• Total Reset and Total Recall
• Motorized faders with Encore Automation
• Remote mic amp control
• 6 aux sends (4 mono and 2 stereo)
• 8 groups
• 2 main outs
• 4 effects returns
• 48ch, 8t, 2t and monitor metering
• 1 mixing and monitoring
• 2 cue mixes
• Full talkback capability
• Internal PSU
• USB stick store, load & reset
• Hands-on DAW control for Pro Tools, etc.

AMS Neve Genesys G96—Beneath the Surface

Genesys, hand-built in AMS Neve’s UK factory, combines superb analog design and true Neve preamp circuitry with hands-on DAW control and connectivity for Pro Tools, etc. In its basic 16-fader configuration you get 16 channels of 1073 mic/line preamps, 16 channels of DAW mixing, 32-channel analog summing at mixdown, eight auxiliary buses, eight group buses, and 5.1 monitoring.

Modular and upgradable

Before the Genesys arrived on the scene, analog consoles were commissioned to a fixed channel count. If you wanted to add preamps and faders, you needed to add a sidecar, such as the Neve BCM10/2, which, in the case of the BCM, needed modification and added clutter. Modern control surfaces, since they don’t pass audio, can be upgraded easily. However, it’s a tricky thing to do with analog desks, but that didn’t stop AMS Neve. The Genesys is also modular. As your business expands (and it surely will with Neve prominently displayed in your control room) so can your Genesys, all the way up to a 64-fader, 128-input big dog. Other options include upgrading to digitally controlled, analog Neve 1084 Classic EQs or 88R-style 4-band EQS, VCA-style digital control of analog dynamics, and Neve A/D-D/A converters for the monitoring section.

Customize your workflow

Another advantage Genesys offers that is no longer the sole province of control surfaces is the ability to customize the control surface to suit the way you work, or, create custom workflows. Plus, there’s that classic Neve look and feel to the controls. But don’t let looks deceive you; they’re ultra modern too. Every switch is “soft,” which enables benefits beyond merely letting you customize your setup. It also means every routing decision and every switch setting can be saved and instantaneously reset. Add the legendary sounding Neve analog EQ and optional dynamics cassettes and you can instantly recall these settings too. Just think of the reconfiguration time that saves when you’re balancing multiple projects in your studio.