The Magical Sounds of The Church Studio’s Legendary Neve 8068
Neve is one of the most well-known names in sound engineering and music production. Neve consoles, famed for their craftsmanship and unequaled sound quality, have been at the heart of many classic albums. Its warm analog sound and ingenious design have made it a highly sought-after piece of gear among recording engineers and artists all over the world. Reverb.com states “The Neve 8068 is one of the most essential audio pieces in music history.”
The Neve 8068 was introduced in the early 1970s when recording technology was rapidly evolving. Rupert Neve, a British electronics engineer and entrepreneur, was well-known in the industry for his high-quality audio equipment. Built on the popularity of Neve’s 8048 console, the 8068 was designed to be even more versatile, deliver sonic purity, and be easy to use.
Rupert Neve
The Church Studio’s Neve 8068 was produced in England in early 1977. Renowned Canadian Music Producer and musician, Daniel Lanois owned our Neve for 25 years, from 1992 to 2017. In May of 2017, The Church Studio acquired it from his Los Angeles private studio. Prior to arriving in Tulsa, experts took 4 and a half years to return the Neve to factory settings.
Daniel Lanois studio in 2017
Lanois is credited with having multiple studio locations, including the Oxnard Teatro Theater (sometimes called El Teatro, formerly a Spanish language theater), from 1995-2000 where Willie Nelson recorded the album Teatro, The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 1998 Teatro Sessions, and Billy Bob Thornton’s music soundtrack for the Movie Sling Blade. The Church Studio’s Neve was also credited in three albums by U2, Bob Dylan’s album Time Out of Mind, Neil Young’s Le Noise, and Emmylou Harris’ Wrecking Ball.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Rehearsal
Oxnard Teatro Theater, owned by Daniel Lanois from 1995-2000
The Neve 8068 remains highly sought after for several reasons:
- Signature Sound: The console’s analog circuitry imparts a unique character to audio recordings that many engineers find hard to replicate with modern digital equipment.
- Versatile Signal Processing: The Neve 8068 features a comprehensive signal processing section, including EQ, dynamics, and routing capabilities. This versatility allows the engineer to sculpt sounds with precision, tailoring each recording to the artist’s vision.
- Inspiration: The sonic character of the Neve 8068 often inspires creativity in musicians and producers. Its warm, rich sound can elevate recordings and bring out the best in both vintage and modern music.
- Build Quality: Neve consoles are renowned for their robust build quality, and the 8068 is no exception. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, these consoles were built to last, which is why many of them are still in use today.
The Church Studio’s Neve 8068 is more than simply a piece of recording equipment; it represents creativity, skill, and the never-ending pursuit of audio excellence. Its warm, analog tone and versatile features have secured its place as an audio engineering icon. The acclaimed console played a pivotal role in shaping the sonic identity of numerous albums and has left an indelible mark in the world of music creation. It exemplifies the transforming potential of outstanding studio gear in the hands of a visionary artist and producer.
The Church Studio’s Neve 8068
In tribute to the Neve 8068’s enduring legacy, we proudly present our Serial #3 Studio Collection t-shirt. Crafted with the same commitment to quality as the Neve console, it offers unbeatable comfort and lasting quality. Available in sizes XS to 5X, this limited edition shirt is a must-have for music enthusiasts. Act fast, as it’s only available until October – a unique piece of music history you can wear proudly!
The Church Studio’s Serial #3 “The Sound of Neve” Shirt
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My friend and I are coming to Tulsa for the first time to see The Church Studio & hear our Texas guitarist Eric Johnson blow the doors off Cain’s Thursday night. I am so glad I came across these articles about the history of not only The Church itself, but of the masterful engineering still being implemented. I’m an old rocker & Leon Russell’s work is like a prayer. It works so beautifully still. His piano runs are #1 on my earworm charts. Can’t help it! I will never forget him in Ft. Worth TX 1973~ me-age 19~and Leon was dressed in a white suit with a white top hat & probably white cowboy boots but he GOT UP ON TOP OF THAT WHITE GRAND PIANO & SANG WHILE STEVE WINWOOD PLAYED THE PIANO. It is etched permanently in my long term memory. Just had to share that. See y’all at the Church on Friday 10/13/’23.
Thanks so much Margie! We love those Leon stories! See you soon!