Neve 1057 Channel Strip Mic-Pre & EQ x 2 Studio Pair EX THE BEATLES, SHIRLEY BASSEY, THE DARKNESS

Neve 1057 Channel Strip x 2 Studio Racked Pair with dedicated power supply. Original enamel "shiny" black face only made for about one year from 1966 to 1967 by Rupert Neve himself at his home, the famous old church rectory in the Cambridge village of Little Shelford. The 1057 was Neve's first vertically aligned mic pre & eq with the famous low-noise geranium transformers that turned Neve into a global household name in the music industry. Very low serial number and stamped "RUPERT NEVE & COMPANY, CAMBRIDGE - ENGLAND."

Most recently out of a world-class UK recording studio and used to record and mix on The Darkness records, Taylor Swift's favourite band interestingly enough. The orange chalk pen and gaffer tape markings can be removed and are from The Darkness' last session for their Motorheart album.

This pair is the best condition and earliest known examples of a Neve 1057 anywhere in the world, with much lower serial numbers than the only other available set in the world, which is currently listed with a guide price of $350,000.

Based upon the serial number, the brief period these were ever made, the few consoles to ever feature them, the UK studio history and origin of the pair, and all other available evidence, it has been concluded that this pair of Neve 1057s are from the 1967 Neve console (built in 1966) at Chappell Studios in London where Sir George Martin recorded The Beatles for the first time outside of Abbey Road and first experienced the Neve sound. This was for the "Magical Mystery Tour" album and film soundtrack. He was so impressed, that he came back with Paul McCartney to record Cilla Black and then went on to commission Rupert Neve to build the first console for his legendary AIR Studios when it opened in London in 1970. Chappell Studios went on to record legendary artists like Shirley Bassey (two James Bond theme songs) and Thelonious Monk, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Count Bassie, Stéphane Grapelli and many more. The chief sound engineer operating these 1057s for all of these sessions was John Timperley, who went on to form a long relationship recording for Paul McCartney and who also helped form Mountain Studios in Montreaux, Switzerland, which was then bought in 1979 by Queen.

The legendary history and status of the Rupert Neve 1057 cannot be understated. Given how few were made nearly 60 years ago, only a handful of sets still exist around the world. Undoubtedly, these will find their new home in one of the world's premiere studios and will continue to make phenomenal music for years to come.

The set has been masterfully housed in a bespoke wooden "lunchbox" enclosure with custom power supply using all premium Neutrik connectors for modern application. The bakelite knobs have had the typical update to the Marconi knobs introduced by Neve in 1969 and was probably done near that time, as was common practice when Neve consoles were serviced. Compared to the other 1057 set currently on the market for $350,000, I would rate these as Excellent and the far better buy. This is also a far more practical and portable setup for a producer or artist who wants their very best equipment taken with them on the road or on flights to recording and mixing sessions spread across multiple locations.

Whilst I am relatively new to Reverb, I am very well known in the music industry and happy to answer any questions you may have. My former equipment is in the hands of some of the most recognised artists and studios in the world.

Worldwide shipping to any country via UPS or FedEx. I can probably hand deliver to European buyers after payment is received, if desired. I hope you have enjoyed the listing and seeing a glimpse of history. Cheers