’He changed the sound of music forever’: Industry pays tribute to Rupert Neve

The pro sound and music industry has been paying tribute to audio pioneer Rupert Neve, who has died at the age of 94.

One of the most influential figures in pro audio history, Neve’s name was synonymous with high-end audio quality and innovation. The large format analogue consoles bearing his name have long been a hallmark of premium sound, taking pride of place in many of the world’s most revered studios.

His death on February 12, due to non-COVID-19 related pneumonia and heart failure, was announced on February 13 via a statement on the Rupert Neve website. He died in Wimberley, Texas where he had resided for the past 27 years.

“I’ve known and worked with Rupert for nearly 30 years,” said Josh Thomas, Rupert Neve Designs’ co-founder and general manager. “When Rupert, his wife Evelyn, and I sat at his kitchen table and founded Rupert Neve Designs 16 years ago, he had two goals. The first was to set a new standard in the quality of recorded sound, drawing upon his unparalleled depth of experience to create high-end solutions for the modern recording engineer, musician, and listener alike. The second was to pass on his philosophies, techniques, and methodologies to a new generation of designers to carry his life’s work and passion into the future.

“It was always assumed that the company would outlive him on this earth, and for 16 years he poured his energies into creating a team that would become the caretakers of the theories, practices, and ideologies that truly constitute a Rupert Neve design. All of us at the company are exceedingly grateful for the years of careful instruction and mentoring with which he has blessed us, and we will continue to preserve his legacy in everything we do moving forward. The world certainly sounds better because he was here.”

Artists, producers and studios from across the world have been paying tribute to the late audio innovator, with many taking to social media to honour his indelible influence. 

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