Description
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 256 |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | 32 |
| Inputs / outputs | 24-bit MADI and AES/EBU digital I/O · 2 MADI I/O cards in standard configuration |
| Mic preamps | AMS Neve Logic mic/line preamps on dedicated cards |
Processing
| Aux sends | 16 |
|---|---|
| DSP engine | 32-bit floating-point DSP (proprietary "26E6" format), dedicated air-conditioned DSP racks (~5 kW). Assignable FAC/AFU surface. |
| Max sample rate | 48 kHz |
| Bit depth | 20 bits |
| Processing resolution | 32 bits |
| Channel processing | Up to 256 signal paths (240 assignable) · Per path: expander/gate, compressor, limiter, filters, equaliser and a movable insert point |
| Channels | Up to 240 signal paths (256 depending on configuration) |
| Routing and patching | Assignable surface: physical strips (minimum 24, e.g. 48 in installs) drive up to ~240-256 signal paths via Function Assignable Controls (FAC) and the Assignable Facilities Unit (AFU). Exact count varies across sources (240 vs 256). · Assignable surface (AFU, Assignable Facilities Unit) |
| Buses | Cited “System 112” config: 32 mic/line inputs, 48 track sends / 64 returns, 16 sub-groups, 4 main outputs, 16 auxes + 8 cues, 32 movable insert points. |
| DSP engine — details | 32-bit floating-point DSP, proprietary 26E6 format · Standard DSP rack: 12 Con cards (16 paths/card), 3 EQ cards (96 EQ), 2 DRC cards (64 compressors/limiters) |
| Architecture | Assignable console: physical strips + AFU (Assignable Facilities Unit); any strip can control any signal path |
| Conversion | 20-bit A/D-D/A converters; 24-bit over MADI; 48 kHz sample rate. · 20-bit converters |
| Surround and immersive | CXS Surround option (late 1990s): 5.1 and 7.1 |
| Sample rate | To be verified (sample rate/resolution not confirmed from a primary source) |
Surface
| Touchscreen | No |
|---|---|
| Control surface | 24 strips minimum, scalable frame · Assignable surface, minimum 24 physical strips |
| Faders | Modular surface from 24 to 72 faders (minimum 24 strips; large systems fitted with 72 faders) · 24-strip sections, up to 5 sections for 120 faders |
| Ergonomics | FACs: endless rotary encoders with LED collars, fully assignable |
| Encoders | FAC (Function Assignable Controls) rotaries with LED collars, assignable to gain, aux sends, pan/width or EQ functions |
| Automation | Full dynamic automation (faders, mutes, aux, pan, EQ, dynamics) with parameter storage and recall |
Recording
| Onboard recording | No |
|---|
Networking
| Networking & protocols | MADI |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
Power
| Power supply | Rack electronics power draw of approximately 5 kW |
|---|
Other
| Variants and configurations | Example configuration (System 112): 32 mic/line inputs, 24 AES/EBU stereo digital I/O, 48 track sends, 64 track returns, 16 auxes, 8 cues, 16 sub-groups, 4 main outputs, 32 repositionable insert points |
|---|---|
| Applications | 105 units manufactured (1993-2001) |
| Awards | About 105 units built |
Strip & details
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Diagrams
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Accessories
Other
- CXS Surround option
Surround extension introduced in the late 1990s, giving the Capricorn 5.1 and 7.1 mixing capability.
- DSP / electronics racks
Remote, air-conditioned DSP processing racks (~5 kW).
- CXS surround option
5.1/7.1 surround extension with optional joystick panner.
I/O card
- MADI and AES/EBU I/O cards
MADI and AES/EBU digital I/O cards.
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
Introduced in 1993, the AMS Neve Capricorn is recognised as the first large-format digital mixing console. Its architecture is built on an assignable surface (AFU) arranged in 24-strip sections, expandable to five sections (120 faders) controlling up to 240 signal paths regardless of the physical surface size.
Processing lives in a modular DSP rack: a standard configuration holds 12 Con cards (16 paths each), 3 EQ cards (96 EQ), 2 DRC dynamics cards (64 compressors/limiters) and 2 MADI I/O cards. The CXS Surround option, added in the late 1990s, brought 5.1 and 7.1 handling. Built until 2001 in about 105 units, the Capricorn served music, broadcast and post-production; AMS Neve still supports it and supplies parts.
- Mark Crabtree — AMS founder, technical director of the AMS Neve group
Notable users
Links
- Manufacturer AMS Neve (manufacturer) ams-neve.com
- Manufacturer AMS Neve — history ams-neve.com
- Manufacturer AMS Neve ams-neve.com
- Press article Audio Masterclass - AMS-Neve Capricorn (series) audiomasterclass.com
- Manufacturer AMS Neve - Honours (Capricorn) ams-neve.com
- Press article Audio Masterclass — AMS-Neve Capricorn (feature) audiomasterclass.com
- Archive Wikipedia - AMS Neve en.wikipedia.org
- Press article AudioMasterClass — Capricorn (detailed review, parts 1-8) audiomasterclass.com
- Press article Mix — World Wide Audio installs a Capricorn (5.1) mixonline.com
- Forum Gearspace — Neve Capricorn discussion gearspace.com
Related consoles
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Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]