Have you ever dreamt of infusing your tracks with the same warmth, punch, and undeniable character that defined countless classic records? Well, get ready to make that dream a reality, because Apogee Electronics has just dropped a game-changer: Clearmountain’s 8068 plugin!
Here at Koala Audio, we're always on the lookout for tools that truly elevate your sound, and this new offering from Apogee has us incredibly excited. Imagine having the legendary sound of Bob Clearmountain's personal NEVE 8068 console – the very same one that shaped hits from Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and Chic – right inside your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Now, for just $169 AUD, you can!
A Console That Made History, Now in Your DAW
For those unfamiliar, the NEVE 8068 console at The Power Station in New York City wasn't just a piece of gear; it was the sonic foundation for Bob Clearmountain during his formative years as an engineer. He used this very console to craft some of the most celebrated and enduring records of all time, including:
- "Cuts Like a Knife" and "You Want It, You Got It" by Bryan Adams
- "The River" by Bruce Springsteen
- "C'est Chic" by Nile Rodgers and Chic
- "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge
- "Scary Monsters" by David Bowie
- "Avalon" by Roxy Music (drums, percussion, and lead vocals)
Apogee has gone above and beyond to meticulously model every single detail of Bob's personal console, preserving its unique character and the elusive "sonic magic" that made these recordings timeless. This isn't just another Neve-inspired plugin; it's a direct portal to a crucial piece of music history.
Beyond the Preamp: The Full NEVE 8068 Channel Strip Experience
What truly sets Clearmountain's 8068 apart from the crowd is its comprehensive modeling of the entire channel strip, not just the preamp. This means you're getting the authentic recreation of the complete signal path Bob relied on at The Power Station, from the mic and line input stages to the EQ and even the transformative fader module.
Key Features That Will Transform Your Sound:
- The Full Channel Strip: Experience the true harmonics, frequency response, and musicality of the NEVE 8068, including the subtle yet powerful impact of its fader module.
- Rich, Musical EQ: With more EQ points than the classic 1073, the 8068 EQ is inherently wide and musical – perfect for shaping drums, vocals, and strings with a natural, organic feel. Need a little more precision? A high-Q mode is there when you need it.
- Mic & Line Modes: Choose your flavour! Opt for a harmonically rich line level mode, or dial in some satisfying crunch and saturation with the mic mode.
- Authentic Console Workflow: The plugin faithfully models how the fader impacts frequency response and harmonics, creating the immersive feel of mixing on a physical console.
- Auto Gain for Mic Mode: Push the saturation for added texture without worrying about sudden level jumps, thanks to intelligent auto gain.
Why Clearmountain’s 8068 is a Must-Have for Your Toolkit
For years, podcasting and recording professionals have yearned to capture the elusive richness of analog sound within their digital workflows. Clearmountain's 8068 is the answer, delivering:
- The Sound of a Studio Legend: Inject your tracks with the unique sonic imprint of Bob Clearmountain’s personal NEVE 8068 console, the very heart of his iconic recordings at The Power Station.
- Unmatched Versatility: Whether you're working on drums that need to punch, vocals that need to shine, or strings that need warmth and character, this plugin excels at enhancing a wide range of instruments.
- Simplified Analog Power: With its wide EQ shapes and intuitive features, Clearmountain’s 8068 is incredibly easy to use, meaning you can achieve professional results without a steep learning curve.
By faithfully recreating the entire 8068 channel strip, this plugin offers the closest digital approximation of mixing on the very console that played a pivotal role in shaping Bob Clearmountain’s legendary career.
Affordable Excellence
Perhaps the most exciting news of all? Clearmountain’s 8068 delivers this unmistakable sound of a classic console at an unbeatable price. For just $99, this plugin makes the analog warmth and professional polish of a NEVE 8068 accessible to producers and engineers at every level.
Ready to infuse your mixes with legendary analog character? Clearmountain’s 8068 is available for download starting June 24th, 2025