Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5053

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5053 Penthouse Module

Vintage Tone. Modern Control. Total Versatility.

The Shelford 5053 Penthouse Module delivers the legendary sound of Rupert Neve’s classic consoles with zero compromise—purpose-built for the 5088 console and based on the celebrated Shelford Channel and 5052 module. With enhanced vintage-style coloration, advanced transformer gain staging, and a musical inductor EQ, the 5053 is the ideal choice for studios seeking warmth, detail, and flexibility in a premium analog format.

Classic Rupert Neve Mic Pre with Transformer Gain

At the heart of the 5053 is a custom-designed input transformer, delivering the first 15dB of mic preamp gain—just like the Shelford Channel. This transformer gain topology, combined with fully Class-A discrete circuitry, delivers the bold, harmonically rich tone engineers expect from Rupert Neve Designs.

Mic Pre Features:

• Custom Rupert Neve Designs input transformer

• Sweepable 20–250Hz high-pass filter

• Mic/Line selection switch

• 48V phantom power

• Phase (polarity) reverse

This configuration brings out a classic analog warmth that’s ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, drums, and any source where character matters.

Musical 3-Band Inductor EQ – Inspired by the Best

The 5053 features a 3-band inductor equalizer that takes inspiration from Rupert’s most revered vintage EQ designs like the 1073 and 1064, while utilizing modern components and techniques for added precision and flexibility.

Each band uses low-feedback, Class-A discrete electronics, resulting in smooth, natural tonal shaping without harshness or phase issues.

EQ Band Highlights:

• Low Band: Shelf or peak mode, reminiscent of the 1064—perfect for adding punch and depth to low-end frequencies.

• Mid Band: 1073-inspired with proportional Q, ideal for bringing out vocals and key instruments while taming problem areas.

• High Band: A hybrid of inductor and capacitor designs for airy, vintage-style highs with enhanced control.

Why Inductors Matter in EQ

Unlike basic capacitor-based designs, the 5053 uses custom-wound inductors to achieve the rich, musical character of classic analog gear. Inductors introduce frequency-dependent resistance, and when driven, they enhance harmonic content—delivering that signature Neve smoothness that has shaped recordings for decades.

Transformer Output with Silk & Texture – Tailor Your Tone

The 5053’s output stage includes Rupert Neve’s proprietary Silk Red / Blue and Texture controls, giving you precise harmonic shaping at the output transformer.

Silk Modes:

• Red Silk: Emphasizes rich mid and high-frequency harmonics

• Blue Silk: Focuses on low and low-mid harmonic enhancement

• Texture Control: Dial in from clean to warm saturation (up to ~5% THD)

This allows complete control over the final tone—from transparent and modern to thick, vintage analog warmth.

Seamless Integration with 5088 Consoles

Powered by the same ±24V rails as the Shelford 5051 and 5052, the 5053 slots effortlessly into the 5088’s Penthouse Module bay. Whether building a full channel strip or mixing modules for a hybrid workflow, the 5053 brings out the best in any source.

Front Panel Controls

Input Section

• MIC / LINE: Push-button switch to select mic or line input

• TRIM: Center-detent knob for ±6 dB input trim

• +48V: Illuminated button to engage 48V phantom power

• POLARITY: Illuminated button to invert input phase

• MIC GAIN: 12-position rotary switch, 6 dB steps

Metering

• LEVEL METER: 8-segment LED, shows output level in dBu (pre-SILK)

High-Pass Filter

• HIGH PASS FILTER: Variable cutoff (20 Hz – 250 Hz), engaged via button

EQ Section

High Frequency (HF)

• HF: ±15 dB boost/cut control

• 8k/16k: Toggle button between 8kHz and 16kHz center frequency

• HF PEAK: Toggle between shelf (out) and peak (in) mode

Mid Frequency (MID)

• MID FREQ: 6-position rotary switch to select center frequency

• MID: ±15 dB boost/cut control

• MID HI Q: Button to narrow the Q width

Low Frequency (LF)

• LOW FREQ: 4-position rotary switch to select frequency

• LF: ±15 dB boost/cut control

• LF PEAK: Toggle between shelf (out) and peak (in) mode

EQ IN: Illuminated button to engage the full EQ section

Output Section

• SILK: Illuminated button cycles between RED, BLUE, and OFF modes

• TEXTURE: Variable control to adjust harmonic content when SILK is engaged

Technical Specifications

Mic Preamp

• Input Impedance: 2200 ohms

• Frequency Response: ±0.2 dB from <5 Hz to 50 kHz (@30 dB gain, +4 dBu, 150Ω source)

• Noise (22Hz–22kHz):

  • Unity: -101 dBu

  • 30 dB gain: -94 dBu

  • 66 dB gain: -61 dBu

• EIN: -124 dBu (@30 dB gain, unweighted)

• Max Input Level:

  • +24 dBu @ 1 kHz

  • +6 dBu (22Hz–22kHz)

• THD+N: 0.002% typical (@1 kHz, +4 dBu out, 30 dB gain)

Line Input

• Input Impedance: 10 kΩ

• Frequency Response:

  • ±0.1 dB (16 Hz–34 kHz)

  • ±0.5 dB (7 Hz–90 kHz)

• Noise (22Hz–22kHz): -102 dBu

• Max Input Level: +26.3 dBu @ 1 kHz

• THD+N: <0.002% typical @+4 dBu

EQ Section

• High Frequency: ±15 dB @ 8 kHz or 16 kHz, peak/shelf selectable

• Mid Frequency (Inductor Based):

  • ±15 dB @ 200Hz, 350Hz, 700Hz, 1.5kHz, 3kHz, 6kHz (±10%)

  • Selectable Mid Hi Q

• Low Frequency: ±15 dB @ 35Hz, 60Hz, 100Hz, 220Hz, peak/shelf selectable

Output Stage

• SILK Modes: Selectable RED / BLUE

• TEXTURE Control: Continuously variable harmonic saturation