For the last fifty years, Rupert Neve has designed some of the most sought after studio recording equipment in the world. Their small team of dedicated engineers have designed a new range of professional audio gear and systems based on both proven classic design concepts and modern innovations. This new range of equipment utilizes custom-designed transformers and single-sided amplification to provide sound quality that rivals the best recording gear – vintage or modern – available anywhere in the world.
Rupert Neve Designs approached Clandestine to help develop a new Visual Brand Language for their new consumer line, the Fidelice family of products. Consisting of 3 HiFi products: a Headphone Amplifier, a Phono Preamplifier and a Digital-to Analog Converter (DAC), Clandestine developed a language that promoted their modern, cutting-edge electronics, while maintaining strong ties to the Rupert Neve Design’s existing product line and vintage aesthetic.
Clandestine was engaged to take the product from concept through to production. Working with their in-house electrical engineering team, we did the industrial design, mechanical CAD development, build prototypes and did the production sourcing for the fabricated parts.
Project
Fidelice by Rupert Neve Designs
Client
Rupert Neve Designs
Services
Visual Brand Language
Industrial Design
UI/UX
Mechanical Engineering
Prototyping
Production Sourcing & Support
Industrial Design
After extensive research of Rupert Neve Design’s existing product line, and understanding the client’s requirements for the Visual Brand Language (‘Premium’, ‘High End’, ‘Distinctly Rupert Neve Designs’), we carried out an initial form study to capture that intent in a range of concepts. The form study allowed us to apply the design language to the entire product line, ensuring scalability and ease of manufacturing. We also redesigned the front and rear panel graphics, and embarked on a Color/Material/Finish study.
Mechanical Engineering
Once a design direction was selected, Produktworks started the mechanical development of the 3 products. Designing 3 products at the same time allowed us to push the envelop of mechanical design and look at part break-up from a high level. We designed the housings of the Headphone Amp and Phono Preamp to be identical, bar the front and rear panel cutouts/graphics. This allowed for the use of premium materials and manufacturing techniques, while saving significant costs for the client.
Recognition
- HEADPHONE.GURU – DAC/Solid-State Amplifier Product of the Year
