Nope - yo can only use the stereo bus and sends as outs on this baby. Not ideal..

Probably a broadcast board. Usually the broadcast models are designated "BCM". The 1 bus is most likely for mono am radio. Just a guess. Might be sweet for summing an 8 channel in /out DAW?! Fats

Michael,
Check out this link for Phoenix Audio. http://www.phoenixaudio.net/neve.htm
Near the bottom of the list of stories is a table that describes the configuration for each model that was made by Neve. The 542 that you mention is not listed but a 5402 is with a 12:2:1 layout. The 1 stands for the number of outputs according to the table. Some of the stories there are really interesting also but I know that you don't have much time for reading right now. You've got to get that studio done! :c:

P.S.: According to Neve Story #2 the 54 series WAS a broadcast console. It is also briefly mentioned in story #8. You could always email Geoff Tanner and ask him about the one you are looking at. It sounds like he's the man!