Portico II Channel

US-based Rupert Neve Designs has introduced the Portico II Channel, the first in a new series of rack-mounting modules based on the high-voltage, single-sided op-amps developed for the 5088 mixer. The Portico II is a self-powered 2U-high channel module comprised of a fully featured mic preamplifier, four-band EQ, compressor-limiter, Texture control and level metering. It has a range of new features including: Variable Silk/Silk+ Texture control, a fully tunable de-esser, multiple VCA filtering and detection options, a transient-optimised swept HPF, and parallel compression blending.

Input signals may be derived from any of three sources – Microphone, Line or DI. The Microphone input has a 10kΩ non-reactive input resistance that handles a full 26dBu signal without the need for a pad. A primary Gain control provides 66dB of gain in 6dB increments for easy recall with a ±6dB trim for fine adjustment. A transient-optimised HPF continuously covering the range from 20Hz to 250Hz is included. In addition the usual 48V phantom power switch, phase inversion, signal present indicator and a mute switch are included. The preamp is a TLA non-reactive design that precludes the loading of microphones with limited driving capability and which maintains a 2dB noise figure over a wide range.

Inserting a quarter-inch plug into the DI input, selects a 3MΩ discrete FET DI circuit that includes the transformer-coupled pristine topography that optimises both the microphone and DI inputs, allowing low impedance microphones and high impedance sources like electric guitars and basses to deliver their optimum performance. Primary gain and trim controls are fully operational. A quarter-inch Thru jack on the front panel that duplicates the unaffected source signal allows the use of an external amplifier if required. A Line switch selects the independent line XLR non-reactive input circuit that includes the HPF and level trim controls.

Shipping: Now

Web: www.rupertneve.com

Tel: +1 512 847 3013

March / April 2010