Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module

Input Section

Three Sources

Input signals may be derived from any of three sources: Microphone, Line, or DI. The microphone input has a 10 kΩ non-reactive input resistance that handles a full 26 dBu signal without the need for a pad

Gain Control

A primary gain control provides 66 dB of gain in 6 dB increments for easy recall with a ±6 dB trim for fine adjustment. A transient-optimized HPF continuously covering the range from 20 to 250 Hz is included. In addition, a 48V Phantom Power switch, Phase Inversion, Signal Present indicator, and mute switch are included

TLA Non-Reactive Design

Precludes the loading of microphones with limited driving capability and maintains a 2 dB noise figure over a wide range

DI

Inserting a plug into the DI input selects a 3 MΩ discrete FET DI circuit that includes the transformer-coupled pristine topography, which optimizes both microphone and DI inputs, allowing low impedance microphones and high impedance sources like electric guitars and basses to deliver their optimum performance

Gain and Trim Controls

Primary gain and trim controls are fully operational. A 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

Texture

Harmonic Adjustments

Adjusts the actual amount of harmonic music content from the source material, in effect, providing multiple tonal options in one device

Texture Modes

The texture section features distinct modes, controlled by a potentiometer from barely audible to dramatic. The musical integrity of the source material itself will not be compromised by these harmonic controls. They can be confidently modified to fit the personality of any song, instrument, or engineer

Silk+ Mode

The Silk mode works by reducing negative feedback on the output transformer and adjusting the frequency response. The Silk+ mode pushes this technique still further, achieving a more harmonically rich sound

Continuously Variable Control

Continuously variable control for Silk and Silk+ modes allows the engineer to fine tune the harmonic ratio and tonality of the channel.

Equalizer

Topologies

The EQ topologies in the 4-Band Equalizer of the channel combine the sound of several classic designs, but are also capable of extremely fine surgical adjustments as well as dramatic boosts or cuts

Signal Processing Chain

By default, the EQ section follows the mic preamplifier and HPF, and precedes the compressor, but this sequence may be reversed by engaging the Post Comp switch

Low Shelf

The Low Shelf has an independent engage switch, Classic Peak/ Accelerated Shelf selection, with ±12dB level adjustment, and selectable turnover frequencies of 35, 60, 100, and 220 Hz with in / out and peak / shelf modes.

Parametric LMF and HMF

The Fully Parametric LMF and HMF bands have a joint engage switch, providing ±12 dB level adjustment, continuously variable Q from 0.7 to 5 and continuously variable frequency ranges from 70 to 1.4 kHz and 700 Hz to 14 kHz. In addition to its standard capabilities, the HMF band can also be used to precisely tune a new De-Esser circuit

De-Esser

The De-Esser can be varied from off to full effect, and uses the frequency and Q controls to tame harsh sibilance in vocals and instruments with an independent high-mid limiter. Even when the De-Esser is on, the EQ level may still be used.

High Shelf Controls

The High Frequency shelf has independent engage switch, Classic Peak/ Accelerated Shelf selection, ±12 dB level adjustment, and selectable turnover frequencies of 4.7, 6.8, 12, and 25 kHz. When two Portico II Channel Modules are used side by side, the EQ section can also excel at stereo material

Compressor

Feed-Forward / Feed-Back Modes

Provides flexible Feed-Forward / Feed-Back modes, either providing a transparent modern response (FF) or a smoother more musical vintage response (FB)

Controls

Along with FF/FB modes, there are also 1:1 to 40:1 ratio controls and threshold from -30 to +20 dBu, together with Attack from 20 to 75 ms (0.1 ms in Peak mode), Release from 100ms to 2.5s, and Makeup gain from 0 to 20 dB with a Stereo Link.

HPF to SC

Inserts the High Pass Filter into the side chain to deal with intense low frequencies that may skew the response of the VCA with certain songs and instruments.

Peak Switch

Alters the compressor's attack to react to transients with a roughly 0.1 ms response time. When peak is disengaged, the compressor responds to the RMS signal in conjunction with the attack and release settings

Mix Compressed and Dry Signal

Works by creating a parallel mix between the compressed and dry signals. By mixing the compressed and dry signals, it is possible to increase the volume of quieter elements in the source material (for instance, delicate snare brushing on a track with much louder hits), while maintaining a natural dynamic feel for the louder elements

Insert Send and Return

To further control the side chain, there is also an insert send and return that may be paired with an external EQ or other filters for additional manipulation. The return may also be used as a Key input for ducking one signal under another (for instance, a voice-over keying the compressor to duck a background music track)

Link Button

Allows you to connect one Portico II unit to another Portico II link jack and engaging the Link buttons, the compressor section may be used for stereo material

Front Panel

Line Input

Provides selectable +4 balanced input transformer-balanced line level input with ±6 dB trim control

EQ Master Switch

Engages the EQ section with pre- or post-compressor selection

De-Esser

Adjusts the HMF frequency and Q controls (EQ adjustments may be made simultaneously with EQ level control).

LMF EQ:

Provides ±15 dB of gain from 70 to 1,400 Hz with continuously variable Q from 0.7 to 5.0.

Direct Input

Provides Transformer-coupled input for Hi-Z instruments with passive 1/4" thru circuit

Microphone Preamp

Offers 66 dB of gain utilizing discrete op-amp and custom transformer coupled inputs with selectable phase, mute, and +48V switching

High Pass Filter:

Provides continuously variable from 20 to 250 Hz at 12 dB/octane, with a send to the compressor side-chain

HMF EQ

Provides ±15 dB gain from 0.7 to 14 kHz with continuously variable Q from 0.7 to 5.0.

AC Input:

Offers IEC input jack for 100 to 240VAC.

Blend

Offers a parallel matrix providing continuously variable control to mix compressed and uncompressed signals

Compressor-Limiter

Offers fully featured classic compressor-limiter with attack, release, threshold, ratio, link, compression mode, parallel blend, make-up gain, HPF side-chain, and master engage

LED Metering:

Features Dual 16-point peak meters display compressor gain reduction and output levels.

HF EQ

Provides ±15 dB gain selectable at 4.7, 6.8, 12, and 25 kHz, with in / out and peak / shelf modes.

FF/FB

Changes the VCA detection from a forward feed design (faster, more accurate attack & release) to return feed (smoother, more musical and vintage response)

Back Panel

Link

Joins multiple Portico compressors VCA signals

Line Output

Provides transformer-coupled, fully balanced and floating output signals up to +25 dBu (1 = GND 2 = Hot 3 = Cold)

Mic In

Handles signals up to +25 dBu (1 = GND 2 = Hot 3 = Cold).

Side Chain

Affects the compressor VCA and the return may also be used for a key input

Transformer-Balanced Input

Handles signals up to +25 dBu (1 = GND 2 = Hot 3 = Cold)

Others

Phase Invert

Reverses the polarity of the signal

LF EQ

Provides ±15 dB adjustment at 35, 60, 100, and 220 Hz, independent LF engage, selectable classic bell or accelerated shelf curves

All EQ In

Enables all EQ bands (Individual bands must still be engaged)

Comp In

Engages the compressor section

RMS / Peak

Overrides the attack setting using a combination of peak and RMS detection set below 1 ms

Side Chain Send/Return

External compressor side chain send and return on 2 x TRS jacks; the send is always active and normalled to the return

Metering

Provides dual 16 point peak meters for display compressor (not de-esser) gain reduction and output levels

Construction

Made and designed in the USA with CE certification

 

Filter:
Type	High pass
Frequency	Continuously variable from 20 to 250 Hz
Slope	12 dB/octave bessel
Alternate	Path: Can be routed to the compressor side chain

Equalizer
Frequency	LF Section: Rotary switch selectable 35, 60, 100, 220 Hz    LMF Section: Continuously variable from 70 to 1,400 Hz  HMF Section: Continuously variable from 700 Hz to 14 kHz  HF Section: Rotary switch selectable 4.7, 6.8, 12, 25 kHz
Shelf	Type LF & HF Sections: Rupert Neve Designs Accelerated Slope Peak / Bell Q LF & HF Sections: Approximately 2.5 LMF & HMF Sections: Continuously variable from 0.7 to 5
Maximum Range	LF, LMF, HMF, & HF Sections: Cut 15 dB, Boost 15 dB

Compressor
Threshold	Continuously variable from -30 to +20 dBu
Ratio	Continuously variable from 1.1:1 to 20:1 (LIMIT) Blend: Continuously variable from 0% to 100% compressor
Gain	Continuously variable from -6 to +20 dB
Attack	Continuously variable from 20 to 75 ms (0.1 ms with FAST)
Release	Continuously variable from 100 ms to 2.2 sec

Electrical
Power Consumption	1 A @ 117 VAC, 0.5 A @ 220 VAC
Fuse	5 x 20 mm, 2.5 A, fast-acting, ceramic body fuse Bussman-type GDA 2.5 A or equivalent required

General
Dimensions (H x W x D)	3.5 x 19.0 x 10.0" (88.9 x 482.6 x 254.0 mm)
Weight	19.0 lb (8.6 kg)

Packaging Info
Package Weight	18.55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	21.3 x 17.6 x 8.1"

Mic Preamp
Frequency Response	-3 dB @ 2 Hz -3 dB @ 160 kHz
Noise	Measured at Main Output, Unweighted: 22 Hz to 22 kHz, terminated 150 Ω With Gain at Unity: Better than -92 dBu With Gain at 66 dB: Better than -56 dBu Equivalent Input Noise: Better than -123 dBu
Gain	Unity to +66 dB in 6 dB steps Trim continuously adjustable from -6 to +6 dB
Line Input	Trim continuously adjustable from -6 to +6 dB
Maximum Output Level	Maximum output from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is +25 dBu
Phantom Power	+48 VDC ± 1%
Total Harmonic Distortion/Noise	@ 1 kHz, +20 dBu Output: Better than 0.002%    As Above, Silk Engaged: Better than 0.2% Second Harmonic @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu Out: Better than 0.004% @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu Out: Better than 0.020%
IMD	Better than 0.002%
Slew Rate	Better than 4 V/uS

 

In the Box

Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module

• Limited 1-Year Warranty on Parts & Labor