Rupert Neve Portico 517

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 517 quickly becomes indispensable for both live and studio applications thanks to its versatility. It offers both a transformer-balanced microphone input and an instrument input, the phase of which can be continuously adjusted using the Vari-Phase control. As both signals can be mixed together in the device, the optimum phase position can be set in relation to each other. A musical compressor with variable threshold compresses the audio signal if required. The selectable Silk circuit provides the coveted vintage warmth in the audio signal.

The microphone preamp:

The Portico 517's preamplifier combines outstanding sonic quality with the musicality you would expect from a Rupert Neve design. Thanks to the extremely low distortion, the extraordinarily wide bandwidth and the switchable Silk function, the preamp captures every last detail of the microphone signal.

The compressor:

Based on a new LDR (Light Dependend Resister) design, the 517's opto-compressor has been reduced to the essentials and offers threshold control with automatic catch-up gain. The compressor is set to a fixed compression ratio of 2:1 ex works. To operate it, simply change the threshold until the desired compression is achieved. An LED indicates the activity of the compressor.

Crossfading:

In instrument applications, the Portico 517 is used for phase adjustment as well as crossfading and compression of direct (DI) and amplified, miked signals (Mic); the adjustable crossfade between direct and amplified signals allows you to quickly set the desired tonal mix between the two sources; phase cancellations can be minimised using phase control. To compress the mixed signal, the jumper for the compressor must be set to the "Blend" path (factory setting). Of course, it is also possible to create a mixed vocals/guitar signal in this way.

Vari-Phase:

In addition to the normal phase inversion, the Portico 517 offers a Vari-Phase module for infinitely variable control of the phase position between the two inputs. This is important for all signals coming from the same source.

Even with careful mounting of drums (close miking) and overheads, phase problems can make the overall signal sound muffled or muddy. Vari-Phase can be used to rotate the phase of the direct signal until the signals are in phase.

This technique is also very useful in combination with the internal crossfade when recording instruments. A bassist who feeds the Portico with both direct and microphone signals can mix both signals into a sum signal, whereby he can use Vari-Phase to bring them into optimum phase alignment.