Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032V Single-Channel Mic Pre/Equalizer (Vertical)

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Single-Channel Mic Pre/Equalizer (Vertical) has an independent transformer-coupled line-level input for the EQ section. It includes a full-featured Mic Pre with a flexible 3-band Equalizer. It is equipped with high- and low-frequency shelving curves and a Parametric Mid Band covering 80 Hz to 8 kHz in two ranges.

The 5032 module is a half-rack width, 1.75” (1U) module in the Portico style. It is suitable for both tracking and mixing applications with selectable mic or line inputs. Both paths have full access to the EQ, phase, silk, and mute making it suitable for either standalone operation, or forming the core of a larger mixing system. The construction is a heavy and robust steel shell that provides total magnetic screening and mechanical stability. The front panel is machined from a solid 1/8” aluminum plate with a steel sub panel behind it.

The module features a vertical mounting front panel. In this configuration, up to eight 5032 modules can be mounted in a Vertical Frame (sold separately). This leaves a 3" wide space that can be used to house a power supply or monitor unit. The Vertical Frame assembly is designed for rack mounting and includes basic rear cable management. Blank panels (sold separately) can be used to fill any unused spaces when the full complement of 8 modules is not fitted into the optional Vertical Frame. 

The Portico 5032 module’s output stage uses a single-sided circuitry, driving a carefully configured output transformer that can deliver a full +25 dBu from the balanced and ground-free secondary winding.

The Portico 5032 makes use of both a high-frequency and low-frequency shelving characteristic that provide steeply rising or falling curve shapes. Such curves, when used aggressively, enable second and even third harmonics to be varied in relation to a fundamental, allowing the natural sound of a musical instrument to be varied. Used less aggressively, bands of frequencies above or below the turnover frequency can be adjusted to desired levels. Each of these sections provide EQ curves that approximate to 6 dB/octave with a boost or cut of up to 15 dB and a true flat response at the center of the control track. Frequencies chosen for these turnover points are the result of critical listening and follow traditional equalizer patterns.

The peak EQ (mid-band) section provides a very wide range of frequencies in 2 bands with a powerful Q or bandwidth control. The range of boost or cut is ±15 dB with a true flat response at the center of the control track. The steepness of the actual curve slopes can exceed 6 dB/octave which results in a powerful chisel type of tool. The Q control offers completely variable bandwidth, from very narrow to super wide, having a range of Q = 0.6 to Q = 3.0. The base band covers 80 Hz to 800 Hz, which is important when dealing with the body of a spectrum or for thinning a muddy acoustic environment. A x10 button multiplies the frequency of the base band by 10 providing continuity from 800 Hz to 8 kHz.

 
Product Specs