Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5014

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5014 Product Features

The Portico 5014 Stereo Field Editor introduces an innovative application of well-known techniques that redefines the boundaries and limitations of traditional 2-channel stereo recording and playback. Operating entirely in the analogue domain, the Portico 5014 uses discrete component circuits, comprising a variable sum and difference network with level and phase controls, together with other key features, to affect stereo sources.

Intended for recording, mixing and mastering applications, the Portico 5014 differentiates between near field (direct) and far field (ambient) sources and allows the manipulation of the relationship between mono panned images and stereo ambience through the use of width, depth and phase controls. Source material may be further manipulated by inserting external EQ or dynamics processing into the difference channel or by engaging the simple onboard mid-band EQ.

Designed with the same half-rack dimensions as the rest of the Portico range, available in horizontal or vertical formats, and utilizing Mr. Rupert Neves custom transformer designs, the 5014 is a unique addition to the modern engineers palette that brings dimension and life to any recording.

Width

When the width circuit is engaged, the stereo signal is split into a sum and difference network, allowing the width, depth, insert and EQ controls to be used. The width control enables the user to increase or decrease the width of a stereo image (wide/mono) and adjust the amount of ambience inherent in the recording. As the width control is rotated toward wide, the amount of difference material is boosted, thus altering the signal that the depth, insert and EQ affect. Conversely, the stereo field is contracted when rotated to mono, and, if the left and right channels are highly coherent (i.e. both channels include closely similar material that is in phase), this mono content is enhanced. If the phase of one of the input channels is then reversed the mono content may be virtually eliminated. Because the amount of effect the width control has is entirely dependent on the amount of stereo information in the original source material and the interplay between the 5014s other controls, listening and experimentation are essential for the best results.

Depth

The depth control of the 5014 adjusts the spatial positioning of elements in the sound stage. A solo instrument or vocal can be placed up front in a mix and supporting instruments can be pushed back, for example. In many cases, a center-panned vocalist can be placed forward in a mix or virtually eliminated without adversely affecting the music bed. Used in conjunction, the depth and width controls effectively alter the perceived room ambience and dimension.

Difference Channel Insert

The difference channel insert and EQ offer new opportunities to manipulate stereo signals. In mastering use, lead vocals can be brought up or down in a mix, excessively sibilant overheads can be controlled, and mixes formerly considered beyond repair can be saved. By inserting effects such as reverb, additional EQ, compression, or expansion into the difference channel new creative options for altering ambience and adding movement to the stereo image are available.

Difference Channel EQ

The difference channel includes a semi-parametric EQ with frequencies ranging from 120Hz to 2.4KHz and two selectable Qs that only affect material panned out of center. This can be very useful for eliminating room resonance or adding sparkle to ambient material.

Width

Opens the stereo field when the controls are set to wide, boosting the level of difference material. It contracts the stereo field when set to mono, reducing the level of difference material.

Depth

Moves the perceived stereo image closer or further away. When used with width, the perceived ambience, room and distance of a recording can be controlled. insert (difference signal) Available only in the difference channel (any material panned out of center).

Trim

High performance transformer-coupled line amps provide independent level control with +/-10dB gain for each channel.

Insert

Engages a balanced send and return on the difference circuit

Phase

Inverts the phase of the selected channel by 180 degrees.

Difference EQ

Semi-parametric, with a frequency range of 120Hz to 2.4KkHz, +/-15 dB gain, with two Q settings.

Meters

8-segment LED peak meters provide separate left and right level monitoring.

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5014 Tech Specifications

• Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise: @ 2 kHz, +20 dBu output level, unity gain. Main Output, Width bypassed: Better than 0.0015%. Main Output, Width engaged: Better than 0.0015%.
• Noise: Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 22Hz-22 kHz, Terminated 40 Ohms. With Gain at Unity, Width disengaged: Better than 100 dBu. With Gain at Unity, Width engaged: Better than 96 dBu.
• Frequency Response: Main Output, Unity Gain @ 18 Hz, 3 dB. @ 150 kHz 3 dB.
• Crosstalk Measured Channel to Channel, Width disengaged: Better than 100 dB @ 16 kHz.
• Insert:
  The Insert is only active within the WIDTH circuit when it is engaged. The SEND carries the Left-Right difference information only (pre-EQ). Return is half-normaled.
• Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise: @ 2 kHz, +20 dBu output level. Better than 0.0015%.
• Frequency Response: Main Output, Unity Gain 10Hz 100 kHz, +/- 0.50 dB.
• SEND
• Maximum Output Level: Balanced TRS +28 dBu. Unbalanced +22 dBu.
• Send Amplifier Noise: Un-weighted, 22Hz-22kHz, E.I.N. (Equivalent input noise, Terminated 40 Ohms -100 dB
• RETURN
• Maximum Input Level: Transformer balanced, floating +25 dBu. Input Impedance: >10K Ohms
• 5014 Power Requirements:
• Voltage Range, 9 to 18 Volts DC, 12 Watts
• Connector:  5.5mm X 2.5mm DC jack, Center Positive
• Current consumption: @ 9VDC = 1.25 A typical @12VDC = 1000 mA typical @15VDC= 780 mA typical @18VDC= 643 mA typical
• *External 15V Supply included with every Portico Series module.