portico II mix buss compressor?

[666666]

Originally Posted by acupunk

Has anyone had experience with this mix buss compressor?
it looks versitile, any comments or recommendations?
good for tracking?

Do a search, there's a few threads where this unit is discussed at length. But I'd love to hear some updated opinions myself.

I also have my eye on this piece, I REALLY like the feature set... a side chain SEND and return... sweet!... PLUS a switchable HP filter in the detector circuit. In my opinion, ALL high-end bus / mastering compressors should have these features. Many do not.

This unit is also able to go nice and slow on the attack if so desired, a lot of good comps out there actually can't go too slow on the attack.

It does parallel compression too, in box!

I have no idea how this unit actually sounds, but I'm surely very impressed with the features / layout for sure. Very intelligently designed. Well, this is a product of Rupert and Hutch, right? I think it's safe to say that those guys know a little something about designing gear!

These days I've been placing way more weight on the functionality of my tools verses esoteric coloration, sex appeal, shiny knobs, vintage vibe, name recognition, whatever. After a while, you learn that these are indeed just TOOLS, not mantle pieces, they need to perform certain functions in order to get a job done. The more control you have and the easier it is to exercise that control, the easier, faster and more pleasant your work will be and the results will likely be superior to otherwise. I greatly applaud designers who put focus on functionality.

This Neve Portico bus compressor, from a design and feature set point of view, is a "must have" in my book. Perfect... switchable HP filter in the side chain, side chain send and return, excellent attack and release ranges, parallel compression set-up... even has mid-side functions... all in one box... almost too good to be true really. This is a fantasy feature set. Excellent work, guys!

So now how does this thing sound? So far I've heard good reports.

[Plush]

I have had this box since last November. I use it on many many projects and it thickens, gives girth, oomph, does not loose treble response. The poster above is correct--it has some wonderful abilities to set the attack and release to slow settings. I cannot hear it working. But take it out of the loop and the sound can seem flaccid.

I use it all the time here. The width function is super, the various types of tone shaping that are able to take place in a compressor is very impressive.

A gorgeous sound above all else. Helps you stand out waaaaayy above the crowd.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Plush

I have had this box since last November. I use it on many many projects and it thickens, gives girth, oomph, does not loose treble response. The poster above is correct--it has some wonderful abilities to set the attack and release to slow settings. I cannot hear it working. But take it out of the loop and the sound can seem flaccid.

I use it all the time here. The width function is super, the various types of tone shaping that are able to take place in a compressor is very impressive.

A gorgeous sound above all else. Helps you stand out waaaaayy above the crowd.

totally agree with that last line - I find all of RNs boxes, even when not doing anything - they impart a silkiness which is great for orchestral or jazz based recordings.

[acupunk]

I am considering getting the portico 2 compressor but I am also still
thinking of the API 2500. not sure if the portico 2 can do the punch and aggressiveness of the 2500. confused without hearing them. But like the mix knob idea on the portico.

[ksound]

If I had the funds I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I haven't heard it, but I just know it would fit my needs like a glove - basically for use as a tracking comp for vocals and to use as a buss processor for my otherwise ITB mixes.

I shall eventually have one I am sure.