Portico/Pacifica. Wait, wait, wait!

[hurricaneE]

Not looking for a recommendation here; I'm set for pres and I've already got Porticos (5012).

Most people's descriptions of the Pacifica (big, open, airy, nice top, yadda yadda) sound like they could be applied to the Portico (as I hear it), with the silk out. I'm curious about how accurately these kinda comments can be applied as descriptors (at least for my purposes, but it's my post). Anyone who's heard both willing to comment on similarities, or lack thereof? It's kinda like a vocabulary assessment: To what extent to folks tend to agree on what words like "big," "open," and "airy" mean?

Thanks! -E

[Brad McGowan]

When you hear a Pacifica then you will know what people mean when they say "open and airy". It has presence to it that sounds like you added a little high shelving EQ. Anything I've ever heard of the Neve variety (in person or in sound clips) just doesn't have the same top end response that the Pacifica has. When you have the chance to hear the Pacifica in person then you will remark to yourself: "Ahhhh...now I get it."

Brad

[Mike Jasper]

Originally Posted by hurricaneE

Most people's descriptions of the Pacifica (big, open, airy, nice top, yadda yadda) sound like they could be applied to the Portico (as I hear it), with the silk out.

I tend to agree, and I've heard both. The Portico with the silk button off has a lot of air, unlike any other Neve I've heard -- or Neve clone.

Unfortunately, I haven't done tests of the Portico and Pacifica side by side. One friend owns a Pacifica, the other a Portico. So I can't tell you the extent of the similarity.

Jasper

[hurricaneE]

Brad, don't care which is better, but if you think the PORTICO (not a 10XX, 1272, etc.) sounds SOMEWHAT like a Pacifica (even if it's inferior) then it seems you and Mike (thanks, Mike!) are saying people are using the same words to mean the same things, and that's a relief Thanks! -E

[Brad McGowan]

I think the Pacifica sounds more like an API with high end presence than anything Neve.

Brad

[Mike Jasper]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

I think the Pacifica sounds more like an API with high end presence than anything Neve.

Brad

I agree with that too.

That means I'm also saying that the Portico without the silk button on doesn't much sound like a Neve as we've come to know it. It sounds clean, with an emphasis on the high end. Especially with the high pass filter on (which I used on acoustic guitars).

Jasper

[hurricaneE]

Now you guys are just muddying the waters And remember, I'm JUST talking about the Portico, not Neves. -E

Originally Posted by Mike Jasper

I agree with that too.

That means I'm also saying that the Portico without the silk button on doesn't much sound like a Neve as we've come to know it. It sounds clean, with an emphasis on the high end. Especially with the high pass filter on (which I used on acoustic guitars).

Jasper