Rupert Neve Designs, Inc. Portico™ 5043 Limiter-Compresso

[The Press Desk at Gearslutz.com]

Portico™ 5043: Feedback to the Future!



Wimberley, TX (March XX, 2006) -- Rupert Neve Designs, Inc. announces the launch of the Portico™ 5043 Limiter-Compressor Duo, delivering two channels of unobtrusive, musical-sounding dynamics as well as brickwall limiting in a half rack 1RU space. The 5043 Limiter-Compressor features fully controllable dual mono or stereo operation plus innovative feedforward/feedback detection switching and yields a combination of rich warmth, flexibility and precision that is sure to resonate in the ears of sound engineers the world over.


Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Portico 5043 is the ability to switch between feedforward and feedback detection. In most of Mr. Rupert Neve’s earliest designs, feedback detection -- controlling the VCA with a rectified voltage from the unit’s output -- was intrinsic to the musical dynamic response. However, the very nature of a feedback compressor limits the attack time of the compression circuit. To offer faster, more technically accurate response times, feedforward detection was implemented on all of Mr. Rupert Neve’s more modern designs.



Conceived, designed and built in Texas Hill Country by Rupert Neve Designs, the 5043 is the first Portico module created to utilize the secondary buss signal outputs incorporated into the product range. By accepting buss outputs from other units in the Portico range, chains of modules may now be integrated into flexible arrays, configured to function as cue feeds, solo busses, or secondary outputs.



Each channel of the 5043 encompasses individually controllable threshold, makeup gain from -6dB to +20dB, ratio and VCA detection mode (feedforward/feedback). The channels may be used independently or connected in sequence to provide two separate control slopes on a single source. The D.C. control circuits may be linked via a front panel push-button so that the level of each channel may be held in a constant relationship for stereo operation. With the compressor inactive, the 5043 may be used as a transformer-coupled, high-performance line amplifier.



Rear panel connections are provided to enable the linking of multiple Portico 5043s. The 5043 can link both internal control lines or multiple additional 5043s, enabling one of them to serve as "master." When either the buss or line level input is selected, custom-designed transformers couple the input and output to create a true floating ground, ensuring compatibility with modules outside of the Portico Range, and imparting the rich warmth that is so revered in Mr. Rupert Neve’s classic designs.

With the introduction of the 5043, the need to purchase multiple dynamics units to choose between transparent and musical dynamic control is no longer a necessity. Ideal for either standalone operation or forming the core of a larger Portico- based mixing system, the Portico 5043 represents the signature of excellence so often associated with the Mr. Rupert Neve name.

Owned by Rupert and Evelyn Neve, Rupert Neve Designs Inc. was founded on passion, experience and a desire to build products embodying the highest musical quality. In continuing his legacy as a pioneer in audio circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve is currently focusing his talents on creating innovative analogue solutions to the issues facing the modern recording engineer.

For further information on the Rupert Neve Designs Portico Series, please visit www.rupertneve.com.

[musicsound-2]

has anybody tried one already ?

[Kalite Marka]

Originally Posted by musicsound-2

has anybody tried one already ?

The release was announced yesterday!

[not_so_new]

Originally Posted by Kalite Marka

The release was announced yesterday!

LOL

[musicsound-2]

has anybody ordered already ?

[Benmrx]

So glad this is finally out, and that it didn't take FOREVER!

can't wait for some reviews. Hopefully this year I'll be purchasing a 2buss comp in the sub 2K range, as there seems to be quite a few choices out there.

[JoshRND]

The first 5043's have already begun to ship. I expect the first reviews to be posted up here in the coming days (if not hours)!

Josh Thomas
www.rupertneve.com

[murp]

Originally Posted by JoshRND

The first 5043's have already begun to ship. I expect the first reviews to be posted up here in the coming days (if not hours)!

Josh Thomas
www.rupertneve.com

Hey Josh, great to have you here.

Can I ask what your role is at RND?

Cheers

[JoshRND]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm VP of Sales and Strategic Alliances.

Best,

Josh
www.rupertneve.com

[Alexi]

i'm the best strategic alliance out there.............hook me up sir.



cheers

[Rep]

I DO Like the Compact Nature of it,
... time will tell if it is any good

[TEMAS]

Can it really sound as big as something 10 times it's size like the VT-7?

By the way, there will be uk distribution for the Portico range soon - mind you, it'll probably still work out cheaper to order it direct.

And also - there's a 5 band EQ is the making. But you probably already knew that.

[matt thomas]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

Can it really sound as big as something 10 times it's size like the VT-7?

By the way, there will be uk distribution for the Portico range soon - mind you, it'll probably still work out cheaper to order it direct.

And also - there's a 5 band EQ is the making. But you probably already knew that.

and a summing device

[Rep]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

Can it really sound as big as something 10 times it's size like the VT-7?.

the REAL question is if gear That is 2-4 time more money ,
does it sound 2 or 3 times better, as the prices indicate ..

Originally Posted by TEMAS

- there's a 5 band EQ is the making. But you probably already knew that.

... I did not know that !

[Rep]

Originally Posted by narco

and a summing device

Now that is interesting, I am all ears now,
... where are you guys getting all the Great Info ...

[eweise]

According to specs, the minimum attack is 20mS. Is that fast enough for most uses?

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by Rep

Now that is interesting, I am all ears now,
... where are you guys getting all the Great Info ...

I sent them an email the other day asking if the 5043 was available to rack vertically. And if they were gonna do a dedicated 4 band eq and got this reply:

"Thanks for the interest in the Portico Range. We have vertical editions for all of the modules available, and any future modules. The 5043 is starting to ship tomorrow and we will have those coming into stock shortly. I had the chance to listen to one with Rupert last week and was blown away, it has the magic sound of the old stuff when feedback is engaged, but you can switch it to feedforward its very transparent and responsive.

As for eq's, we actually have a 5 band eq in prototype form now. There will be 3 fully parametric bands(gain, Q, and freq) and 2 frequency swept shelves. The sound should be very similar to the 5032 eq sound(very warm, sweet and accurate), and they should be shipping by June.

We will also have UK distribution in the next couple weeks as well. Sonic Distribution in the UK will be handling the Portico range for the UK and Ireland. If you ever have any other questions, feel free to call or email at any time.

Many Thanks,
Tristan Rhodes
Sales Administrator
Rupert Neve Designs

[echo unit]

Hey Josh,

If the new 5043 Compressor Limiter is the first Portico module to accept the "To Buss" inputs, is it then also a summing mixer?

How many "To Buss" inputs does the new Portico 5043 have on the rear pannel? How may external line level signals can it recieve and mix together. Explain further please?

Could I feed say 8 seperate line level signals out of an 8 channel D/A convertor, combine them in stereo and add stereo limiting to the mix of them using the Portico 5043 and then feed the stereo output of the Portico 5043 to my A/D convertors printing the summed and limited mix back to my DAW?

If the 5043 is indeed a summing mixer then this thing is going to sell like mad!

A stereo buss compressor/limiter/summing mixer in a half rack sized module with Neve designed transformer inputs and outputs? HOLYSHITBATMAN

Unbelievable and truly ingenious.

Thanks for any response you have time for Joshua

[musicsound-2]

From their homepage I see, that a 5014 MS-Stereo Buss Mix module is still on launch preperation. So I wonder, if the 5043 can do already the same and more. Don´t we need a lot of 5012´s and at least one of the summing modules in order to use the bus concept ?
However, I am also interested to see an answer to Echos questions, as I am not quite sure yet about the bus concept.

[JoshRND]

Let me see if I can't help to clarify things a bit (we should have the user guide to the 5043 posted shortly on our website as well). The 5043 can accept either a pair of Line inputs, or a pair of our Buss inputs. The 5043 does not have the ability to perform an 8x2 mix from your D/A.

The full flexibility of the system will come to fruition shortly.
We have made no secret that you will be able to create a mixing system from the Portico elements, and this is another step in that direction. Other pieces to the puzzle will be falling into place throughout the course of the year!

In the meantime the Buss Outputs from your 5012/32/or 42 can now feed into the 5043 Limiter-Compressor allowing the line outputs of those devices to feed a separate destination (DAW, Monitor, Broadcast Feed, etc..).


From Our Website:
http://www.rupertneve.com/porticoconcept.html
High quality sound control consoles can provide a powerful array of audio tools but your actual choice is limited by decisions the console designer has already made on your behalf and by the cost of providing a large number of identical modules, many of which are probably redundant to your purpose. The Portico™ range presents a means of interconnecting very high quality modules that give you those precise features that you need just when and where they are wanted in the chain, without the huge redundancy of a large console.

As new modules are added you will be able to select from a wide range of innovative audio processors that can be freely interconnected. In addition, because of the balanced inputs and outputs, the flexible mounting features and the independent powering, you can include any of your favourite transformer-coupled, balanced modules in a Portico™ chain without fear of ground loops or level discrepancies.

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave it at that for the moment, and I hope that this helps to clarify things a bit.

Best,

Josh
www.rupertneve.com

[Rep]

Nice... that keeps cost down as well,
...with the ability to get just the Needed pieces ...
Just need Faders/ summing/ racking, now ...

[Byrix]

I ordered mine~ Anyone else?
can't wait till it gets to me~~~!!!!


JC

[musicsound-2]

have ordered one as well but it seems nobody has received one yet.

A week ago, Josh expected the first reviews here in some days if not hours.
I have seen none ;-(

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by musicsound-2

have ordered one as well but it seems nobody has received one yet.

A week ago, Josh expected the first reviews here in some days if not hours.
I have seen none ;-(

Looking forward to hear your reviews guys.

[deft_bonz]

Why does everybody creates its own standard/form factor for building up a modular mixing system???

Why not using existing frames like 5xx from API or Tonelux?

[TEMAS]

Originally Posted by deft_bonz

Why does everybody creates its own standard/form factor for building up a modular mixing system???

Why not using existing frames like 5xx from API or Tonelux?

I don't get your point. Can you explain it again?

[Rep]

Originally Posted by deft_bonz

Why does everybody creates its own standard/form factor for building up a modular mixing system???

Why not using existing frames like 5xx from API or Tonelux?

YES ... ToneLux looks to be a great system,
with faders and total recall working with the daw...
I am looking into that More for sure .

[deft_bonz]

Originally Posted by TEMAS

I don't get your point. Can you explain it again?

Can I buy a vertical 5043 and put it into a 500ish frame from API?

[HudHudson]

No; 500 form factor modules have edge connectors on back, the Portico series do not and are a different size anyway.

[zimv20]

i do believe deft was asking that rhetorically to make his point.