Rupert Neve Portico 5045 Primary Source Enhancer

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5045 Primary Source Enhancer is a two-channel module that is perfect for reducing feedback, and effectively increasing the level a microphone can be raised before any feedback occurs in a live sound environment by nearly 20dB. With controls that are very simply laid out and generally require minimal adjustment, the RND 5045 is an invaluable tool for churches, stadiums, performance halls, or any venue where the maximum level output of feedback is problematic.

Built around Rupert Neve Designs’ custom module input and main output transformers, the all-analog circuitry offers superb control and durable sonic performance without compromising any integrity of the source material. The Portico 5045 shares some traits with conventional “noise gates”, but operates on a different principle. One common aspect is that both reduce the gain during the absence of signal – or more specifically, both begin to attenuate when the level of a signal falls below a certain user-defined threshold. 

The Rupert Neve Designs 5045 senses when someone is speaking or singing into the mic and allows the signal to pass through, and senses when the person has stopped talking or singing and reduces the gain appropriately, which helps reduce the system’s tendency to feed back. Most importantly, the RND 5045 does not require filtering and digital processing to achieve significant benefits.

The Depth Control

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5045’s “DEPTH” knob sets how much attenuation is applied after the signal falls below where the “THRESHOLD” is set. “0” implies zero attenuation and the unit won’t be doing anything. “-10 dB” is moderate attenuation and reasonably safe from accidentally chopping off a word or part of a word. “-20 dB” attenuates deeper but might be a bit choppy. Setting the “DEPTH” control so that it does not chop off bits of quietly spoken words while fighting a difficult feedback problem is the goal, especially with singers that sing quietly one moment and loudly the next while demanding loud monitors.

The Time Constant Control

The “TIME CONSTANT” control is designed to help prevent choppiness in some situations and stop feedback in other situations. It mostly sets how quickly the attenuation occurs in the quiet sections between words or sentences. “A” is the fastest and “F” is the slowest. “A” will quickly soften the level which can be advantageous when the singer is consistent and feedback howl is challenging. “F” is the safest in terms of slowly fading down, but might be a bit slow fading up again, and might be a bit slow for controlling some pesky feedback situations. “C” and “D” are moderate settings that should fit many situations and generally fade down slow enough so that the ends of words are not affected, yet fast enough to control feedback. Choose the most appropriate time constant that doesn’t soften the beginnings and endings of phrases, yet still diminishes the feedback and “boominess” of the signal.

The RMS/PEAK Switch

Similarly, the “RMS/PEAK” button allows some finessing of the timing of the Rupert Neve Designs 5045. With the “PEAK” button pushed in, the 5045 will return to normal level from attenuation very rapidly. This may help prevent the beginnings of some words from being cut off. (It also opens the door for some creative dynamics-shaping if one uses the Portico 5045 on musical instruments.) With the button set to “RMS”, the RND 5045 will behave moderately slower, but with a greater deal of perceived “musicality”. In this mode, it is relying on the “average” signal level rather than merely the loudest and briefest peaks.

FEATURES

• CROSSTALK Measured Channel to Channel: Better than -80 dB @ 16 kHz
• FREQUENCY RESPONSES Main Output: @ 20 Hz -3 dB, @ 150 kHz -3 dB
• RMS MODE 
  • A: 50mS B: 100mS
  • C: 200mS
  • D: 750mS
  • E: 1.5S
  • F: 3S
• Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22k Hz, 50 Ohm terminated input
• THRESHOLD Continuously variable from -20 dBu to 10 dBu