Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor

One of our best-selling units: Now with new black cosmetics for 2020 by popular request, celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Rupert Neve Designs.

Based around the high voltage, discrete and class-A signal paths made famous in the 5088 Mixer and the Portico II Channel, the Portico II Master Buss Processor is a creative tool that redefines the boundaries and limitations of traditional 2-channel compression and limiting. Though originally developed for mastering applications, the MBP has quickly become a favorite of mix engineers, tracking engineers, and even FOH engineers. From mixing bass-heavy EDM to a delicate master of a chamber ensemble, it has something to offer everyone – no matter the use or genre.

With input and output transformers designed and implemented by Mr. Rupert Neve, the high-voltage 72V topology found in the Master Buss Processor will integrate flawlessly with virtually any system. Additionally, the MBP incorporates mastering-grade detented pots throughout to fine-tune its revolutionary dynamics, tone, and stereo field controls. This new topology is a significant evolution of Mr Rupert Neve’s classic designs with appreciable benefits to headroom, dynamic range, distortion, noise, slew rate, bandwidth, and accuracy while still providing the sweet, musical performance that has been a part of countless recordings.

Compression
For signals below the “threshold” level that has been set, a compressor provides a linear path allowing signals to be amplified without the gain being adjusted in any way. When signals exceed the “threshold” level, the gain is reduced in a controlled manner that depends on the Ratio that has been set.

Gain
GAIN range provided is from 0dB to +20 dB. When compression has taken place, the gain control is necessary to increase the overall gain to restore the program level.

Limiter
Musically transparent brick-wall limiting activated when the signal reaches the limiter threshold. Attack time is .03 mS in order to reduce the first half of a 20 kHz waveform over the threshold, with Serial Adaptive Release.

Bypass All
Hardwire bypass for MBP, including the input and output transformers

Texture
Continuously variable control for Silk and Silk+ modes allows the engineer to fine tune the harmonic ratio and tonality of each channel

FF/FB
Changes the VCA Detection from a forward feed design (fast, more accurate attack & release) to a feed back design (smoother, more musical response)

Peak / RMS Compression Selection
When engaged, the MBP compressor uses a combination of peak and RMS (average) detection to trigger the VCA set below 1ms. When disengaged, it follows RMS alone.

SC HPF
Introduces a HPF at 125Hz to the VCA side chain signal. This allows the compressor to disregard sustained low frequency content.

Ratio
Range from 1:1 to LIMIT (i.e. 40:1)

Threshold
Range from -30dBu to +20dBU

Attack Time
Range from 20 mS to 75 mS.

Release / Recovery Time
Range of RELEASE time is 100 mS to 2.5 Seconds.

Stereo Operation
When the LINK switch is engaged, channel A becomes the master control, and any gain reduction happens simultaneously in both channels

LED Meters
Four Peak LED METERS are provided that show stereo output levels and gain reduction.

Output level meter covers the range from -10 to +22 dBu and above which is regarded as overload.

The reduction is calibrated in dB covering the range 1 to 22 dBu, reading from top to bottom

Side Chain Send/Return
External compressor side chain send and return on 2 x TRS jacks. The send is always active and normalled to the return (NOTE: If the send and return are connected to a patchbay, the send should be normalled or connected to the return by default, as the compressor will not trigger if the return has no signal)

US and EU parcels ship via UPS, ETA 1-7 working days from pickup day zero. That also applies to most locations worldwide.

All shipments are fully insured.

Bigger shipments requiring pallets or custom made crates ship to US, CA, JP, CN, AU and other outside of EU locations via DHL Air Freight, ETA is normally approx. 7-14 working days from pickup day zero.

Big shipments inside EU ship via different freight companies, recently mostly via ACE Logistics. Freight forwarders can use different courier companies for deliveries to final destinations.

Palletising and crating time can vary depending on the size of the shipment and packaging queue. We pack all our shipments with great care.

You are most welcome to pick your order up yourself from our Retrosonic Pro Audio showroom, studio and warehouse in Tallinn, Estonia.

We ship worldwide – contact us for a personal shipping quote or any other questions.

VAT (Value Added Tax) can be deducted if you have a company with a valid EU VAT number or if you're based outside of the EU. Non-EU buyers pay all and any import tax and duty as regulated by their local customs.