Rupert Neve Designs Introduces the Portico 517 Pre/DI/Comp

Based on the Portico 5017 Mobile Pre, the 517 provides transformer-coupled preamp, compressor and DI
circuitry, with Vari-phase, Silk and DI/mic blending capabilities for $950 U.S. list.

As with other Portico Series modules, the 517 provides sonic performance with a feature set capable of functioning in
many different capacities. The same engineer could use a 517 as an inexpensive means to add new high-end analogue mic amplification, instrument amplification, vari-phase adjustment and compression to his or her studio while also utilizing the 517's unique DI/preamp blending functionality, according to the company.



Based around a new LDR (light dependent resister) design, the 517's opto-coupler compressor has been simplified to a single threshold control with auto make-up gain and a fixed 2:1 ratio. To set the compressor, dial the threshold control down until the desired amount of compression is achieved. A built-in LED indicates when the compressor is active.

Used as a single channel device for instruments, the 517 can be used to phase align, combine and compress direct and amplified signals. To achieve this, the instrument’s direct signal is sent to the DI input and the speaker cabinet signal via the mic preamp input. The blend control is used for mixing direct and amplified signals to achieve the desired tonal blend between the two sources, and the Vari-phase control is used to minimize or attenuate phase cancellations between the two signals. The compressor can be applied to both channels. This technique could also be used to create a single, mixed output of a guitar and vocals or any other pair of sources.

For further information on Rupert Neve Designs please visit www.rupertneve.com