Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032

Transistor preamp section coupled with a three-band EQ, including the intermediate frequency is variable. A variable high-pass filter (20-250 Hz) is also present.

The "Silk" reduces "negative feedback" from its (negative feedback), giving a different sound. This approximates the sound modules "vintage" according to the website of Rupert Neve Designs.

Model occupying half space on a rack. It is possible to add a wing to the end to place one or two pair Portico together. Probably done to encourage the buyer to purchase more than one module ...

UTILIZATION

Beautiful presentation in my humble opinion.

Setting up and using simple although several options are possible. The sound engineer Aguer seeking some sound will probably succeed in achieving the 5032. That said, a bunch more to the EQ section would still be ideal issue to have even more game, which consists of the only reason for the lack of perfection in my quotation.

SOUND QUALITY

Combo more than interesting to change the sound by making the EQ section as well as the "Silk" which can sometimes work wonders.

Without EQ, the sound is quite faithful to the source. I used the 5032 on several different instruments and there is no doubt that this is a very versatile device. This type of amplifier that brings the sound "in the figure" of the listener. Over the various tests, he was particularly probative on the voice (no doubt), the snares (the EQ can get the desired sound) and acoustic guitars / electric.

Also, it is interesting to modify the sound source by integrating the EQ circuit. The possibilities are impressive and no noise is induced by this addition. It can significantly misrepresent what is captured, sometimes interesting option.

Nb: Microphones mainly used - Neumann Tlm 127, Soundelux U195, M-Audio Sputnik, Rode NTK, Rode NT5, AKG 414, SM57

Other intruments captured - violin, clarinet, harmonica, bass ... No complaints!

OVERALL OPINION

I own this preamp for the past year and a half.

I love the "Silk" really makes this a two in one module.

Over time, I was able to compare the product to several other preamps different ranges: Avalon Vt737, TLA, Focusryte, UA, Ivory, Vintech, Berinhger ... Frankly, the Portico has always had the upper hand considering its versatility and the undeniable quality of the preamp section. The engineers met during these tests, some with much more experience than me in the field are unanimous: the 5032 is a jewelry.

In fact, I loved it so much I bought the 5012 (stereo amplifier) ​​and a 5043 (stereo compressor) ... It is therefore obvious that I will never regret this purchase. It is against certain that if I was in a situation where I could spend lavishly, surely I will opt for a 5012 coupled with a 5033 (EQ 5-band), probably duo enjoyable!

It is described in the notice parfaintement precedent.
The quality is there. The action of potentimetres fresh and accurate.

I heard criticism of the PSU SEPARATE which seem based more on a priori that the objective criteria: it is not a standard PSU to 20 euros, Alimi decoupage made progress now (see the amps PA) and I trust Mr Neve does not cock up their aircraft with a power supply improvement.

UTILIZATION


OKIDOK, a band would be most welcome chui agree. But it would be more expensive when they're happening.
are clik and clok when encleche a switch, but this is due to the absence of Condesa coupling on signal path which is quite a good thing.

SOUND QUALITY


I really like the preamp. There is a presence, a sharpness, a "hand in your face" without harshness, however.
Extended bass, nice on the bass.
I do not use the slik ever: in fact, once the track in the mix, or I do not hear (ouuuh!) Or AC seems a hair less.

The EQ I like less. this is really a matter of taste. The highshelv is 8 ou16K but I always find myself stuck, shot at 12K soundcraft consoles such, I find it natural. I do not get down I want playing on the shelve and a wicked tight hollow to 100 or 200: AC is more massive than firm, not my thing. Please note, the Q is tight (!) Should not hesitate to open wide the width of the band lyrics corrections.
But it's really subjective, this EQ is a very high level, and a character said: 1 or 2 dB correction range.

OVERALL OPINION


2 years of use.

Impeccable machine, but with hindsight I would have taken completely different thing, as AMS 1073.