The Portico 5032 is a single channel Mic Pre/EQ having an independent transformer-coupled Line level input for the EQ section.
It includes a full-featured Mic Pre identical to that in the 5012, with the addition of a flexible 3-band Equalizer in the Mr. Rupert Neve tradition. The 5032 is equipped with high and low frequency shelving curves and a Parametric Mid Band covering 80Hz-8kHz in two ranges.
The Rupert Neve Designs 5032 module is a half rack width, 1U module in the Portico style. The 5032 is ideal for both tracking and mixing applications with selectable mic or line inputs. Both paths have full access to the EQ, phase, silk and mute making it the ideal choice for either standalone operation, or forming the core of a larger mixing system. As with the entire Portico range, the construction uses a robust steel shell that provides total magnetic screening and exceptional mechanical stability. The front panel is machined from a solid 1/8-inch aluminum plate with a steel sub panel behind it.
Alternative front panel layouts are available providing a choice of vertical or horizontal mounting. When the horizontal front panel is chosen, a single 5032 can sit firmly on a bench or desktop on its detachable rubber feet. Two 5032s can be joined with the optional Horizontal Joining Kit (Model # 5221-RM) and mounted across a standard 19" rack.
The Microphone Preamplifier
The microphone input is balanced but not floating, using a Transformer-Like-Amplifier (T.L.A.) configuration with a toroidal Common Mode Rejection Low Pass Filter that excludes frequencies above 150 kHz. The T.L.A. is followed by an actual input transformer designed by Mr. Neve that permits a full +25 dBu input signal to be handled at unity gain without an input pad over the whole audio spectrum. This innovative solution combines the advantages of both an electronically-balanced and true transformer input.
In addition to the 72 dB of gain, the 5032 mic pre includes individually selectable phase, mute, phantom power, a swept high pass filter from 20-250 Hz, and the Silk circuit which yields the rich warmth and presence of the renowned classic designs.
The EQ: LF (Low-Frequency Shelf) and HF (High-Frequency Shelf)
The Portico 5032 Equalizer makes use of both a High Frequency and Low Frequency shelving characteristic that provide steeply rising or falling curve shapes. Such curves, when used aggressively, enable second and even third harmonics to be varied in relation to a fundamental, allowing the natural sound of a musical instrument to be varied. Used less aggressively, bands of frequencies above or below the "turnover" frequency can be adjusted to desired levels.
These sections each provide EQ curves that approximate to 6 dB/octave with a boost or cut of up to 15 dB and a true "Flat" response at the center of the control track. Frequencies chosen for these "turnover" points are the result of critical listening and follow traditional equalizer patterns.
The EQ: MF (Mid-Frequency Peak)
This section provides a very wide range of frequencies in two bands with a powerful "Q" (bandwidth) control. The range of boost or cut is +/-15dB with a true "Flat" response at the center of the control track. The steepness of the actual curve slopes can exceed 6 dB/octave which results in a powerful chisel type of tool. The "Q" control offers completely variable bandwidth, from very narrow to super wide, having a range of 0.6 to 3.0.
The base band covers 80 Hz to 800 Hz, which is important when dealing with the body of a spectrum or for thinning a muddy acoustic environment. A x10 button multiplies the frequency of the base band by x10 (i.e. it provides continuity from 800 Hz to 8.0 kHz), ideal for more upper-midrange equalization duties.
