Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5017 2-Channel Mobile Microphone Preamplifier/DI/Compressor with Vari-Phase

Classic tone and control on the go.
Comprised of a rugged, portable chassis with world-class preamp, compressor and DI circuits as well as two channel operation, Vari-phase, Silk and DI/mic blending capabilities, the Portico 5017 is an innovative and powerful tool for recording or live performance.

Two Distinct Channels
The 5017 provides two preamps: one tailored for Mic/Line sources, and the other for Instrument level sources. Each channel has a dedicated line output, allowing for the 5017 to be used in a multitude of ways. From having full control over a vocal mic + an acoustic guitar to capturing a guitar/bass DI and mic'd amplifier simultaneously, the 5017 gives the power to the artist.

Add an optical compressor and our Silk harmonics circuit to the equation and the versatility of the 5017 is undeniable.

The Blend & Vari-Phase Controls
Perhaps the most powerful features on the 5017 are the 'Blend' and 'Vari-Phase' controls. These controls work in tandem to dial in the ideal blend of a DI and Mic of the same source. Adjusting the 'Vari-Phase' control once both preamps are set ensure no strange phase cancellation is working against you while blending 2 versions of the same source together.

These controls can also be used to create a quick mix of a vocal and guitar without a mixing console, which is handy in either a live performance or live recording situation. And since the Mic Input also accepts line level sources, these features can be used to 're-amp' sources that have already been recorded with the stellar instrument input. So many possibilities in such a compact box!

Features

Two Channel Operation
With two transformer coupled outputs, the 5017 has separate line outputs for the DI/Blend and Mic signals when the blend control is set to fully DI. The mic output is always independent.

Silk
Pushing the Silk button engages the Silk circuit, which enhances the source's harmonic content in a manner very reminiscent of many of Rupert's class-A vintage designs.

Mic Gain
A 12-way precision rotary switch covering Line (0) and Mic from 0 to 66 dB in 6 dB steps.

Inst Gain
Continuous gain control from 0dB to 30dB.

Thru & Inst 1/4" Phone Jacks
Balanced or unbalanced Hi-Z input for instruments, with a Thru output to send signal to an amplifier.

+48V Phantom Power
Provides 48V phantom power to microphones. Controlled by a switch on the back of the unit.

High Pass Filter
The high pass filter is a valuable aid in any signal chain, but particularly so in a microphone preamplifier. Signals below 80Hz can be attenuated at a rate of 12db / octave, getting rid of building rumble, motor hum, etc.

Polarity
Push button inverts the polarity of the mic input signal path. The symbol "Phi" is often used to denote opposite polarity.

Vari-Phase
When engaged, the Vari-Phase control rotates the phase incrementally, allowing two signals with the same source to be phase aligned. This control is most apparent when the signals being combined are at roughly equal levels, and is generally used when blending an instrument's direct signal with its amplified signal, as captured by a microphone.

The Compressor
Based around a new LDR (light dependent resister) design, the 5017's opto-coupler compressor has been simplified to a single threshold control with auto make up gain. By default, the compressor is set to a fixed 2:1 ratio with fixed attack and release. To set the compressor, simply dial the threshold control down until the desired amount of compression is achieved. An LED light indicates when the compressor is active.

Indicators
Indicators on the 5017 denote signal presence and clipping on both DI and mic signals, as well as compressor activation.

Internal Jumpers
Two internal jumpers in the 5017 can be set to change the compressor from the mic channel to the DI / blend channel, and to change the compressor time constant from standard to fast.