Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5042 "True Tape" Emulation Released

The 5042 is a two-channel, 1RU half-rack unit that provides a remarkable simulation of true tape sound through the inclusion of genuine tape drive circuitry. When the Tape circuit is not engaged, the 5042 may be used as a full, transformer-coupled, high-performance line amplifier that includes a Gain range of + and – 12 dB.

The Portico 5042 Two-Channel “True Tape” Emulation and Line Driver unit’s emulation circuit provides the nostalgic rounding and compression usually only achieved by the use of tape. This typically offsets the harshness often found in digital recordings. The Portico 5042 incorporates an actual tape drive circuit that feeds a tiny magnetic “head” which, in turn, is coupled to a correctly equalized, replay amplifier. The only thing missing is the tape itself and the cost!

“Record” and “Replay” controls are counter-ganged to keep overall input to output level approximately constant; it only changes as it would in a real tape recorder, with changing drive levels to the circuit, eventually resulting in saturation.

The frequency response and distortion performance of the Portico 5042’s tape circuitry is tailored to that of a typical analogue tape recorder. And users should beware: The dynamic range of a classic tape recorder is a lot less than that of the high-performance Portico circuit in which it nests!

Transformer-coupled input and output stages, very short signal paths, minimal negative feedback and effectively single-sided amplifiers, form the essential building blocks of the new Rupert Neve Designs Portico product range. The Portico 5042, in company with other Portico modules, uses a new Input Transformer that accepts high signal levels at very low distortion and an Output Transformer fed from a single-sided amplifier, completely precluding the possibility of crossover distortion.

Each of the unit’s two channels is equipped with Input Level control, “Tape Saturation” Level control, a 7.5 ips/15 ips switch, and independent Bypass switch that toggles between the “TAPE” and “LINE AMPLIFIER” function, the Input Level Control, remaining in circuit. An 8-LED meter displays Input or Drive Level to the Tape Circuit,

The Portico 5042 Two-Channel “True Tape” Emulation and Line Driver is now shipping.

The second of an integrated series of Portico products, the 5042Two-Channel “True Tape” Emulation and Line Driver joins the 5012 Duo Mic Pre Module that has already established an enviable reputation.

Projected Portico Modules include the Portico 5032 Microphone/Line Preamp and Equalizer, the Portico 5043 Stereo Compressor/Limiter, and the Portico 5014 MS-Stereo Buss Mix and Stereofield Module. Further, all-analog, assignment, mixing and monitoring equipment, together with an innovative DI are planned for the months ahead.

During the past two decades, Mr. Rupert Neve, revered for his vintage mixing console designs, put his audio design talents to work for a number of manufacturers under the ARN Consultants LLC moniker, including Amek, Legendary Audio Masterpiece Mastering, Summit Audio and Taylor Guitars. Now trading as Rupert Neve Designs, the company recently expanded its staff roster and moved into larger premises in Wimberley, TX to prepare for the increasing demand for products embodying the principles of very high musical quality that have become synonymous with Mr. Rupert Neve’s name over the years.

Media Contacts:
Steve Harvey
Media Medium
Tel: (323) 665-2455
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Rupert Neve Designs
PO Box 1969
Wimberley, TX 78676
Tel: (512) 847-3013
Fax: (512) 847-8869