At the top of each channel strip, pushbuttons are provided to select transformer coupled line, Portico buss and tape inputs. A trim pot provides adjustment of the selected input by +/- 10dB and there is also a phase reverse pushbutton.

Each module in the Portico series includes rear panel TRS connectors and a front panel TO BUSS pushbutton that together allow multiple devices to be daisy-chained together and combined on a single buss to form a multi-processor audio path that might include, for example, a mic preamp, an equalizer and a compressor. Such a signal chain may be wired into the 5088 via the buss input connector and selected on each respective channel strip.

This input flexibility allows the 5088 to be custom configured and wired to suit the individual studio workflow. Wiring directly to these connectors and selecting the appropriate input on the channel strip switches can eliminate re-patching for each application. For example, a Portico Series mic preamp could be normalled to the line input connectors for vocal and acoustic instrument tracking, a series of Portico dynamics processors could be wired into each of the buss inputs for electronic instrument tracking or processing external mic preamps, and the outputs from the DAW could be normalled to the tape input connectors for monitoring and mixing.

Nine pushbuttons provide buss assignment of the channel input signal to any of eight subgroup modules and the stereo output. The pan pot at the bottom of the channel, has an associated IN switch and effects the stereo and group buss output panning.

The eight auxiliary sends come in three different configurations:

Aux 7/8, farthest from the operator, comprises two separate level controls with an associated mute switch. A switch also selects the sends to be pre-fader (and before the soft mute) rather than the default, which is post-fader.

Aux 5/6 offers dual mono or stereo operation. In the default condition the level 6 control, which has a center detent, operates as a pan while the aux 5 pot controls the stereo level. When the MONO switch is pressed aux 6 becomes a separate level control. There is a MUTE switch and an AUX TO GROUP switch. When engaged, AUX TO GROUP routes aux 5/6 to the selected subgroup busses instead of aux 5/6, which allows submixes to be created across any of the 8 Group Busses.

Aux 3/4 and aux 1/2 are identical pairs that offer the most sophistication. Similar to aux 5/6, the even numbered pot has a center detent and serves as either a pan or level control according to the position of the associated MONO switch. There is also a mute switch and a pre-/post-fader switch. Selecting SFP — send follows pan — derives the signal after the channel pan pot, thus post-fader and after the soft mute, and thereby also disables the operation of the associated PRE switch. SFP is especially useful for quickly creating cue and stereo reverb sends.

Each input channel also has a 100mm fader as well as a pan control, and large, illuminated, latching buttons for soft mute and solo which flashes red when a signal overload occurs. Optional Flying Faders II may be integrated to add Protools read/write automation encompassing Mute, Pan and Level controls.

Each input channel has a transformer coupled direct output on an XLR connector. By default, the direct output is post-fader and after the soft mute, but can be selected pre-fader/mute via an internal jumper.