RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS / Portico 543

This compressor module inherits the features of the acclaimed Portico 5043 compressor, from natural and musical dynamics control to brick-wall limiter processing, in the 500 series format. The 543 is a fully featured compressor/limiter with two operating modes, feedback and forward, two detection modes, peak and RMS, and a sidechain high-pass filter.

■ Main Features

COMPRESSION
When the signal level is below the threshold, the gain control is deactivated and the input level is output linearly. When the signal level reaches and exceeds the threshold, the gain is controlled (compressed) according to the ratio setting.

GAIN
A compressor is a processor that reduces the level of an audio signal. As a result, the output volume differs when it is turned on and off. Gain (makeup) compensates for the gain reduction caused by the compressor. Like the Portico module, the 543 has a gain control ranging from -6 to +20 dB. It is generally set so that the volume is the same when the compressor is on and off.

RMS / PEAK
Switch between RMS mode, which detects the normal average value, and ultra-fast mode, which detects peaks in less than 1 millisecond.

S/C HPF - Side Chain High Pass Filter
This side chain filter cuts low frequencies below 250 Hz that can adversely affect VCA operation. Use this when unwanted low frequencies cause modulation distortion.

RATIO - Ratio
Sets the compressor gain compression ratio. The setting range is 1:1 to LIMIT (approximately 40:1).

Threshold - Threshold
Sets the signal level at which the compressor activates. The compressor activates when the signal level reaches or exceeds the set value. The setting range is -30 to +20 dBu.

ATTACK TIME - Attack Time
Sets the compressor's start time. The setting range is 20 to 75 ms.

RELEASE / RECOVERY TIME
Sets the duration of the compressor's gain control. The setting range is 100 ms to 2.5 s.

STEREO Operation
When the LINK button is on, two compressors connected by the link bus operate in tandem. This is useful when using two 543s with stereo signals. This function only synchronizes the VCA operation, so the parameter settings on both units must be nearly identical. Failure to do so may result in an unbalanced stereo signal. Linking only works if the 500 Series rack is equipped with a link bus. If your rack does not have a link bus, you can achieve this by physically connecting the link buses between the 543 modules.

Ducking
When two 543 modules are linked, the signal passing through the first module can be used to control the volume of the second module. For example, if a speech signal is sent through the first unit, the signal level of the music or performance on the second unit will be reduced by a compressor to match the volume of the speech, making it stand out.

Meters
Eight-point peak level meters are provided for both output and compressor gain reduction.

*Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series products are mounted on a dedicated rack chassis. Therefore, the panel areas that are not visible when the chassis is installed, except for the front panel, are manufactured with the assumption that scratches will occur during the manufacturing process or inspection at the manufacturer. Even new products may have scratches in these areas; however, please note that this does not constitute a product defect.