RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS / Portico 542

This tape emulator module inherits the circuitry of the Portico 5042. The 542 features a ""true tape"" circuit that produces stunning third-order harmonic effects, as well as a soft clip function to remove harshness from the source. The versatile Silk/Texture circuit produces three transformer tones that emphasize second-order harmonics, and the wet/dry control allows you to adjust the optimal amount of saturation.

■ Main Features

TAPE In
Enables the ""True Tape"" function. Saturation, Blend, and 15/30 IPS switch settings are enabled.

TRIM
Allows ±12 dB of fine gain adjustment for the line input before sending it to the tape circuit.

SATURATION
Sets the signal level sent to the tape head circuit. Increasing this setting increases the amount sent to the record head and reduces the gain of the playback amplifier, preventing the entire circuit from overloading due to excessive signal. Actual tape recorders have independent gain controls for recording and playback. However, the 542 combines these two gain controls. This allows for simple operation while maintaining adequate tape saturation and an appropriate output level. Additionally, a soft clip function prevents further overload. The saturation knob also affects the low frequencies. Typically, a low level to the tape head results in low-frequency loss. The saturation control also affects the low-frequency compensation circuit, boosting low frequencies at low saturation settings and disabling compensation at higher settings. This allows you to achieve the desired effect on sources like bass and kick drum, from clean, boosted low end (low saturation) to densely saturated low end (high saturation), with just one knob.

15/30 IPS - Tape Speed ​​15/30
This switch selects tape machine pre-emphasis/de-emphasis processing and recording/playback characteristics. 15 IPS (simulation of a tape speed of 15 inches per second) provides a characteristic ""head bump"" effect around 60 Hz and a moderate roll-off in the high frequencies. 30 IPS (simulation of a tape speed of 30 inches per second) provides a flatter high-frequency response and a head bump effect around 120 Hz.

BLEND
Sets the mix balance between the signal before (pre-tape) and after (post-tape) the tape circuit. This function also functions to adjust the blend amount of the saturation effect. This allows you to achieve sufficient tape saturation while maintaining the dynamics and clarity of the original signal. *The Blend control does not affect the sound of the Silk / Texture control. This circuit is located in the output stage.

SOFT CLIP
Soft clip begins to function in the true tape circuit when the level reaches ""5"" on the meter (the first yellow LED). Soft clip is ideal for processing material with sharp transients, such as drums. The Blend control, along with saturation, adjusts the balance of its effect.

SILK / TEXTURE
Silk reduces negative feedback in the output transformer, bringing the frequency response closer to that of vintage equipment designed by Rupert Neve. ""Blue"" mode affects the source material's low- to low-mid-range harmonics, adding fullness to the sound. Red ""Silk+"" mode emphasizes the source material's high-mid to high-range harmonics, adding brightness.

LEVEL / DRIVE METERS
Two 8-segment LED level meters display the 542's output and drive levels. The level meter displays the output level before the Silk circuit, and the drive meter indicates the ""record head"" level when the tape effect is enabled. The soft clip circuit activates when the drive level reaches ""5.""

Note: Rupert Neve Designs 500 Series products are mounted on dedicated rack chassis. Therefore, the manufacturer assumes that scratches will occur during the manufacturing process or inspection on panel parts that are not visible when the chassis is installed, except for the front panel. Scratches may be present in these areas even on new products; however, please note that this does not constitute a product defect.