RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS / Portico 545

The world's most natural feedback reduction and primary source enhancer that focuses on the main source. Based on the Portico 5045 circuit, which has been used in countless tours, arenas, houses of worship, and broadcast venues, the 545 is perfect for vocals and instruments. It effectively boosts the signal level of live microphones by up to 20dB while suppressing feedback without adversely affecting the sound quality of the source.

■Main Features

Engage
Illuminated push button to turn the Primary Source Enhancer on/off.

Active
This LED lights when the input signal to the 545 is above the enhancement threshold. This is a very useful indicator when setting up the 545, as it lights up when the main source you want to pass through (e.g. your voice).

Threshold
Sets the dBu level at which the Primary Source Enhancer starts to have an effect.

Depth
Adjusting this knob sets the maximum amount of effect the 545 will have. In other words, this is how much the input signal will be attenuated after it falls below the threshold. Turning the DEPTH knob clockwise from 0 dB to -20 dB will attenuate the input signal more dramatically. Find the right balance between the perceived effectiveness of primary source enhancement and feedback reduction.

FAST
An illuminated push button to select between two time constants. Determines how fast the attenuation occurs as the input word or phrase ends and becomes quiet. With FAST not pressed, the 545 offers a slower attack and release - this setting is a good starting point for most situations. Pressing the button instead offers faster attack and release times - this setting is useful when faster transient detection is required for dynamic sources or passages.

Peak
An illuminated push button to select between RMS and Peak detection modes. When this button is lit, the 545 is in Peak mode - it detects faster transient peaks and is useful for shaping dynamic envelopes. When the button is off, the 545 is in RMS mode, which offers a slower, averaged response in the sidechain.

*Rupert Neve Designs' 500 series products are intended to be mounted on a dedicated rack chassis, and the panel parts that are not visible when the chassis is mounted, other than the front panel, are manufactured under the assumption that they will be scratched during the manufacturing process or inspection by the manufacturer. Even new products may have scratches in these areas, but please note that this is not a product defect.