Rupert Neve Portico II - Master Buss Processor - Manual (Page 4)

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Power Requirements
Each Portico II unit has a high quality, low noise switching power supply that is further filtered and
regulated for an exceptionally quiet and reliable power source for the audio circuits. The power supply
is considered “universal” in the sense that it will accept 100V through 240V AC and with 50 or 60Hz.
Be absolutely sure to disconnect mains power (remove the power cable from the IEC power connector at
the back panel) before checking the fuse. The fuse is located in the IEC power input connector and is ac-
cessed by opening the small panel labeled “FUSE”. The fuse should always be replaced with the correct
value and type. The Portico II power supply requires a 5x20 mm 2.5 amp fast acting ceramic body fuse
Bussman type GDA 2.5A or equivalent.
The fuse is a protection device intended to prevent additional damage or hazard if the Portico II unit de-
velops a problem. However sometimes a fuse may “pop” due to a mains surge and need to be replaced
(it probably did protect the Portico II). The symptom of a blown fuse is simply that the unit does not
power up. Disconnect the power cable, try replacing the fuse, re-insert the power cable, push the “Pow-
er” button. If this does not solve the problem or the fuse “pops” again there may be a problem with the
Portico II you should contact your dealer or email <[email protected]> or phone 512-847-3013.
The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II™ MBP Overview
The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor (MBP) is a full 19” rack width, 3.5” (2U) with
standard rack mounting “ears”. As with the entire Portico II range, the construction incorporates a heavy
and robust steel shell that provides total magnetic screening and exceptional mechanical stability. The
front panel is machined from a solid .20 inch aluminum plate with a steel sub panel behind it.
The name says a lot about the device but certainly not everything. The audio electronics use higher
power supply voltage compared to most audio equipment and in this case use +36 and -36 volt power
supply rails. The signal path has many similar circuits as the Rupert Neve Designs flagship console, the
5088. Amplification is handled with discrete (individual transistors) operational amplifiers (gain blocks).
These discrete circuits are in the tradition of Rupert’s original circuits used in recording consoles from
the 70’s and in many ways sound similar, however there are refinements in noise, slew rate, dynamic
range and particularly avoidance of unpleasant high frequency distortion artifacts. Also following Ru-
pert’s traditional approaches, these gain stages are married to custom designed input and output trans-
formers. Not only is the output transformer custom designed for the Portico II, it is the largest toroid
output transformer that he has used for a line level device.
The Master Buss Processor is a unique mixing and mastering device in that it brings together three dis-
tinct elements; the compressor, limiter and stereo field editor. While these three separate components
are used in their own individual products, the MBP gives the ability to combine the three, enhancing the
creative potential of each feature. Although the feature set is quite expansive, signal paths are minimal,
and only incorporate the utilized components. All in all, the Portico II MBP is an outstanding tool for
mixing and mastering.
THE LINE INPUTS & OUTPUTS
The input and output stages are similar to that of the 5088 console, using high voltage class-A discrete
circuitry, driving a carefully configured output transformer that can deliver a full +25dBu from the bal-
anced and ground-free secondary winding.