Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ is a versatile powerhouse, bridging the gap between vintage warmth and modern precision. Crafted meticulously to deliver that signature Neve sound, this unit combines a high-quality preamplifier with a flexible 3-band equalizer, making it a go-to choice for both tracking and mixing. With the addition of the unique "Silk" mode, the Portico 5032 offers an extra layer of sonic character, reminiscent of classic analog consoles, enhancing your recordings with a touch of nostalgia.

This half-rack module isn't just about vintage vibes; it’s packed with modern features to suit today’s audio demands. Its independent transformer-coupled line-level input ensures seamless integration during mixdown, making it as effective in post-production as it is during initial recording sessions. The Portico 5032's EQ section allows for precise tone shaping, with high and low-frequency shelving and a parametric mid-band for tailored sound sculpting. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a passionate musician, the Portico 5032 delivers clarity and depth that elevate any audio project.

The robust build of the Portico 5032 ensures it withstands the rigors of studio life, with a solid steel chassis providing excellent magnetic shielding and mechanical stability. Its thoughtful design, including selectable mic or line inputs and full access to EQ, phase, silk, and mute functions, makes it a versatile tool, perfect for both standalone use and as part of a larger setup.

Key Features:

  • High Pass Filters: Continuously variable swept frequency from 20Hz to 250Hz, slope of 12dB/octave
  • Gain: Unity to +66dB in 6dB steps, with trim continuously adjustable from -6dB to +6dB
  • Maximum Output Level: +25dBu from 20Hz to 40kHz
  • Low Shelving EQ: +/- 15dB boost or cut with a corner frequency of 160Hz
  • High Shelving EQ: +/- 15dB boost or cut, switchable corner frequency 8kHz/16kHz
  • Mid Peak EQ: +/- 15dB boost or cut, continuously variable frequency from 80 to 800Hz or 800Hz to 8000Hz
  • Phantom Power: +48 Volts DC, ±1%
  • Power requirements: Voltage range from 9V to 18V DC

Product specs

Brand Rupert Neve Designs
Model Portico 5032 Mic Preamp / EQ
Finish Red / Blue, White
Year 2006 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Equalizers, Microphone Preamps, Recording Gear

FAQs

What are the main features of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ?

The Portico 5032 combines a high-quality mic preamp with a versatile 3-band equalizer. It features transformer-coupled inputs and outputs, providing warm, detailed sound suitable for professional studio recording.

Is the Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 suitable for vocal recording?

Yes, the Portico 5032 is ideal for vocal recording due to its high-quality mic preamp, which offers clarity and warmth, and its flexible EQ section for tonal shaping.

Can the Portico 5032 be used with line-level sources?

Yes, the Portico 5032 has an independent transformer-coupled line input, allowing it to be used with line-level sources in addition to microphones.

Does the Portico 5032 have any built-in EQ features?

The Portico 5032 includes a flexible 3-band equalizer, allowing you to shape the sound with precision for both recording and mixing applications.

How does the Portico 5032 compare to other Neve preamps?

The Portico 5032 offers the renowned Neve sound quality with the added benefit of a built-in EQ, making it a versatile choice for those needing both preamplification and tonal control in one unit.

corybergeronrecordings

corybergeronrecordings

Which sounds better? SCARLETT 2i2 VS NEVE 5032

Video thumbnail for Which sounds better? SCARLETT 2i2 VS NEVE 5032 by corybergeronrecordings

Which sounds better? SCARLETT 2i2 VS NEVE 5032

corybergeronrecordings

corybergeronrecordings

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic pre/EQ Review - Pure Wave Audio by purewaveaudio

Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic pre/EQ Review - Pure Wave Audio

purewaveaudio

purewaveaudio

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ.

Features and functionality

  • The knobs are noted to be small and tough, potentially making adjustments more challenging but ensuring durability.

    Source
  • The Portico 5032 is appreciated for its high headroom and ability to handle hot signals without distortion, making it versatile for various recording scenarios.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users are considering the 5032 for both tracking and as a hardware insert during mixdown, suggesting its versatility in studio settings.

    Source
  • The Portico 5032 is favored for pop and indie genres, where upfront, heavily compressed vocals are crucial.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 5032 is compared to Focusrite ISA, described as having a tighter sound, lacking the mid-low push of 1073 circuits.

    Source
  • The UA 6176's preamp is noted to have less headroom compared to the Portico 5032, which can be a consideration for handling hot signals.

    Source

User experience

  • The preamp is described as having a bit of bite when pushed hard, offering a modern RND clean flavor rather than the full vintage Neve mojo.

    Source
  • The Portico 5032 is praised for its ability to make vocals, acoustic guitars, and strings sound big and clear, indicating its effectiveness for these instruments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users are contemplating selling other gear, like the WA412, to fund multiple 5032 units, indicating perceived value in upgrading.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rupert Neve Designs: Portico 5032 mic preamp / EQ | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Neve Portico 5032 mic preamp and EQ delivers a clean, modern sound with impressive clarity and punch, particularly excelling in creating defined kick drum tones and airy vocals. The high shelf EQ impresses by adding space without harshness, while the HPF offers fine control that stands out in its class. However, the low shelf can be a bit boxy, and the lack of clear frequency labeling is a minor oversight. Overall, while it may not recreate vintage Neve tones, it carves out its own impressive identity that many modern producers will appreciate.

positive

Rupert Neve Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ

barryrudolph.com

The Neve Portico 5032 shines with exceptional sound quality and versatile EQ options, making it a top-notch mic pre/EQ combo. Its construction is robust, and features like the Silk switch enhance tonal richness, especially for harmonic sources. However, the lack of a mic attenuation switch may be a drawback for some engineers. Priced at $1,895, it represents a worthwhile investment for serious professionals, although it may not be as flexible as some competitors. Overall, the 5032 is a superb choice for those seeking clarity and precision in their recordings.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wanya7

Stunning

Clean Stunning Beautiful Noiseless Nice Soft Colour (SILK BUTTON)

From Gear Setup

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Urei 1176 LN Revision H
Urei 1176 LN Revision H Effects Processors
1
Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube
Auratone 5C Super Sound Cube Active & Passive Monitors
1
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
1
Universal Audio 2-610
Universal Audio 2-610 Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Korg MicroKORG
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
wanya7

wanya7

Gear IQ 1824

1 alternative for Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5032 Mic Pre/EQ, curated by the Equipboard community.

Rupert Neve Designs Shelford 5052 Microphone Preamp & EQ

$1,900.00 - $2,499.00

newer similar sound

An updated version of the 5032, in the 500 series format.

More Rupert Neve Designs Preamps

Rupert Neve Designs 511

$769.00 - $849.00

# 10

Rank

Josh Dun Oliver Ackermann Bibio
5 artists using
Avalon VT-737SP

$1,500.00 - $4,168.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Ed Sheeran
106 artists using
API 512c

$828.83 - $968.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
33 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,180.24 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Billie Joe Armstrong Kevin Parker John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$511.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$932.58 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,935.26 - $2,830.00

# 8

Rank

Steven Wilson Avicii Matt Berry
12 artists using
Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

$333.00 - $464.00

# 9

Rank

Chris Cornell James Taylor Masaru Teramae
11 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

# 11

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$729.00 - $899.00

# 12

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 14

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$760.82 - $1,799.99

# 18

Rank

Tim Henson beaux Alex Rüdinger
5 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$980.00 - $1,435.00

# 21

Rank

Andy Schichter Matt Didemus
2 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$143.00 - $169.00

# 22

Rank

mndsgn James Petralli Mirrored Theory
3 artists using
ART Pro MPA II

$492.00 - $579.00

# 24

Rank

Josh Turner Ivan Julian Zac Tiessen
3 artists using
Warm Audio WA12

$230.00 - $449.00

# 25

Rank

George Clanton Jonwayne
2 artists using
Vintech Audio X73i

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

# 26

Rank

Joe Bonamassa Kashiwabara Yuzuru Headscan
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    wanya7
    wanya7

    Gear IQ 1824