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Average Price: $2,495

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Description

Experience unparalleled sonic excellence with the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module, a versatile single channel strip inspired by the legendary 5088 console. Crafted for discerning audio professionals, this module transforms any sound source with its revolutionary "Silk" technology, delivering a rich, three-dimensional quality that elevates your recordings. The Portico II Channel Module seamlessly integrates a high-headroom mic/line/DI input stage with a meticulously engineered 4-band EQ. This equalizer draws from classic Neve heritage, offering both broad tonal sculpting and precise surgical adjustments, making it indispensable for any studio arsenal.

The integrated de-esser circuit, fine-tuned with the high-frequency band, provides transparent sibilance control, ensuring vocals are smooth and balanced. Whether you're working with vocals or complex instrumentation, the built-in compressor, reminiscent of the acclaimed Portico 5043, offers both feed-forward and feedback modes. This allows for extensive dynamic control, ensuring your mix stands out with clarity and presence. The signal path flexibility lets you switch the EQ pre- or post-compression, providing you with creative control over your sound sculpting.

Ideal for both lead vocals and instrumental overdubs, the Portico II Channel Module is a testament to Rupert Neve's legacy of innovation and excellence. Whether you're in a world-class studio or a home recording setup, this module is your key to achieving professional-grade audio quality.

Key Features:

  • High-headroom mic/line/DI input stage
  • "Silk" technology for harmonic texture control
  • 4-band EQ with classic Neve design elements
  • Transparent de-esser circuit
  • Versatile compressor with feed-forward and feedback modes
  • EQ can be placed pre- or post-compressor
  • Perfect for vocal chains and instrumental overdubs

Product specs

Brand Rupert Neve Designs
Model Portico II Channel
Finish White
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Channel Strips

FAQs

What are the key features of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module?

The Portico II Channel Module features a mic preamp, EQ, compressor, and texture circuit, all in one unit. It offers classic Rupert Neve sound with modern enhancements, making it ideal for professional studio settings.

How does the EQ section of the Portico II Channel Module work?

The EQ section includes a 4-band equalizer with selectable frequency ranges and Q settings, allowing for precise tonal shaping. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of recording applications.

Can the Portico II Channel Module be used for both vocals and instruments?

Yes, the Portico II Channel Module is versatile and can be used for both vocals and instruments, providing high-quality preamplification and processing for various audio sources.

What is the purpose of the texture circuit in the Portico II Channel Module?

The texture circuit is designed to add harmonic saturation, emulating the warmth and character of vintage analog gear. It allows users to enhance their recordings with a subtle or pronounced analog feel.

Is the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module suitable for home studios?

While the Portico II Channel Module is a professional-grade channel strip, it can be a valuable addition to a high-end home studio, offering top-tier sound quality and processing capabilities.

Rupert Neve

Rupert Neve

Craig Ross: Comparing the Portico II and Shelford Channels

Video thumbnail for Craig Ross: Comparing the Portico II and Shelford Channels by Rupert Neve

Craig Ross: Comparing the Portico II and Shelford Channels

Rupert Neve

Rupert Neve

Video thumbnail for Portico II Channel processing with Mark Hallman by Rupert Neve

Portico II Channel processing with Mark Hallman

Rupert Neve

Rupert Neve

Video thumbnail for Shelford & Portico II Channels on Bass with Steve Bryant by Rupert Neve

Shelford & Portico II Channels on Bass with Steve Bryant

Rupert Neve

Rupert Neve

Video thumbnail for The Best Channel Strip ever? | Portico II by Neve | MEGA Review #porticoii #rupertnevedesigns by Dom Sigalas

The Best Channel Strip ever? | Portico II by Neve | MEGA Review #porticoii #rupertnevedesigns

Dom Sigalas

Dom Sigalas

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve on the Portico II | AES 2009 | Vintage King Audio by Vintage King

Rupert Neve on the Portico II | AES 2009 | Vintage King Audio

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for Rupert Neve Designs Portico II - NAMM 2012 by Sound On Sound magazine

Rupert Neve Designs Portico II - NAMM 2012

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally musical EQ, even with aggressive frequency boosts

  • Smooth compressor allowing heavy compression without artifacts

  • Highly effective de-esser, versatile for different styles

  • Built by legendary engineer Rupert Neve, ensuring top-tier design

  • Broad EQ sweeping curves similar to a Baxandall EQ

  • A/B functionality within the unit for easy sound referencing

  • Versatile on various styles and tonal levels

  • Discontinued status makes it a rare, desirable collector's item

  • Clean sound with optional added grit feature

CONS

  • Discontinued, making it challenging to find new units

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module.

Features and functionality

  • The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II offers compression, limiting, saturation, and stereo width adjustments, excelling with high signals, which suits EDM, pop, and hip-hop.

    Source
  • The Portico II Master Bus Processor includes a stereo image section, which can significantly clean up or widen songs, appealing to those seeking versatile stereo manipulation.

    Source
  • It’s been highlighted that the Portico II's color changes with the amount of signal pushed through it, providing a dynamic range of tonal possibilities.

    Source
  • BAE modules utilize Carnhill transformers, which are built to the same specifications as the original St. Ives and Marinair transformers used in vintage Neve units.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The API 2500 is noted for its color and effectiveness on drum tracks, while the MBP provides a comprehensive toolset for mastering, including a stereo field editor.

    Source
  • The MBP is compared to the Distressor for mastering, providing extensive control and adaptability, whereas the SSL Fusion is favored for budget-conscious engineers.

    Source
  • The Portico II Master Bus Processor is touted as a "Swiss army knife" of compressors, particularly for its transparency and ability to color tracks based on push intensity.

    Source
  • BAE units are considered closer to vintage Neve 1073s than the Neve 1073 DPX2, noted for their hand-wired craftsmanship and reliability.

    Source

User experience

  • The MBP's "Silk" feature adds harmonic distortion, enhancing high or low-mid frequencies, making it versatile for mastering various music genres.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that the Portico II offers a significant impact when used as the sole piece of outboard gear, making it a strong candidate for a "desert island" choice.

    Source
  • BAE preamps have been described as producing interesting tonal changes at higher gain settings, with some users noting issues like random dropouts and noise.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MBP is recommended for mastering due to its ability to transform mixes quickly and efficiently, especially beneficial for those transitioning from purely digital workflows.

    Source

Build quality

  • BAE modules are hand-wired, which some users believe contributes to a sound closer to vintage Neve, contrasting with AMS Neve's more modern build approach.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Building a Neve kit, such as those from DON Classics, allows two channels in a single 1U rack unit, offering an alternative for DIY enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel

soundonsound.com

Rupert Neve's Portico II Channel is a powerhouse channel strip that blends the best of Neve's existing technology with new features for a versatile and musical sound. With wide bandwidth, minimal distortion, and a silky-smooth tonal character, it excels in delivering polished audio. The compressor offers dual-mode feedback for flexibility, while the EQ remains natural even at high boosts. The enhanced 'Silk' mode adds vintage warmth, but the lack of visual feedback on the de-esser is a slight drawback. While pricey, it's a top-notch choice for serious studios seeking a high-quality front end.

positive

Rupert Neve Designs: Portico II channel | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Neve Portico II Channel Module impresses with its aesthetic allure and sonic versatility, earning praise for its refined EQ, full-featured compressor, and the innovative Silk+ control that adds nuanced tonal colors. The unit offers substantial headroom and transparency, making it a worthy addition to any studio setup. However, it's not without its flaws; switching buttons can cause an annoying thump if signal is present. Despite this minor setback, the Portico II stands out as a flexible, high-quality channel strip that approaches the elusive "big-board" sound, making it a strong contender for any serious audio professional's rack.

positive

Rupert Neve Portico II Channel Strip Review

mixonline.com

The Neve Portico II Channel Module shines as a versatile and modern take on the classic Neve sound, offering a full-featured preamp, EQ, and compressor in a robust package. Its standout features include a blend control for parallel compression, a switchable EQ position, and the innovative Silk and Silk+ modes for added tonal warmth and sheen. The build quality and intuitive design are exceptional, making it a reliable choice for professional settings. However, the absence of a bypass function might be a minor inconvenience for some users. Overall, it’s a laudable blend of vintage charm and modern functionality.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Photo

Tycho: "they're actually portico II channels @willits has an MBP that we run stuff through during mastering"

See how Owl City uses Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Owl City's studio contains a Neve Portico II, which he shows off in this Instagram photo.

See how Pontus Hjelm uses Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Channel Module

Pontus Hjelm

Singer, Guitarist

Dead by April

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen in 3:35, where they show their study.

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 II Channel Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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