RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS Portico II Master Buss Converter

Dual Path A-D Converter & Limiter Whether tracking, mixing or mastering, the Master Buss Converter is a true revelation in terms of AD conversion quality and advanced functionality. The MBC's dual analog circuitry allows you to have both a Class A signal path without transformers (for a sound as transparent as possible) and a more colorful one, with custom audio transformers and variable Silk, to obtain a wide variety of sound nuances. Coupled with an incredibly musical limiter, MBC is always the best choice to capture analog signals with a three-dimensional accuracy that leaves you breathless. A long wait With more than 70 years of experience in the field of designing analog circuits, Mr. Rupert Neve never created a converter, until the release of the Dante RMP-D8 microphone preamplifier in 2018. Although the RMP was primarily designed as a preamp, it was used by high-level studio, mastering and live technicians as a converter. This led to the development of the Master Buss Converter, thus creating a new standard for quality PCM conversion.Dual-Path Analog DesignBeing the last step in the analog chain before 'digitization', the conversion circuit is fundamental in determining the final sound quality. MBC has been designed to achieve “reference” performance regardless of the desired genre or sound character. The key to achieving this result lies in the quality of the analog circuitry. To obtain a more powerful and characterized sound footprint, it is possible to insert a custom transformer into the signal path with Rupert Neve's famous Silk circuit, recalling the classic sound of his vintage projects. This transformer, unlike other RNDs designed for line level outputs, is designed to provide the appropriate harmonic content even when entering directly into the converter. With the addition of the variable Silk, the user can precisely decide the amount of harmonic content desired. With the “Red” mode, the medium/high harmonics are highlighted, with the “Blue” the harmonics in the low range are accentuated. From a transparent sound without Silk to a decidedly more colorful and vintage one with the Silk/Texture circuit, the selectable transformer path manages your tracks with a new and improved power. When maximum transparency and highest sound fidelity are needed, the transformer-free signal path allows for extraordinary clarity and detail. While many transformer-free circuits suffer from poor sound balance and a lack of 'punch', MBC's Class-A circuit has been painstakingly designed to offer a beautiful sense of natural sound, with vivid details in both high and low frequencies. The completely clean signal path is an essential complement to the classic and “massive” sound that transformers normally give. No matter what type of sound character you are looking for: the MBC can obtain it with a simple button. Compound Active Release Analog LimiterRND has designed a limiter capable of working both as a high-quality musical “sculpture” tool, better than plug-in limiters, while continuing to perform the function of a “security” limiter. To achieve this result, RND has redefined the “compound active release” topology to improve both the accuracy and musicality of the limiter's response. The result is a limiter that offers both sound transparency and the ability to push tracks and mixes to the limit without compromising the sound integrity of the source. To further control the sound of the limiter, parameters have been made available to adjust its response up to. The integrated Side High-Pass Filter, adjustable from 20Hz to 250Hz, minimizes the limiter's reaction to low frequencies, which tend to have more “sustain” compared to higher frequencies. The threshold control sets the maximum level for the digital signal and the variable release time alters the type of response to better adapt to different types of sources. To further raise the levels in the limiter, the Class A line amplifier is able to add 20dB of ultra clean gain. The limiter could be used both in dual mono and in stereo through the “link” switch, depending on the desired use. Conversion for mastering The MBC's 24-bit/192kHz converters were developed after years of careful listening, and represent a further improvement of those designed for the RMP-D8. The internal clock has ultra low jitter and phase noise values, in order to make the footage as accurate as possible. Simply, the Master Bus Compressor recreates a disconcerting digital representation of analog signals. ConnectionsTo connect digital interfaces and consoles, the MBC is equipped with AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK outputs capable of simultaneous output to multiple destinations. The word clock output allows the MBC to behave like a high-end master clock for the entire setup, while the word clock input allows it to synchronize externally to a separate master clock. Finally, to perfectly integrate the Master Bus Compressor into a multichannel conversion environment, it is possible to select four standard levels from -14dBFS to -20dBFS to accurately match other converters. These calibration standards are implemented with a particularly high level of accuracy with high-precision resistors and a step attenuation controlled via a relay. Ultra-precise metering A pair of 22-segment meters allows extremely precise control of the input conversion stage. The new project that represents the highest resolution LED meter in a Rupert Neve Designs product. To monitor the limiter's gain reduction, there is an 8-segment meter designed to show the reduction of transients with great accuracy. The level meters can be further customized with the option of maintaining peaks from 1 and 3 seconds. FeaturesSelectable analog paths: The best projects in class A, with and without transformers.Path with transformer with Silk/Texture: add body and punch with a dedicated custom transformer before the converter. Silk/Texture allows you to manage harmonic content and saturation of this signal path.Transformer-free Class A signal path: Maximizes the transparency and sound clarity of the input signal.Active Compound Release Analog Limiting: It pushes levels further without creating artifacts as in plugins and prevents clip.24-bit/192kHz Reference conversion: It resumes the analog signal with extreme clocking precision thanks to the use of the best chips.Multi-Standard connectivity: Connect any digital device with AES, S/PDIF and TOSLINK all available at the same time. Precision clocking: maximum accuracy and minimum jitter/phase noise, able both to operate as a master clock and to synchronize with another master device. Technical specificationsXLR line input to AES3 digital output (Bypassed Limiter) — ZSOURCE = 40 Ω BalancedInput Impedance: 9.9 kΩ Common Mode Rejection @ 1 kHz: 105 dB typical path without transformers Frequency response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.025 dB typical THD+25 dB N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.0009% Typical Noise (BW) 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -108 dBFS typical path with transformersTransformer frequency response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typical THD+N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.002% typical Noise (BW 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -114 dBFS typical limiter specifications (Transformerless path selected) - ZSOURCE = 40 Ω Balancer Frequency response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typical Noise @ 0 dB (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -107 dBFS TypicNoise @ +20 dB Make-Up Gain (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -97 dBFS TypicWeight and DimensionsProduct Dimensions (W x D x H): 19” (48.3 cm) x 9” (22.9 cm) x 1.65” (4.2 cm) Shipping Dimensions (L x W x H): 24” (61 cm) x 13” (33 cm) x 4” (10.2 cm) Shipping Weight: 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) UPC: 763854076767ApplicationsTrackingMixing/Mix CaptureMasteringBroadcast/Live