RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS Portico II Master Buss Converter

Description

Whether tracking, mixing, or mastering, the Master Buss Converter is a true revelation in AD conversion quality and advanced functionality. The MBC's dual analog circuitry allows for both a transformerless Class A signal path (for the most transparent sound possible) and a more colored path, with custom audio transformers and variable Silk, to achieve a wide variety of tonal nuances. Paired with an incredibly musical limiter, MBC is always the best choice for capturing analog signals with breathtaking three-dimensional accuracy.A Long WaitWith over 70 years of experience in analog circuit design, Mr. Rupert Neve had 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 top-level studio, mastering, and live engineers 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 DesignAs the last step in the analog chain before "digitalization," the conversion circuit is fundamental in determining the final sound quality. MBC was designed to achieve "reference" performance regardless of genre or desired sound character. The key to achieving this result lies in the quality of the analog circuitry. To obtain a more powerful and characterized sonic footprint, a custom transformer with Rupert Neve's famous Silk circuit can be inserted into the signal path, recalling the classic sound of his vintage designs. This transformer, unlike other RND transformers designed for line-level outputs, is designed to provide appropriate harmonic content even when going directly into the converter. With the addition of variable Silk, the user can precisely decide the desired amount of harmonic content. With "Red" mode, mid/high harmonics are emphasized, while "Blue" mode accentuates low-frequency harmonics. From a transparent sound without Silk to a decidedly more colored and vintage sound with the Silk / Texture circuit, the selectable transformer path manages your tracks with new and improved power. When maximum transparency and the highest sonic fidelity are required, the transformerless signal path allows for extraordinary clarity and detail. While many transformerless circuits suffer from poor tonal balance and a lack of "punch," the MBC's Class-A circuit has been meticulously designed to offer a beautiful sense of naturalness, with lively 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 provide. No matter what kind of sonic character you are looking for: the MBC can achieve it with a simple button.Compound Active Release Analog LimiterRND has designed a limiter capable of functioning both as a high-quality musical "sculpting" tool, superior to plugin limiters, while continuing to serve as a "safety" limiter.To achieve this, RND 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 sonic transparency and the ability to push tracks and mixes to the limit without compromising the sonic integrity of the source. To further control the sound of the limiter, parameters have been provided to fine-tune its response. 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" than high 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 capable of adding 20dB of ultra-clean gain. The limiter can be used in both dual mono and stereo via the "link" switch, depending on the desired use.Mastering ConversionThe MBC's 24-bit/192kHz converters were developed after years of careful listening and represent a further improvement over those designed for the RMP-D8. The internal clock has ultra-low jitter and phase noise values, making recordings as accurate as possible. Simply put, the Master Bus Compressor recreates a stunning digital representation of analog signals.ConnectionsTo connect digital interfaces and consoles, the MBC features AES, S/PDIF, and TOSLINK outputs capable of simultaneously outputting to multiple destinations. The word clock output allows the MBC to act as a high-end master clock for the entire setup, while the word clock input allows external synchronization to a separate master clock. Finally, to perfectly integrate the Master Bus Compressor into a multichannel conversion environment, four standard levels from -14dBFS to -20dBFS can be selected to accurately match other converters. These calibration standards are implemented with a particularly high level of accuracy using high-precision resistors and relay-controlled step attenuation.Ultra-Precise MeteringA pair of 22-segment meters allows for extremely precise control of the input conversion stage. The new design represents the highest resolution LED meter present in a Rupert Neve Designs product. To monitor the limiter's gain reduction, there is an 8-segment meter designed to show transient reduction with great accuracy. Level meters can be further customized with the 1 and 3-second peak hold option.FeaturesSelectable Analog Paths: The best Class A designs, with and without transformers.Transformer Path 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.Transformerless Class A Signal Path: Maximizes the transparency and sonic clarity of the input signal.Active Compound Release Analog Limiting: Further pushes levels without creating artifacts like in plugins and prevents clipping.Reference 24-bit/192kHz Conversion: Captures 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 simultaneously.Precision Clocking: Maximum accuracy and minimum jitter/phase noise, capable of both operating as a master clock and synchronizing to another master device.Technical SpecificationsXLR Line Input to AES3 Digital Output (Limiter Bypassed) – ZSOURCE= 40 Ω BalancedInput Impedance: 9.9 kΩCommon Mode Rejection @ 1 kHz: 105 dB typicalTransformerless PathFrequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.025 dB typicalTHD+N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.0009% typicalNoise (BW 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -108 dBFS typicalTransformer PathTransformer Frequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typicalTHD+N @1 kHz @ -2 dBFS (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): 0.002% typicalNoise (BW 10 Hz - 22 kHz): -114 dBFS typicalLimiter Specifications (Transformerless Path Selected) - ZSOURCE= 40 Ω balancedFrequency Response (20 Hz to 70 kHz): +/- 0.1 dB typicalNoise @ 0 dB Make-Up Gain (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -107 dBFS typicalNoise @ +20 dB Make-Up Gain (10 Hz - 22 kHz BW): -97 dBFS typicalWeight 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