Rupert Neve Designs Portico 5016

This is a relatively low cost DI box. There is an input (1/4"), an XLR and 1/4" output (the XLR is for DAWs or analog recording hardware, the 1/4" for an amplifier). There is also an attenuator and a power switch.


UTILIZATION

There isn't really much to describe in the way of using this product, it works just like any DI box. Simply plug the instrument through the 1/4" input, and take it from the DI to the console via the XLR output. Also use the 1/4" output if using an amplifier or speaker of some kind. The attenuator will adjust the signal flow in case of noise or loss of signal, just so you can get some adjustment prior to the signal entering the DAW.


SOUND QUALITY

The console is pretty transparent from what I can tell. This is both good and bad. It's good in the sense that there is no automatic coloring of the sound, and the sound is left entirely up to the whim of the engineer, via the effects/edits he makes in the DAW. However, I feel as though there are other DIs out there that are transparent yet still somehow have a more full sound. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but I feel like I would prefer to have to do less with the signal than more just to get it to sound right. This is certainly nitpicking to an extent but I think I'd prefer a better DI in some cases, if not most. However, for practical purposes, this sounds fine.


OVERALL OPINION

This is a good DI box for the price. Professional studios could probably do better, but most people with a setup at home would have no problem using this. I recommend it, especially if you are looking for your first DI box.

Pramp & DI indpendants, electronic single-ended analog transistors.
The pramp two "colors" diffrent accessible by a switch "Silk" and an HP filter variable.
The DI knob a "Vari-phase" which, as its name implies, to vary the phase of 180. This allows, among other things, to the signal phase of the DI with the sound of a micro amp.
The In / Out are Neutrik XLR. There are also Buss output to power other Portico modules.
Format 1 / 2 rack, horizontal or vertical.
Solid construction made in Texas.

UTILIZATION

The use is very simple.

Pramp: a gain knob Crant (range 0 66 dB in 6) and a trim to refine the gain (6 -6 dB). A 0 dB is obtained with an amp line and 72 dB max gain was the reserved. A switch turns on the knob of the filter frquence variable (very practical). Another function for Silk (gniale) and to mutate the output (also very practical).

DI: a gain knob, a set of vari-phase according to a switch, plus the usual functions of DI (phase reversal, ground), and a final line to select amp or DI.

In short it's all bte, everything is clearly marked and well thought out (gain Crant frquence variable filter ...)

SOUND QUALITY

Neve Sound! It pais, with all sounds good.
Silk is the function attempting in any config. They fed more sound (dist 2nd order harmonic of the lower med) and softens up and acute med, ct provides a more vintage.
APRs must see if it Necessary for the mix, sometimes its less pais but without prcis Silk is prfrable if the dj mix is ​​loaded.
A precision: the pramp trs is silent!
Basically we have 2 pramp for the price of one, while the 2 extra.

I bought it mainly for pramp but I also need a DI, I do not much misais above. I had a Toft ATC-2 for its rput between inst. So I was not expecting a big diffrence. I was wrong: the sound of the DI is gnial: prcis, dynamic, full of nuances!

OVERALL OPINION

I have a few months. I recorded with vocals, electric guitars, acoustic bass and everything goes well with.
Silk function is standard, everything is well thought out: notched knobs or variables, each function dclenchable by switch ...
I have tried a Millennia STT-1 is also of high quality trs but I got too transparent. The Neve has the personality without being too color it does not signal dnature: he embellished.
The report is qualitprix my opinion unbeatable when you look at the price of a 1073 (just PRAP without the EQ) which can be compared (see review on mixonline.com).
In short I would do without this choice hsiter.