| Content | Simple and elegant, the 5211 is the natural evolution of what is arguably the most famous gear in audio recording history: Rupert Neve’s microphone preamps.
With two channels of the classic tone you know and love, 72dB of gain, sweepable high-pass filters for precise control, and the power of Mr. Rupert Neve’s dual-tap transformers with variable Silk saturation, the 5211 delivers a versatile, flattering, and uncompromising front end for any signal path. In short, it’s everything a mic preamp should be.
What is Silk?
One of the key features of the 5211 is the Silk / Texture control. The Silk circuit was initially developed for the original Portico series mic preamplifiers, and was only a single switch – on or off – that added a specified amount of musical, pleasing harmonic saturation to the unit’s output stage.
Taking this concept one step further, the Texture knob is designed to adjust the actual amount of harmonic content from the source material.
So how does it work? By reducing negative feedback across the output transformer and adjusting this feedback’s frequency response, the Silk / Texture circuit provides the sweet, musical saturation found in Rupert’s legendary vintage designs – but with complete & precise control over the amount of classic tone you want. And when the level is driven to the edge of its headroom, the Silk effect is multiplied.
Why a -6dB Output?
Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output transformer from the renowned Shelford Channel, which uses Rupert Neve Designs’ unique dual-tap output topology. This offers both full-headroom (+26dBu) and -6dB outputs, allowing the engineer to drive the unit fully into classic transformer saturation without clipping converters and other devices later in the chain.
Unlike the Shelford Channel, which uses a mic input transformer for a more vintage topology, the 5211’s input is fully transformerless, maximizing signal clarity direct from the microphone. Combined with the more extreme saturation from both variable Silk and the custom output transformer’s lower-headroom tap, the 5211 is capable of producing tones ranging from thick & warm to breathtakingly delicate & clear. It’s the best of old and new alike.
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
@ 1 kHz: +26 dBu
NOISE
- Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, 150 Ohm input termination
- Line Out (Unity Gain): -104 dBV, -101.9 dBu
- -6 dB Line Out (Unity Gain): -109 dBV, -107 dBu
- Line Out (+30 dB Gain): -98 dBV, -96 dBu
- Line Out (+66 dB Gain): -66 dBV, -64 dBu
EQUIVALENT INPUT NOISE (EIN)
-128 dBV, -126 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
-0.2 dB at 10Hz, -2.9 dB at 120kHz
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
- 1 kHz: +26.5 dBu
- 20 Hz to 30kHz +26 dBu
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE (WITHOUT SILK)
- 1 kHz, +20 dBu O/P level, no load 0.0015%, typical
- 20 Hz, +20 dBu O/P level, no load less than 0.02%, typical
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE (WITH SILK ENGAGED)
- TEXTURE @ min, 100 Hz, +20 dBu O/P level, no load: 0.03%, mostly 3rd harmonic
- TEXTURE @ max, 100 Hz, +20 dBu O/P level, no load: 1.5%, mostly 2nd harmonic
POWER CONSUMPTION
35 W (Max)'
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
19” W x 1.75” H x 7 ⅝” D
SHIPPING WEIGHT
11 lbs. (5 kg)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
23” W x 15” D x 7” H (58.4cm W x 38.1cm D x 17.8cm H) | Arguably the coolest and most unique device in the Empirical Labs arsenal, the FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer) is a digitally controlled analog device that gives musicians and engineers easy access to many of the desirable characteristics exhibited by older tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums. This two channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels.
With the FATSO, recording studios and audio production facilities can enhance and soften the sound of Hardware Digital Recorders (HDRs) and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Mix engineers will have the option not to have to use bulky, expensive analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high end they’ve come to rely on for so many decades. Owners of DAWs and HDRs can finally put a stop to complaints about the coldness and brittle edge of their mixes and instruments. Even audiophiles can benefit from the FATSO, bringing back the warmth and ambience of LP’s and tapes to their CD players and other digital reproduction mediums.
The FATSO Goes to Eleven
ELEVEN is a new compressor for the FATSO, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1, with the slowest attack, and fastest release. This 1176 setting has been used on countless hit records through the decades. With the slower “1176” attack, the transients keep the dynamics present, while the high ratio, can radically limit the dynamic range of any source, making it present and sitting in a nice little place in your mix. One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression. You will find it great on Vocals, Bass, acoustic guitars, drum room mikes, pianos etc. Click here to find out how to upgrade your EL7 to an EL7X.
Four Types of Processing
- Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation) – this class A circuit gently rounds the peaks like saturated tubes or tape.
- High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) – a one-of-a-kind dynamic low pass filter which softens high frequencies when they “pile up” on a source.
- Transformer & Tape Head Emulation – a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers of older devices, which adds the low frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape..
- Classic Knee Compression – your typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on the overall buss, done Empirical Labs compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!
Universal Audio's FATSO Emulation
Endorsed and scrutinized for accuracy by designer Dave Derr of Empirical Labs, Universal Audio has painstakingly recreated the FATSO Jr. in this highly anticipated UAD Powered Plugin, capturing the sonic nuances of the original hardware. As part of the FATSO Powered Plugin, UA has also worked closely with Dave Derr to model the original concept of the FATSO, the FATSO Sr., with attack, release, and threshold compressor controls, among other features not available elsewhere.
Frequency Response: 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB).
Dynamic Range: 110 dB from maximum output (20 %THD soft clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise.
Distortion: Ranges between .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings.
I/O: DC Coupled input and outputs.
Compressor Time Constants: Attack range 1ms – 60ms. Release range .05sec – 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide. | As with ELI’s other signal processors, the Lil FrEQ Equalizer takes a somewhat unique approach to its job. Instead of daisy chaining several equalizers and frequency processors, we combined most of the sound sculpting tools an engineer needs into a compact single rack space box, while still offering the highest performance of any design in its class.
Eight Sections of Processing
There are eight sections of processing – what other EQ offers that? Even better – in addition to a master bypass, each of the Lil FrEQ’s sections features its own dedicated bypass switch, letting you instantly A/B the effect of each section as you adjust and fine-tune them.
HIGH PASS – The High Pass section is a really easy to use sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight preset frequencies from 30-330 Hz. This filter is very steep and has a special shape that prevents frequencies from thinning out just above the cutoff point. The corner frequency is selected using up/down buttons, and indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed, and brightly when the section is engaged.
HIGH & LOW SHELVING – These two knobs function similarly to the familiar “bass and treble” tone controls found on many consumer audio playback systems; however, these are designed to a much higher performance standard, providing exceptionally smooth and musical boost and cut on the high and low frequencies.
PARAMETRIC EQ – The Lil FrEQ has four sections of fully parametric EQ (LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF), with each section featuring individual gain, bandwidth (Q) and frequency controls. It may be the cleanest parametric EQ section ever produced, operating below .0007% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) even at extremely high audio levels. Try finding those specs anywhere else!
DS (DYNAMIC EQ) – The DS section provides the highest performance, easiest to use, and possibly most natural sounding “De-esser” ever built. This powerful tool combines tunable filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants or other sharp transients, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content. It can also function as a one of a kind soft knee High Frequency limiter, which is one of the main things responsible for the Lil FrEQ becoming the go-to vocal EQ for engineers everywhere. It has been used on many acclaimed albums and major live performances all over the world, becoming the “go to” EQ for key tracks like lead vocals, snares, and bass. There are now dozens of hit record vocals that were processed thru the Lil FrEQ.
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs. Transformer output 10Hz to 110 kHz.
Dynamic Range: 120 dB from maximum output (.1% clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 110 dB signal to noise.
Distortion: Ranges between .00056% and .005% depending on mode and settings. DS section has THD < .005%.
I/O: DC coupled inputs and outputs and one transformer coupled output.
Dynamic Time Constraints: Attack is approximately .5 ms. Release .04 sec fixed internally.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide. | FEATURES
- The industry-standard tabletop looper, updated and enhanced
- Class-leading sound quality with 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing
- Five simultaneous stereo phrase tracks with dedicated controls and independent volume faders
- Input FX and Track FX sections, each with four simultaneous effects and four quick-access banks
- Customizable FX and Track buttons for each phrase track
- Massive onboard effects selection with 49 Input FX types and 53 Track FX types, including new Harmony, Electric FX and many others
- Ultra-durable faders with longer throw for more precise adjustment
- Mark Back function provides enhanced undo/redo flexibility while performing
- Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power, two stereo line input pairs, and three stereo line output pairs
- 99 memories, each containing five phrase tracks, custom effects and playback settings, control assignments and more
- Synchronize your loops with over 200 onboard rhythm patterns and 16 drum kits
- Deep MIDI control support
- Two external control jacks, each with support for up to two footswitches or an expression pedal
- USB for data backup, phrase import/export with BOSS Tone Studio and pattern import with the RC Rhythm Converter
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Boss RC-505MK2 Tabletop Loop Station
- Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
- AD/DA Conversion: 32 bits
- Processing: 32-bit floating point
RECORDING/PLAYBACK
- Number of Tracks: 5
- Data Format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo)
- Maximum Recording Time: Approx. 1.5 hours (1 track), Approx.13 hours (total of All memories)
- Rhythm Type: 200 types or greater
- Rhythm Kit: 16 types
EFFECTS
- INPUT FX: 49 types
- TRACK FX: 53 types
- MASTER FX: 2 types
- Memory: 99
- Display: Graphic LCD (128 x 64 dots, backlit LCD)
CONNECTORS
- MIC IN 1, 2 jack: XLR type (balanced, phantom power: DC 48 V, 10 mA Max
- INST IN 1, 2 jacks, MAIN OUT jacks, SUB OUT 1, 2 jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
- CTL1,2/EXP1 jack, CTL3,4/EXP2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- USB port: USB B type
- MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
- DC IN jack
- Power Supply: AC adaptor
CURRENT DRAW
- 1.0 A (with phantom power)
- 0.9 A (without phantom power)
- Dimensions: 16-9/16" W x 9-1/4" D x 2-11/16" H
- Weight: 4 lb.
| Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 500 Series Tape FX Standard
FEATURES
- Add depth and character to your sound
- Control the mix of pre and post tape signals
- Send signals through "True Tape" circuitry
- Silk circuit, reduces negative feedback, adding harmonic content as needed
- Red Silk accentuates the saturation in the mid and high frequencies
- Use soft clip to tame overly transient material like drums
- Provides +/- 12dB adjustment of level on incoming signal levels
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 500 Series Tape FX
- Line Amp Specifications (Measurements with tape circuit disengaged)
- Noise: Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20Hz-22kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohms.
- Unity Gain Better than -100dBu
- Frequency Response
- Measured at +10dBu, trim at unity.
- Main Output +/- 0.25dB from 5Hz to 60Khz -2dB @ 120KHz
- Maximum Output Level 23.25dBu
- Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise:
- @ 1kHz, +20dBu output level Better than 0.0025% @ 20Hz, +20dBu output level 0.07% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
- Tape FX Specifications
- Noise:
- Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20Hz-22kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohms.
- Saturation @ minimum Better than -100dBu Saturation @ maximum Better than -100dBu
- Frequency Response:
- 15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu -3dBu @ 28kHz Saturation @ minimum 0dBu @ 10Hz +5dBu Peak @ 60Hz
- Saturation @ maximum -3dBu @ 20kHz -3dBu @ 12.5Hz +2.4dBu Peak @ 60Hz
- 30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu -3dBu @ 120kHz Saturation @ minimum -3dBu @ 10Hz +3.15dBu Peak @ 125Hz
- Saturation @ maximum -3dBu @ 100kHz -3dBu @ 12.5Hz
- +1.3dBu Peak @ 110Hz
- Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
- Refer to sweeps on page10 15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu 0.4% @ 3kHz to 1% @ 175Hz typical
- Saturation @ minimum Greater than 1% below 175Hz typical
- Saturation @ maximum 1% at 6kHz typical 0.3% @ 1kHz to 3% @ 50Hz typical
- 30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu 1% at 1kHz typical
- Saturation @ minimum 0.6% @ 400Hz 5% @ 20Hz typical
- Saturation @ maximum 1.5% @ 20kHz to 0.4% @ 1kHz typical 0.4% @ 1kHz to 2 %@ 50Hz typical
- Power requirements:
- Supplied by 500 series rack with 110-125 mA @ +/- 16V DC
| There’s no doubt that when it comes to power, musicians have it bad. Whether it’s modern modeling amplifiers, or vintage synthesizers, bad power is gonna be heard throughout your signal. And it’s everywhere — in homes, on stages, and especially in many rehearsal rooms.
Black Lion Audio has been trusted for years for modifying the best gear and making it even better, and that’s what it took to create the PG-P: taking industry-standard designs, and improving them to the point of peak performance.
After creating an entire lineup of industry-best power conditioners, Black Lion Audio felt it was time to give the world proper portable power. The PG-P might look like a run-of-the-mill surge protector, but in reality it’s a studio-class power conditioner — PG-P doesn’t just provide more noise filtering than other portable conditioners, it provides the same noise filtering found in the majority of the world’s rack-mount power conditioners!
Your gear deserves the best power, and Black Lion Audio took great care in making sure the PG-P delivers just that — thanks to it’s PG-P Filtering Technology. The PG-P is built using premium Panasonic capacitors, due to their superior execution in eliminating high frequency noise that robs equipment of its peak performance. In testing, this has provided an average of 3x the noise filtering of other portable power conditioners at the same price point. Six wall-wart spaced outlets provide studio-grade power on the go; perfect for any musician’s rig!
- PG-P Filtering Technology for an average of 3x the noise reduction of other portable power conditioners
- The same noise filtering found in the majority of rack-mount power conditioners
- 6 wall-wart spaced outlet power conditioner
- Status LEDs for quick power analysis
- High-end Panasonic capacitors to filter out performance-robbing high-frequency noise
- Tour-grade 9ft power cable
- Proper safeguard protection with a power absorption rating of 540 joules
- Recessed feet keep the PG-P from sliding, while still providing mounting options (screw mount, velcro, etc.)
- Rounded corners make for a gentle surface area for smaller power cords.
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