| Content | The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Bus Processor lets you enhance, reshape, and polish your sound to perfection. Whether you want to add finishing touches to your master bus, level out a stereo group, or add new life to mono sound sources, the Portico II Master Bus Processor gives you the compression, limiting, and stereo field manipulation you need. Featuring custom input and output transformers designed by Rupert Neve, the Portico II Master Bus Processor implements the same ultra-smooth Class A signal processing made famous by the 5088 console and the Portico II Channel, as well as 72V topology, which gives it enormous headroom while allowing it to integrate seamlessly with virtually any system. If you’re serious about your sound, then it’s time to ask your Sales Engineer about the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Bus Processor!
Powerful and flexible compression
Both channels of the Portico II Master Bus Processor feature one of Rupert Neve Designs’ most versatile compressors to date. Whether you want to add punch to your mix or smooth out your vocal subgroup, the Portico II Master Bus Processor has the compression you need. Controls for ratio, threshold, attack, release, blend, sidechain highpass filter, limiting, and makeup gain let you dial in the perfect dynamics quickly and easily. Use the two compressors independently, or instantly link them with the push of a button. Variable Silk Red/Blue Texture controls let you add classic Neve harmonic warmth; while a blend control lets you dial in the dry signal for instant parallel processing, so you can get all of the compression you want without losing transients. In addition, the Portico II Master Bus Processor gives you a choice of either vintage-flavored feed-back or modern-sounding feed-forward compression modes.
Transparent, musical limiter that’s effortless to use
Often overlooked at first glance, the Portico II Master Bus Processor’s 1-knob limiter is a powerful, flexible, and remarkably easy-to-use tool that lets you get the most out of the Portico II Master Bus Processor’s compression section. Rupert Neve Designs’ Adaptive Release Technology gives this limiter its unique ability to grab onto fast transients, without smothering the rest of the signal. Plus, you have the option to blend compressed and dry signals together for parallel processing that maintains natural-sounding dynamics without clipping. This gracious behavior means you can set it and forget it, with the added security of knowing your masters will be free from clipping and broadcast-ready.
Sidechain inserts for creative ducking
Every dynamics processor has a sidechain circuit that examines the signal and determines how much the VCA will reduce gain — but not every unit provides access to its sidechain. In compressors without a separate sidechain input, your main input signal is, essentially, compressing itself. With compressors like the one in the RND Portico II Master Bus Processor, you can insert external processing on the sidechain — or introduce a different signal that determines the compression action on the main signal. It’s an incredibly useful feature that lets you, for instance, automatically duck a track to make space for another (very popular for that EDM mix pumping effect). Combined with the sidechain HP filter, it gives you an impressive amount of tonal versatility.
Amazing Stereo Field Editor
Although the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Bus Processor functions wonderfully as a dual-mono processor, it really shines in stereo mode. That’s thanks to its unique Stereo Field Editor. The Stereo Field Editor uses advanced Mid/Side stereo manipulation techniques, allowing you to adjust your stereo bus’s width, depth, and ambience. Beyond widening your stereo image, the Portico II Master Bus Processor can actually bring center-panned instruments out in your mix. That makes the Portico II Master Bus Processor an invaluable tool for mastering, as well as defining the spread of your subgroups during mixdown.
The legend continues
Rupert Neve’s 80 Series consoles had a huge, punchy, and authoritative sound that defined the sound of ’70s rock. From London to New York to Los Angeles and beyond, top studios were installing Neve boards as fast as they could. By 1977, with the introduction of the NECAM automation system, 80 Series boards were the main component of the success formula for any recording studio with world-class aspirations. Mr. Neve’s current company, Rupert Neve Designs, continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge products that sound incredible and intelligently address the challenges of the digital age. With your Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Bus Processor from Sweetwater, the legend continues.
Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Bus Processor Features:
- Powerful 2-channel compressor/limiter/stereo field manipulator
- Custom input and output transformers designed by Rupert Neve
- Full compression sections for both channels, including attack, release, ratio, and threshold controls
- Sidechain inserts and highpass filters for both compressors
- Feed-back/Feed-forward switch lets you select between vintage-style and modern compression modes
- Silk Texture control with Red/Blue modes for classic Neve harmonic warmth
- Blend controls allow you to mix dry signal back into your compression, preserving transients while adding punch
- Simple and highly musical 1-knob limiter with Adaptive Release Technology allows for brickwall limiting that doesn’t distort or affect signal under the threshold
- Stereo Field Editor section includes independent level and EQ for width and depth, allowing you to dial in the perfect stereo field
| Rupert Neve Designs RNHP is a state-of-the-art headphone amplifier. Now when Mr. Neve turns his attention to anything, you know it's going to be good. And spectacularly so. What the RNHP delivers is reliable, reference-grade amplification for any pair of headphones. Based on the headphone amp in the RND 5060 Centerpiece, the dedicated 24-volt design is spec'd with calibrated +4dBu Line, RCA, and 1/8" stereo inputs. Everything's housed in a road-tough, VESA-mountable steel chassis. The unit's effortless sonic performance and the ability to drive virtually any 'phones without compromise let you perform, mix, and savor your music with stunning clarity.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP at a Glance:
- Unerring accuracy for better performances
- The benefits of near-zero-ohm output impedance
Unerring accuracy for better performances
You know you perform your best when your cans sound great - and that's where the RNHP can make a huge difference. Many integrated headphone amps are plagued with a non-linear frequency response, as well as noise, distortion, and skimpy headroom. To some, these units' lackluster sonic performance may seem "close enough for rock 'n' roll," however at Sweetwater, we believe there is the performer's subconscious response to consider. After all, if you're not inspired by what you're hearing, your performance will suffer.
The benefits of near-zero-ohm output impedance
Rupert Neve Designs spec'd the RNHP with near-zero-ohm output impedance to minimize frequency-based reactive-load impedance shifts - a problem unique to headphone monitoring. This ensures accurate sound reproduction, which is obviously important if you need to trust the decisions you make with headphones. You'll find the RNHP's unerring accuracy beneficial when you're using just one set of cans, and also when you're comparing a mix on multiple pairs of headphones.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP Features:
- Reliable, reference-grade amplification for any pair of headphones
- Based on the headphone amp in the RND 5060 Centerpiece
- Effortless sonic performance
- The ability to drive virtually any headphones
- Dedicated 24-volt design
- Calibrated +4dBu Line, RCA, and 1/8" stereo inputs
- Near-zero-ohm output impedance minimizes frequency-based reactive-load impedance shifts
- Road-tough, VESA-mountable steel chassis
| Marantz Slim 5.2 Channel 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver - NR1510
Experience exceptional audio performance from the slim profile Marantz NR1510 5.2ch 4K Ultra HD AV receiver that drives elevated surround sound and high-fidelity audio from a compact chassis. At half the height of a traditional AV receiver, the NR1510 features the latest in HDMI connectivity and delivers high-resolution surround sound from Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Six HDMI inputs — including one on the front panel — support the latest video and picture formatting and eARC transmission of enhanced audio. Stream music from popular online sources, and easily connect your analog turntable to the receiver to enjoy your vinyl collection. Control the NR1510 with voice control compatibility via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri.
Key Features
- Slim profile that’s half the height of a traditional AV receiver delivers exceptional performance and the most musical sound
- 5-channel discrete power amplifier, 50W per channel (8-ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Ch. drive)
- 6 HDMI inputs with full HDCP 2.3 support
- Supports Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG), eARC and ALLM for enhanced picture and audio
- 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR10 and BT.2020
- Surround format support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless file decoding up to 24-bit/192-kHz for high-resolution listening
- HEOS Built-in for multi-room streaming, music streaming and voice control
- Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support (dual antenna)
- Supports all major voice control agents and streaming services
- Integrated phono input to directly connect your turntable
Features
- Slim Profile
Enjoy the most musical performance from a compact, slim chassis. At half the height of a traditional AV receiver, the Marantz NR1510 delivers the musical sound that’s synonymous with Marantz
- Powerful 5-Channel Discrete Amplifier
Featuring a high-current discrete power amplifier section, enjoy elevated sound for movies and music with identical power on all five channels (50W per channel: 8-ohm, 20Hz – 20kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Ch. Drive) with low-impedance drive capability for superb speaker control
- The Most Musical Sound
Extensively tuned by Marantz sound masters to deliver an exquisite sonic signature. No component leaves the hands of Marantz sound masters until it passes rigorous testing. Envelop yourself with the most musical sound, from any source
- Connectivity, Streaming & Multi-Room Listening
Stream the most popular music services — like Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and many more — via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 or the HEOS app. Utilize HEOS Built-in multi-room streaming or AirPlay 2 technology to enjoy your favorite music in any room of your home for a wireless, whole-home audio experience. Play the same song in every room or select a different song in each connect room — the choice is yours
- Supports Major Voice Control Agents
Enjoy effortless voice control and total flexibility from the leading voice agents and HEOS Built-in. Speak commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri and high-end smart home automation, Josh.ai. Ask to play your favorite music, turn the volume up, skip to the next track, switch inputs and more. Switch between voice agents or pick a favorite to use — the choice is yours. Functionality varies by voice agent
- AirPlay 2 + Apple Siri Voice Control
Stream audio from your favorite music services like Apple Music and Spotify or watch videos from services like YouTube and Netflix from any iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV. Hear the audio perfectly synced to your speakers from AirPlay 2 sources. For multi-room audio, wirelessly stream content to multiple AirPlay 2 compatible devices simultaneously with improved audio buffering to ensure smooth audio playback. AirPlay 2 provides control and grouping of compatible audio devices within the Apple Music or Home app. Use AirPlay 2 in-app or with your voice via Siri
- Amazon Alexa Voice Control
Use your voice to stream your favorite music services to this HEOS Built-in device. Ask Alexa to play music from Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music and much more. Switch between inputs (Blu-ray, DVD, Media Player, etc.), turn volume up or down, pause, mute and play the next song — all with your voice. With HEOS and Alexa, you can stream to this product and any other product with HEOS Built-in
- Google Assistant Voice Control
Ask your Google Home, Google app or other devices with Google Assistant built-in to control content across your listening environment. Start music in the HEOS app, then ask your Google Assistant to control volume, play, pause, skip tracks and more
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Wireless Streaming with Dual Diversity Antennas
Featuring dual diversity antennas, the NR1510 lets you stream your favorite audio tracks wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The dual diversity antenna system ensures stable streaming even in congested urban environments, and the Wi-Fi function features 2.4GHz(11b/g/n), 5GHz(11a/n) technology for compatibility with the widest range of smart devices. The NR1510 offers quick and easy push button Wi-Fi protected setup and simple iOS Wi-Fi sharing
- Hi-Res Audio Support
Enjoy music exactly as the artist intended. The NR1510 decodes high-resolution audio ALAC, FLAC and WAV lossless files up to 24-bit/192-kHz, as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz tracks (the audiophile format of SACD). Listen to your music via the front panel USB port or over network sources
- Integrated Phono Input
Easily connect your analog turntable to the receiver and enjoy the pure intent of each recording within your vinyl collection
- Marantz AVR Remote App
The Marantz AVR Remote app for iOS and Android provides complete control over the latest Marantz network AV receivers. Use it to power on/off, adjust volume, input and settings, or switch instantly to the HEOS app
- Latest HDMI Connectivity
Includes six HDMI inputs — with one HDMI input on the front panel for quick connection — each one supporting HDCP 2.3, 4K Ultra HD 60Hz video, 4:4:4 Pure Color sub-sampling, Dolby Vision, HLG, High Dynamic Range (HDR10) and 21:9 video, 3D and BT.2020 pass-through. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports the transmission of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio from your TV apps with a single HDMI connection for the simplest setup. HDMI inputs automatically rename themselves with information provided by the source when available
- Auto Low Latency Mode for Xbox One
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) ensures Xbox One users have a more responsive and immersive gaming experience when connected with select TV models that also support ALLM
- Easy to Setup, Easy to Use
The NR1510 features a horizontal row of color-coded, premium loudspeaker terminals with a set of matching cable-labels supplied to ensure correct hook-up. The included Setup Assistant offers clear, graphical on-screen direction, and the Quick Start Guide ensures optimal setup for any configuration
- Dual Subwoofer Outputs
Supports dual subwoofers for even, low-frequency bass response within your listening environment. Enjoy accurate bass with no audible peaks or dips no matter where you place your subwoofer
- Smart TV Connectivity
Easily control the receiver with your Smart TV remote via the HDMI CEC functionality associated with your Smart TV. Simply set “HDMI Control” to ON in your receiver, then set “Smart Menu” to ON to begin controlling the NR1510 with your TV remote. The Smart Menu home screen gives you quick access to source and surround mode selections, the AVR setup menu and four Smart Selects
- Audyssey MultEQ for Simple Setup and Room Calibration
Optimize your audio experience with Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ for a seamless setup of your listening environment. With the supplied measurement microphone, MultEQ analyzes each speaker output (including the subwoofer) and generates precision digital filters that optimize each channel for the correct frequency and time domain response. Use Audyssey Dynamic EQ to deliver clear dialogue and wide-band response even at reduced volume levels, or Audyssey Dynamic Volume to avoid shocks and normalize volume when content switches between commercials, announcements and TV programs
- Simple Smart Select Functions
Four Smart Select function buttons on the included remote control store your preferred setup — including input, volume and Audyssey configuration — for particular sources. With the push of a button, the receiver perfectly configures for any source, from Blu-ray to TV set-top box, to your favorite Internet radio station and more
- Advanced Custom Installation Support
All Marantz AV receivers offer extended support for easy custom install integration. Features “ihiji Invision” remote system management technology, “Domotz Pro” remote monitoring and management technology with dedicated web interface to control and set up your AV receiver from a computer on the same network. Your installer can easily monitor the status of connected products and troubleshoot remotely from a separate location or on-the-go
- Intelligent ECO Mode
Integrated ECO mode provides energy savings and an on-screen ECO meter. Use the receiver in power-saving mode to reduce maximum output power or adopt low-power strategies across settings. Either way, the sound quality that defines Marantz excellence remains unchanged
- More Than 65 Years of Audiophile Heritage
The most musical sound. Founded in 1953, Marantz has a long and rich history of designing audio components embraced by music lovers and critical listeners around the world. Because Music Matters, the NR1510 carries on the long Marantz tradition of delivering a best-in-class listening experience for music and cinema
Specifications
Multichannel Surround
- DTS HD Master
- Multichannel Stereo: 5.1
- Max Number of Processing (Preamp) Channels: 5.1
- Audyssey: MultEQ
- Audyssey Dynamic EQ / Dynamic Volume
- Compressed Audio Enhancer: MDAX2
Network
- HEOS Multi-room and Streaming / Network Audio Streaming
- Lossy formats: MP3 / WMA / AAC
- Lossless formats: FLAC / ALAC / WAV
- Lossless formats: FLAC HD 192/24 / WAV 192/24 / ALAC 192/24
- DSD Audio Streaming: Up to DSD5.6
- Gapless Playback: Yes (FLAC, WAV ,ALAC ,DSD)
- AirPlay 2 Audio Streaming
- Internet radio: Yes (TuneIn)
- Spotify connect / Deezer / TIDAL / Napster / Pandora / SiriusXM
- Compatible with Remote APP for Smart Phones: Marantz 2016 AVR Remote
- Ethernet / Wi-Fi: Yes (dual antenna/ dual band)
|
Uniti Atom is a beautiful, compact multi-source music player that will seduce you with its amazing sound quality and outstanding feature-set. Its 40-watt integrated amplifier and high-resolution music streaming capabilities will fill your home with stunning high-fidelity sound. Uniti Atom is perfect as a high-end main system or even for use in the kitchen or study, where space is at a premium. Just add speakers. The Naim App for iOS and Android combines all of your music sources in one place, making Uniti Atom even more appealing.
Upgradeable Performance
In true Naim style, the new Uniti Atom can be upgraded with an external power amplifier, such as the compact NAP 100. You can also add a subwoofer for deeper bass extension. And for those with extensive CD collections, you can add a Uniti Core music server to your system to store and stream thousands of albums to your Uniti player and back up all of your music in one place.
Specifications
Connectivity
Audio Inputs
2 x Optical TOSLink (up to 24bit/96kHz)
1 x Coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
1 x HDMI ARC
1 x RCA
2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear)
Audio Outputs
1 x Stereo power amplifier
1 x RCA sub/pre output
1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Amplifier Output: 40 W per channel into 8 ohm
Dimensions (WHD): 9.65" x 3.74" x x 10.43" (245 mm x 95 mm x 265 mm)
Weight: 15.43 lb | The Shelford Channel is built around Rupert Neve’s first new transformer-gain, class-A microphone preamplifier in over 40 years, a “best-of-the-classics” inductor EQ section, a tone-packed diode bridge compressor, the power of variable Silk saturation, a new dual-tap transformer output stage, and twice the operating voltage of vintage designs.
The Input Stage and Transformer Gain Mic Pre
Like Rupert’s designs from his time in Little Shelford , the Shelford Channel’s preamplifier uses a directly-coupled transformer input with gain provided by the custom transformer itself – a first in over 40 years for Rupert Neve. This new custom-designed input transformer, along with its careful integration with the surrounding class-A circuitry, is critical to the Channel’s bold and instantly recognizable character.
Conveniently, the Direct Input uses the same topology as the best-selling RNDI Active Transformer Direct Interface, providing astonishing clarity for high-Z instrument signals, with unparalleled low-frequency response and an incredibly smooth high end.
What is Silk?
The Silk & Texture circuit on the Shelford Channel allows you to fine-tune the amount (and type) of harmonic content in the output stage. This means your signal can be adjusted from quite transparent to settings that produce nearly 10x the amount of sonic color as Rupert’s vintage modules – and in two very unique modes. No matter what sound you’re looking for, Silk can help get you there.
The Dual Tap Transformer Output
Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output transformer, 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.
The “Best-Of” EQ
The Shelford Channel’s 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by our favorite elements of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed to produce a creamy, resonant bass response similar to a vintage 1064 – but unlike the vintage modules, the LF band on the Shelford Channel can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and control to your low end.
The midrange band is based on that of the 1073, ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a mix, and its proportional “Q” response makes it well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies. The high frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to achieve vintage tones with enhanced control, with the shelf / peak corner switchable between 8K or 16K.
The Diode Bridge Compressor
Like the Inductor EQ and Transformer Gain microphone preamp, the Diode Bridge Compressor in the Shelford Channel is based on the same topologies found in Rupert’s vintage designs – but refined & adapted for the modern engineer.
What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix.
By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls.
Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the Shelford’s diode bridge compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a statement on virtually any mix or track.
MIC PREAMP
INPUT IMPEDANCE
2200 Ohm
MAXIMUM INPUT
- +21.5 dBu from 150 Hz to 22 kHz
- +8 dBu 20 Hz to 22 kHz
NOISE
- Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz, source impedance 150 Ohm balanced.
- Main Out @ unity gain -100.9 dBu
- -6 dB Out @ unity gain -106.6 dBu
- +30 dB gain (Main Out) -91.37 dBu
- +66 dB Gain (Main Out) -64.1 dBu
- Equivalent Input Noise -121.37 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/-0.25 dB from 17 Hz to 45 kHz
DIRECT INPUT
MAXIMUM INPUT
8 dBu @ 20 Hz to 120 kHz
NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
-100 dBu (22 Hz to 22 kHz)
LINE INPUT
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
+30.5 dBu 20 Hz to 30 kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
- @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.002%
- @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.05% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced, no load.
-101.1 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/- 0.25 dBu from less than 10 Hz to 110 kHz
-0.32 dB @ 120 kHz
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
+26 dBu @ 16 Hz to 20 kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE WITH SILK ENGAGED
RED
- MIN TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0131%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
- MAX TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 1.66%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
BLUE
- MIN TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0079%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
- MAX TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.941%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
HIGH PASS FILTER
- Continuously variable swept frequency from 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
- Slope: 12 dB/Octave
EQ NOISE
Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz: -92 dBu
SIGNAL PRESENT
Illuminates GREEN when input stage signal level reaches -20 dBu
OVERLOAD INDICATOR
Illuminates RED when input stage signal level reaches -23 dBu
DIODE BRIDGE COMPRESSOR
- NOISE (BW 22 Hz – 22 kHz)
- 0 dB Makeup Gain: -84.5 dBu
- +20 dB Makeup Gain: -64.2 dBu
TIME CONSTANTS
- Measurements taken represent full range achievable between 1.5:1 Ratio and 8:1 Ratio setting.
- 0 dBu I/P 1kHz Burst Tone used for all recorded measurements.
- Fast (TC1): Attack 180µS — 1.8mS // Release 100mS – 150mS
- MedFast (TC2): Attack 750µS – 5.25mS // Release 160mS – 250mS
- Med (TC3): 2.7mS – 18mS // Release 350mS – 525mS
- MedSlow (TC4): 4.6mS – 38mS // Release 600mS – 1 S
- Slow (TC5): 11mS – 72.5mS // Release 800mS – 1.25 S
- Auto (TC6): 5.75mS – 35.5mS // Release T1 400mS – 850mS, T2 TBD
- “Fast” Mode Multiplier: Modifies aforementioned TC’s by 70% of original value
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
19” (48.3 cm) x 10.5” (26.7 cm) x 1.75” (4.4 cm) | The Shelford Channel is built around Rupert Neve’s first new transformer-gain, class-A microphone preamplifier in over 40 years, a “best-of-the-classics” inductor EQ section, a tone-packed diode bridge compressor, the power of variable Silk saturation, a new dual-tap transformer output stage, and twice the operating voltage of vintage designs.
The Input Stage and Transformer Gain Mic Pre
Like Rupert’s designs from his time in Little Shelford , the Shelford Channel’s preamplifier uses a directly-coupled transformer input with gain provided by the custom transformer itself – a first in over 40 years for Rupert Neve. This new custom-designed input transformer, along with its careful integration with the surrounding class-A circuitry, is critical to the Channel’s bold and instantly recognizable character.
Conveniently, the Direct Input uses the same topology as the best-selling RNDI Active Transformer Direct Interface, providing astonishing clarity for high-Z instrument signals, with unparalleled low-frequency response and an incredibly smooth high end.
What is Silk?
The Silk & Texture circuit on the Shelford Channel allows you to fine-tune the amount (and type) of harmonic content in the output stage. This means your signal can be adjusted from quite transparent to settings that produce nearly 10x the amount of sonic color as Rupert’s vintage modules – and in two very unique modes. No matter what sound you’re looking for, Silk can help get you there.
The Dual Tap Transformer Output
Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output transformer, 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.
The “Best-Of” EQ
The Shelford Channel’s 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ was inspired by our favorite elements of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is designed to produce a creamy, resonant bass response similar to a vintage 1064 – but unlike the vintage modules, the LF band on the Shelford Channel can be used as either a shelf or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and control to your low end.
The midrange band is based on that of the 1073, ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a mix, and its proportional “Q” response makes it well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies. The high frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry with capacitor-based topologies to achieve vintage tones with enhanced control, with the shelf / peak corner switchable between 8K or 16K.
The Diode Bridge Compressor
Like the Inductor EQ and Transformer Gain microphone preamp, the Diode Bridge Compressor in the Shelford Channel is based on the same topologies found in Rupert’s vintage designs – but refined & adapted for the modern engineer.
What is diode bridge compression? Where the VCA compressor found in the Master Buss Processor provides unmatched clarity, the weighty, harmonically rich tonality of diode bridge compression can be essential in pushing key sources like vocals, electric guitars, bass and drums to the forefront of a mix.
By understanding the limitations of vintage units like the legendary 2254, painstaking effort was taken to reproduce the unique tone of these classics while improving the noise floor & accuracy, expanding inflexible time constants, adding full wave sidechain detection for improved dynamic response, and widening the range of threshold and ratio controls.
Delivering the powerful sound of these iconic designs with enhanced flexibility for the modern age, the Shelford’s diode bridge compressor is a dynamic tool equipped to make a statement on virtually any mix or track.
MIC PREAMP
INPUT IMPEDANCE
2200 Ohm
MAXIMUM INPUT
- +21.5 dBu from 150 Hz to 22 kHz
- +8 dBu 20 Hz to 22 kHz
NOISE
- Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz, source impedance 150 Ohm balanced.
- Main Out @ unity gain -100.9 dBu
- -6 dB Out @ unity gain -106.6 dBu
- +30 dB gain (Main Out) -91.37 dBu
- +66 dB Gain (Main Out) -64.1 dBu
- Equivalent Input Noise -121.37 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/-0.25 dB from 17 Hz to 45 kHz
DIRECT INPUT
MAXIMUM INPUT
8 dBu @ 20 Hz to 120 kHz
NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
-100 dBu (22 Hz to 22 kHz)
LINE INPUT
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
+30.5 dBu 20 Hz to 30 kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
- @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level, no load: Better than 0.002%
- @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level, no load: 0.05% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)
NOISE (MAIN OUTPUT)
Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, source impedance 40 Ohm balanced, no load.
-101.1 dBu
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+/- 0.25 dBu from less than 10 Hz to 110 kHz
-0.32 dB @ 120 kHz
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
+26 dBu @ 16 Hz to 20 kHz
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE WITH SILK ENGAGED
RED
- MIN TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0131%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
- MAX TEXTURE @ 100 Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 1.66%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
BLUE
- MIN TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.0079%, mostly 3rd harmonic (typical)
- MAX TEXTURE @ 100Hz, +20 dBu input level, no load: 0.941%, mostly 2rd harmonic (typical)
HIGH PASS FILTER
- Continuously variable swept frequency from 20 Hz to 250 Hz.
- Slope: 12 dB/Octave
EQ NOISE
Un-weighted, 22 Hz-22 kHz: -92 dBu
SIGNAL PRESENT
Illuminates GREEN when input stage signal level reaches -20 dBu
OVERLOAD INDICATOR
Illuminates RED when input stage signal level reaches -23 dBu
DIODE BRIDGE COMPRESSOR
- NOISE (BW 22 Hz – 22 kHz)
- 0 dB Makeup Gain: -84.5 dBu
- +20 dB Makeup Gain: -64.2 dBu
TIME CONSTANTS
- Measurements taken represent full range achievable between 1.5:1 Ratio and 8:1 Ratio setting.
- 0 dBu I/P 1kHz Burst Tone used for all recorded measurements.
- Fast (TC1): Attack 180µS — 1.8mS // Release 100mS – 150mS
- MedFast (TC2): Attack 750µS – 5.25mS // Release 160mS – 250mS
- Med (TC3): 2.7mS – 18mS // Release 350mS – 525mS
- MedSlow (TC4): 4.6mS – 38mS // Release 600mS – 1 S
- Slow (TC5): 11mS – 72.5mS // Release 800mS – 1.25 S
- Auto (TC6): 5.75mS – 35.5mS // Release T1 400mS – 850mS, T2 TBD
- “Fast” Mode Multiplier: Modifies aforementioned TC’s by 70% of original value
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
19” (48.3 cm) x 10.5” (26.7 cm) x 1.75” (4.4 cm) |
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