RupertNeve 5211 Dual mikrofonforsterker
Rupert Neve er mannen bak noe av det mest berømte studioutstyret
i historien. Den nye mikrofonforsterkeren 5211 har den klassiske Neve karakteren
takket være Rupert Neve sin DualTap transformere med variable Silk-Saturation
kontroller. 5011 har også hele 72dB Gain og variabelt High Pass Filter og
leverer en innbydende, allsidig og kompromissløs kvalitet for en hver kilde man
kobler til. I korte trekk er 5011 alt en mikrofonforsterker skal og bør være.
History and Evolution
The very first product from Rupert Neve Designs was the beloved 5012
Duo Mic Preamp, and the 5211 represents a dramatic evolution of the
5012’s features, circuit design and form factor, all brought together
with the custom output transformer from the flagship Shelford Channel.
First amongst the updates is the addition of variable Silk, which
saturates the class-A output stage in the way that only a Rupert Neve
Design can. This dials the harmonic content up to and beyond that of
Rupert’s classic designs, while still providing the option of a
pristine, open & modern sound when disengaged. The amplifier
circuity has also been refined and updated with higher voltage +/-21V
rails for improved signal-to-noise ratio, superb headroom and tremendous
dynamic range – a hallmark of Rupert’s evolved designs over the last
several decades.
Complementing the Silk circuit is the custom-designed output
transformer from the renowned Shelford Channel, which uses Rupert Neve
Designs’ 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 19” 1U chassis provides the space
required for a robust internal auto-switching power supply, which
provides ample, stable power anywhere in the world. Finally, the
faceplate has been powder-coated in the distinctive “Shelford” color for
an unmistakably classic look.
The “Best of Both Worlds” Design
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.
Preamplifier Details
The microphone input is balanced but not floating, using a
Transformer-Like-Amplifier (T.L.A.) configuration to capture the
microphone’s signal in as pure a manner as possible. With the +48V
phantom voltage switched off, this input serves as an extremely high
quality line input with an impedance of 10K Ohms. Each channel features
72dB of extraordinarily low-distortion, low-noise gain using a stepped
switch in 6dB increments with a continuously variable +/-6dB trim.
Individually selectable polarity, +48V phantom power, and a swept
high-pass filter from 20-250Hz are available to further control the
input, with Silk control available for the outputs.
Silk
What is Silk? In brief, Silk is a tonal option applied within the
unit’s output stage that manipulates the signal’s harmonic content to
create the sonic character associated with Rupert Neve’s vintage
modules. By reducing negative feedback and saturating the output
transformer while adjusting the frequency spectrum, Silk provides a
sweet, musical enhancement of the input signal – and when the level is
driven to the edge of its headroom, the Silk’s effect is multiplied.
MIC GAIN - A 12-way precision rotary switch controls gain from 0 to 66 dB in 6 dB steps.
TRIM - Continuously variable +/-6 dB level control.
SILK / TEXTURE - Pushing the Silk button engages the red Silk circuit, which reduces the negative feedback on the output transformer, adding harmonic content as the texture is increased. Red Silk accentuates the saturation in the mid and high frequencies, similar to that of the red silk mode on the Shelford Channel. By manipulating the Texture control, the amount of Silk can be changed from essentially absent, to roughly 10 times the amount of coloration / distortion found in Silk from the original Portico Series. With Silk / Texture engaged, the distortion characteristic and harmonic content of the unit are very reminiscent of many of Rupert’s vintage class-A designs.
Level Meter - An eight-segment LED bar-graph meter displays output level (pre-Silk). from -30 dBu to +22 dBu.
Polarity - Reverses the polarity of the input signal.
High Pass Filter - Continuously variable from 20Hz to 250 Hz, and engaged with the HPF button.
Phantom Power - Provides 48V phantom power to microphones.
-6dB Output - A secondary split off the output transformer with a lower headroom, designed to allow engineers to fully drive the output of the 5211 without clipping converters and other devices.