Rupert Neve 5014-V Stereo Field Editor(vertical)
Stereo Field Editor(horizontal)
The Portico 5014 Stereo Field Editor introduces an innovative
application of well-known techniques that redefines the boundaries and
limitations of traditional 2-channel stereo recording and playback.
Operating entirely in the analogue domain, the Portico 5014 uses
discrete component circuits, comprising a variable sum and difference
network with level and phase controls, together with other key
features, to affect stereo sources.
Intended for recording, mixing and mastering applications, the
Portico 5014 differentiates between near field (direct) and far field
(ambient) sources and allows the manipulation of the relationship
between mono panned images and stereo ambience through the use of
width, depth and phase controls. Source material may be further
manipulated by inserting external EQ or dynamics processing into the
difference channel or by engaging the simple onboard mid-band EQ.
Designed with the same half-rack dimensions as the rest of the
Portico range, available in horizontal or vertical formats, and
utilizing Mr. Rupert Neve’s custom transformer designs, the 5014 is a
unique addition to the modern engineer’s palette that brings dimension
and life to any recording.
Width
When the width circuit is engaged, the stereo signal is split into a
sum and difference network, allowing the width, depth, insert and EQ
controls to be used. The width control enables the user to increase or
decrease the width of a stereo image (wide/mono) and adjust the amount
of ambience inherent in the recording. As the width control is rotated
toward wide, the amount of difference material is boosted, thus
altering the signal that the depth, insert and EQ affect. Conversely,
the stereo field is contracted when rotated to mono, and, if the left
and right channels are highly coherent (i.e. both channels include
closely similar material that is in phase), this mono content is
enhanced. If the phase of one of the input channels is then reversed
the mono content may be virtually eliminated.
Because the amount of effect the width control has is entirely
dependent on the amount of stereo information in the original source
material and the interplay between the 5014’s other controls, listening
and experimentation are essential for the best results.
Depth
The depth control of the 5014 adjusts the spatial positioning of
elements in the sound stage. A solo instrument or vocal can be placed
up front in a mix and supporting instruments can be pushed back, for
example. In many cases, a center-panned vocalist can be placed forward
in a mix or virtually eliminated without adversely affecting the music
bed. Used in conjunction, the depth and width controls effectively
alter the perceived room ambience and dimension.
Difference Channel Insert
The difference channel insert and EQ offer new opportunities to
manipulate stereo signals. In mastering use, lead vocals can be brought
up or down in a mix, excessively sibilant overheads can be controlled,
and mixes formerly considered beyond repair can be saved. By inserting
effects such as reverb, additional EQ, compression, or expansion into
the difference channel new creative options for altering ambience and
adding movement to the stereo image are available.
Difference Channel EQ
The difference channel includes a semi-parametric EQ with
frequencies ranging from 120Hz to 2.4KHz and two selectable Qs that
only affect material panned out of center. This can be very useful for
eliminating room resonance or adding sparkle to ambient material.
Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise:
@ 2 kHz, +20 dBu output level, unity gain.
Main Output, Width bypassed: Better than 0.0015%.
Main Output, Width engaged: Better than 0.0015%.
Noise:
Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 22Hz-22 kHz,
Terminated 40 Ohms.
With Gain at Unity, Width disengaged: Better than 100 dBu.
With Gain at Unity, Width engaged: Better than 96 dBu.
Frequency Response:
Main Output, Unity Gain @ 18 Hz, 3 dB.
@ 150 kHz 3 dB.
Crosstalk
Measured Channel to Channel, Width disengaged: Better than 100 dB @ 16 kHz.
Insert:
The Insert is only active within the WIDTH circuit when it is engaged.
The SEND carries the Left-Right difference information only (pre-EQ).
Return is half-normaled.
Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise:
@ 2 kHz, +20 dBu output level. Better than 0.0015%.
Frequency Response:
Main Output, Unity Gain 10Hz 100 kHz, +/- 0.50 dB.
SEND
Maximum Output Level:
Balanced TRS +28 dBu.
Unbalanced +22 dBu.
Send Amplifier Noise:
Un-weighted, 22Hz-22kHz,
E.I.N. (Equivalent input noise, Terminated 40 Ohms -100 dB
RETURN
Maximum Input Level:
Transformer balanced, floating +25 dBu.
Input Impedance: >10K Ohms
5014 Power Requirements:
Voltage Range, 9 to 18 Volts DC, 12 Watts
Connector: 5.5mm X 2.5mm DC jack, Center Positive
Current consumption: @ 9VDC = 1.25 A typical
@12VDC = 1000 mA typical
@15VDC= 780 mA typical
@18VDC= 643 mA typical
*External 15V Supply included with every Portico Series module.
