How to Get the Most Out of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II

Learn How to Get the Most Out of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor (MBP) has become a staple in professional studios worldwide. It is known for its ability to add warmth, depth, and clarity to your mixes. But how can you truly harness the power of this iconic processor?

In this article, we will provide tips, suggestions, and use cases that will help you get the most out of the MBP.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. From understanding the different controls and settings to exploring creative ways to use this processor, we’ll provide you with all the knowledge you need to take advantage of this fantastic analog device.

So grab your headphones, and let’s begin the journey to sonic bliss by learning how to get the most out of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor.

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor in the Analog Matrix Plugin

Below is an image of the MBP with robotic controls attached, as well as an image as it appears in the Analog Matrix Plugin user interface. When using the Analog Matrix Plugin, you are connecting to the actual hardware in the cloud and streaming in real-time to a robotically controlled RND Portico II Master Buss Processor.

Features of the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor

Understanding its features is the first step in getting the most out of the MBP. This processor offers a range of controls and settings that allow you to shape the overall sound of your mix. One of the key features is the Silk button, which adds a subtle harmonic saturation to your audio, giving it a warm and vintage vibe. Additionally, the MBP provides precise control over the dynamics of your mix with its compressor and limiter sections. Understanding how each control affects the sound is crucial in achieving the desired results. Once you are familiar with the features and their functions, you can utilize the combined effect to get the best results.

Silk Button

As mentioned above, the silk button infuses your audio with a subtle harmonic saturation, imparting a warm and vintage vibe. Silk Red will enhance the low-end harmonics, and Silk Blue will enhance the high-end harmonics.

Link Button

Use the link button between the channels to get your audio close to the desired sound, and then unlink it for fine-tuning.

Blend Control

The Blend Control of the MBP is a powerful tool, an amalgamator of the dry and processed signals. This control provides a unique opportunity to balance the raw authenticity of the dry signal with the enhanced characteristics of the processed signal, thereby achieving an optimal mix.

Limiter

The limiter section provides transparent peak limiting for mastering applications. Set the threshold and release parameters to control the maximum peak level and ensure the mix stays within desired boundaries. Use it sparingly to avoid excessive loudness and maintain the mix’s dynamics. Note: As the user rotates the threshold control counter clockwise, the limiter’s release time gradually increases. This creates a smoother dynamic response as the amount of limiting increases.

Stereo Field Editor (SFE)

One of the distinguishing features of the MBP is its stereo field editor (SFE). The SFE is a unique tool that allows adjusting the width and depth of the stereo field in a mix. This can be used to make subtle enhancements to a mix or to dramatically alter the stereo image for creative effect. The width control allows for narrowing or widening the stereo image, while the depth control can make the mix sound closer or more distant.

Use the Width control to adjust the stereo spread, focusing on the low-frequency range (below 250 Hz) to tighten the bass response and the high-frequency range (above 2 kHz) to enhance the stereo image. The Width function is akin to mid-side. The Width function is similar to mid-side. Width performs effectively on non-correlated audio material.Width works well on non-correllated audio material.

Typically low frequencies are focused in the center while higher frequencies spread across the stereo field – try using the width knob in the LF setting and pull the frequencies mono by turning the knob counterclockwise. Explore the width knob in the low mid and high mid for adding focus or creating space by panning from mono clockwise to the wide position. Or just adding a bit of extra width in the highs can really open up the top end.

Stereo Compressor

The MBP also features a stereo compressor that utilizes several elements from the classic Rupert Neve designs. This includes the option to switch between several different types of compression – including Feed-Forward and Feed-Back compression – to provide a range of tones and responses. The compressor also includes a parallel blend control, which allows for blending the compressed signal with the dry signal for a more natural, dynamic sound.

For transparent compression, use a low ratio (1.5:1 to 2:1), a slow attack (30-100 ms), and a fast release (50-100 ms). For more aggressive compression, increase the ratio and use faster attack and release settings.

Texture Control

The texture control is another standout feature of the MBP. This offers two distinct analog saturation sounds that emulate the classic Rupert Neve transformer sound. The Silk Red mode provides a warm and harmonically rich sound, while the Silk Blue mode offers a tighter, punchier sound. Both options provide a way to add character and tone to a mix, allowing for a level of customization that is rare in mastering equipment.

Start with a low setting (around 10-20%) and gradually increase to achieve the desired amount of harmonic saturation and warmth.

Applications and Sound Shaping Suggestions

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor can be used for any instrument or vocals needing some analog dynamics and stereo enhancement. It can also be used as a stereo insert or a mid-side processor for more creative applications. Some recommended settings to achieve specific sounds are:

Smooth and Balanced Mix

Set the compressor to feed-back mode with a 2:1 ratio, a medium threshold and attack, a fast release, a low blend, and no limit.

Set the limiter to a high threshold and a medium release.

Set the stereo field editor to stereo mode with a moderate width and depth.

Punchy and Aggressive Mix

Set the compressor to feed-forward mode with a 4:1 ratio, a low threshold and attack, a medium release, a high blend, and a moderate limit.

Set the limiter to a low threshold and a fast release.

Set the stereo field editor to mid-side mode with a narrow width and a deep depth.

Warm and Vintage Mix

Set the compressor to feed-back mode with a 6:1 ratio, a high threshold and attack, a slow release, a medium blend, and no limit.

Engage the Silk Red control for more harmonic saturation.

Set the limiter to bypass.

Set the stereo field editor to stereo mode with a wide width and a shallow depth.

Enhancing Drum Bus

Apply the Portico II Master Buss Processor to the drum bus to add cohesion and control to the drum mix.

Use gentle compression to tame dynamic peaks, dial in the harmonic saturator to add character, and sculpt the stereo field to create a spacious, immersive drum sound.

Gluing Mix Elements Together

Apply the processor to the mix bus to “glue” the mix elements together.

The compressor helps unify the dynamics, while the harmonic saturator adds warmth and character to the mix.

Experiment with different settings to find the perfect blend.

Add Analog Warmth to Vocals

Apply the Portico II Master Buss Processor to the vocal bus to impart analog warmth and smoothness.

Utilize the compressor to control dynamics and tame sibilance, and dial in the harmonic saturator to add richness and depth to the vocals.

Additional Use Cases

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico II Master Buss Processor is a versatile tool that can handle dynamic range in different genres of music. Here are some ways that it can handle dynamic range in different genres:

Rock: The MBP has a way of hoisting the beat and adding character to rock music.
Pop: The MBP can add polish and depth to pop music mixes while still preserving the dynamics of the original signal.
Dance: The MBP can mix bass-heavy EDM and add significant character to dance music.
Classical: The MBP can be used to delicately master a chamber ensemble.
Electronic: The MBP can add some serious character and depth to electronic music.

Here are some ways that it can handle instruments and vocals:

Drums: The Stereo Compressor can be used for parallel compression, enhancing the drum kit’s punch and impact.
Guitars: The Texture control can add harmonic saturation, providing warmth and character to the guitar tone.
Vocals: The Stereo Compressor can help control vocal dynamics, while the SFE can be utilized to create a focused center image.
Synthesizers: The SFE can widen the stereo field of synths and pads, adding depth and space to the mix.
Bass: The Texture control can be used to add harmonic richness, while the Stereo Compressor can help tighten the bass response.

Presets to Get You Started

Inside the plugin, you will find a list of presets for the Portico II. These presets offer various options to get you started quickly and efficiently and help you achieve a sound that fits your project.

With names like “UM St. John’s Wood Punch Bass,” “Transparent Sweetner,” “Big Bottom,” and “Sweet Highs,” you can’t go wrong. Lot’s of fun stuff here!

Overall, the MBP is a versatile tool that can impart an incredibly-wide range of processing, both dynamic and spectral, to any situation at a world-class level. It can be used in a wide range of genres and applications, and its unique character and depth adds a professional touch to any production.

For additional detailed information please refer the User Manual and Guide.

Give the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II a Try!

Here's How to Stream Real-Time Audio to a Robotically Controlled Portico II Master Buss Processor

Download the Analog Matrix Plugin and follow the initial popup tutorial (click the “Help” button inside the plugin if you do not see the tutorial).

Once you’ve established your account, you are then free to make a reservation or use the equipment on demand directly in the plugin.

You can also start by creating an account directly on our website.

We have two Master Buss Processors you can access.