Rupert Neve Designs 542 Tape Emulator

The Portico 542 is a true tape emulator and line driver in API 500 format. The unit reproduces the unique sound of analogue tapes by simulating tape drive circuitry.

If this emulation is not used, the 542 can be used as a redundant amplifier for line signals in the +12 to -12 dB range. The Portico 542 is able to reproduce the warm sound of analogue tape.

It eliminates the often cold sound of a digital signal. It features a finish control, a 'tape saturation control', switching of the tape characteristics from 15lPS to 30lPS and a mix control that can be adjusted smoothly between pre- and post-tape.

In addition, the 542 integrates the typical Neve (silk red and silk blue) function, the intensity of which can be continuously varied via the Texture Potentiometer. The 542 is not only ideal for mixing and mastering. It is also ideal for tracking signals that should already be arriving in the DAW via analogue touch.

Like other Portico products, the 542 uses an innovative input transformer that can handle high signal levels with very low distortion and an output transformer that eliminates critical crossover distortion.

Features: Tape saturation emulator Tape saturation level control (+/-12dB Pre-Tape Level Control) Tape saturation effect with infinitely adjustable Silk Silk Red and Silk Blue (Silk Red and Silk Blue) infinitely adjustable Blend potentiometer for signal adjustment between pre- and post-tape characteristics, switchable between 15lPS and 30lPS Drive Meter shows signal level on 'record head'