novation Launchpad Pro Hardcase

The Rupert Neve Designs Portico 542 is a 'True Tape' emulator and line driver in API 500 format. The device recreates the unique sound of analogue tapes by simulating the circuitry of a tape drive. If this emulation is not used, the 542 can be used as a catch-up amplifier for line signals in the range of +12 to -12 dB.

The Portico 542 is capable of reproducing the warm sound familiar from analogue tape. This eliminates the often cold sound of a digital signal. It is equipped with a trim control, a "tape saturation control", a switchover of the tape characteristic from 15 lPS to 30 lPS and a blend control that can be continuously adjusted between pre- and post-tape. In addition, the Neve-typical Silk function (Silk Red and Silk Blue) has been integrated into the 542, the intensity of which is infinitely variable via the texture pot.

The 542 is not only ideal for mixdown or mastering. It is also ideal for tracking signals that are to arrive in the DAW with an analogue touch.

Like the other Portico products, the 542 uses a new type of input transformer that can handle high signal levels with extremely low distortion and an output transformer that eliminates critical crossover distortion.