The Rupert Neve 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.
