Based around the high voltage, discrete and class-A signal paths made famous in the 5088 Mixer and the Portico II: Channel, the Portico II Master Buss Processor is creative tool that redefines the boundaries and limitations of traditional 2-channel compression and limiting.

With input and output transformers designed and implemented by Mr. Rupert Neve, the high-voltage 72V topology found in the Master Buss Processor (MBP) will integrate flawlessly with virtually any system. Additionally, the MBP incorporates mastering grade detented pots throughout to fine tune its revolutionary dynamics, tone, and stereo field controls. This new topology is a significant evolution of Mr Rupert Neve’s classic designs with appreciable benefits to headroom, dynamic range, distortion, noise, slew rate, bandwidth, and accuracy while still providing for the sweet, musical performance that has been a part of countless recordings.

Key features:

Compressor: when signals exceed the "threshold" level, the gain is reduced in a controlled manner that depends on the Ratio that has been set
Gain: range provided is from 0dB to +20 dB. When compression has taken place, the gain control is necessary to increase the overall gain to restore the program level
Limiter: attack time is .03 mS in order to reduce the first half of a 20 kHz waveform over the threshold, with Serial Adaptive Release
Texture: continuously variable control for Silk and Silk+ modes allows the engineer to fine tune the harmonic ratio and tonality of each channel
FF/FB: changes the VCA Detection from a forward feed design (fast, more accurate attack & release) to a feed back design (smoother, more musical response)
Peak / RMS compression selection: when engaged, the MBP compressor uses a combination of peak and RMS (average) detection to trigger the VCA set below 1ms. When disengaged, it follows RMS alone
SC HPF: introduces a HPF at 250Hz to the VCA side chain signal. This allows the compressor to disregard sustained low frequency content
Ratio: range from 1:1 to LIMIT (i.e. 40:1)
Threshold: range from -30dBu to +20dBU
Attack time: range from 20 mS to 75 mS
Release/recovery time: range of RELEASE time is 100 mS to 2.5 Seconds
Stereo operation: when the LINK switch is engaged, channel A becomes the master control, and any gain reduction happens simultaneously in both channels
LED Meters: four Peak LED METERS are provided that show stereo output levels and gain reduction
Output level meter covers the range from -10 to +22 dBu and above which is regarded as overload.The reduction is calibrated in dB covering the range 1 to 22 dBu, reading from top to bottom
Side Chain Send/Return: external compressor side chain send and return on 2 x TRS jacks. The send is always active and normalled to the return (NOTE: If the send and return are connected to a patchbay, the send should be normalled or connected to the return by default, as the compressor will not trigger if the return has no signal)

Recording & Production