portico 5042 User Guide

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of the 5042 Two Channel "True Tape" Emulation/Line Amp unit.
Everyone at Rupert Neve Designs hope you enjoy using this tool as much as we have enjoyed
designing and building it. Please take note of the following list of safety concerns and power
requirements before the use of this or any Portico Series

Safety

It’s usual to provide a list of “do’s and dont’s” under this heading but mostly these amount to
common sense issues. However here are some reminders:

The amplifier and processing circuits use genuine “Class A” configurations. “Class A” is not
efficient in terms of power utilization. We have placed sonic quality first in order of importance.
The Portico 5042 dissipates about 8 watts, which means that it will get warm in use. The heat
generated is radiated through the case work and by convection through the ventilation holes.
Therefore the holes should not be covered or blocked. Portico modules may be stacked horizontally
on a desk top or vertically in a rack without heat problems. The anti-slip feet may be removed while
used in a rack, but should be retained for desktop use. Porticos should not be stacked immediately
above or adjacent to other equipment that gets hot. Also bear in mind that other equipment may
radiate strong hum fields which could spoil the performance of your Portico module.

Electronic equipment and liquids are not good friends. If any liquid was spilled such as soda,
coffee, alcoholic or other drink, the sugars and acids will have a very detrimental effect. Sugar
crystals act like little rectifiers and can produce noise, “crackles” etc. SWITCH OFF
IMMEDIATELY because once current starts to flow the mixture hardens, can get very hot (burnt
toffee!) and cause permanent and costly damage. Please contact support as soon as possible at
[e-mail] for resolution.

TM

product.

Don’t operate a Portico in the rain! If it gets wet and you suspect that good clean water may have
got in, Immediately unplug the unit, and remove it from the source of water. Take the cover and
knobs off by removing the 2 back-most screws on both sides only. The cover and front panel will
now slide forward and free of the unit. Gently wipe off any water that’s visible with a soft cloth.
Water may have percolated under the PCB and be hidden between the bottom cover and the PCB.
Use a hair drier to blow and dry out any residual moisture. leave the unit for a few hours to
completely dry out. If the moisture was due to CLEAN water, your Portico should be up and
running without any further problem.

Rear connecting cables can get very untidy when a number of Portico modules are stacked on
your bench. It’s a good idea to use cable ties to bunch the cords into a tidy form.

Don’t be tempted to operate a Portico with the cover removed. The cover provides magnetic
screening from hum and R.F. stray fields.

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POWER REQUIREMENTS

Each Portico 5042 module has a built in DC to DC converter that provide +/– 17.5 VDC for the
amplifiers. The input is protected from reverse polarity, and must be center pin positive. The
converters will work from any DC supply from 9 to 18 volts that is reasonably “clean”. Avoid using
a Power Outlet on the same circuit as air conditioning or other equipment that regularly switches on
and off. Unplug the Portico power unit(s) during a thunder storm or if it will be unused for a long
period.

The power consumed over the 9 to 18 volt range is almost constant; the current varies with
available voltage as follows:-

@ 9VDC  Current is 0.93A typical: Power = 8.4 watts

@ 12VDC Current is 0.68 A typical: Power = 8.16watts

@ 15VDC Current is 540 mA typical: Power = 8.1 watts

@ 18VDC Current is 450 mA typical: Power = 8.1 watts

An external, robust and reliable high quality mains power unit, similar to the type used with the
better quality laptop computers is supplied. This power unit converts your A.C. mains voltage,
typically anything from 100 to 240 Volts depending on where you live, to the required low voltage
D.C. (9 to 18 Volts). You will encounter many types of mains power wall sockets in different
countries. One of the advantages of this method of feeding equipment is that external power units
will work from almost any of the very wide range of mains supply voltages and frequencies that are
found world-wide.

Portico™ 5042 module power units leave the factory with standard U.S. plugs. Any good quality
connecting cord may be substituted.

Several sizes of power units available for use when feeding two, eight or more Portico™ 5042
modules together, depending upon the configuration that has been ordered. There are no special
requirements for these Portico™ low voltage power units other than that they must be of good
quality, reliable and able to supply enough current for the number of Portico™ modules in use. The
power unit(s) supplied with your Portico™ meets these requirements.

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