Rupert Neve Designs 5017 mobile preamp

From 5016 to 5017: an evolution tailored for modern recordings

Designed as the legitimate successor to the Portico 5016 Mic Preamp/DI Box and Variphase, the Portico 5017 Mobile DPC retains the sonic DNA of the series while pushing further the "all-in-one" approach for mobile recording and live configurations. The idea is simple: to deliver high-end preamplification quality, studio-level DI, and control tools (compression and phase) in a portable format, ready to integrate on stage or in recording situations.

Who the Portico 5017 makes a difference for, and in which applications

The 5017 targets sound engineers, musicians, and producers who want to secure a take right at the input: vocals, guitar, bass, acoustic instruments, amp mic'ing, or hybrid capture combining direct signal and mic signal. It is particularly relevant if you often record in variable conditions (home studio, mobile control room, rehearsal room, stage) and seek a consistent sound, zero latency (analog processing), and real control over phase issues during multi-source recordings.

Key Features: Blend, Vari-phase, Silk, and simplified optical compression

Blend: merging DI and mic for a more "finished" sound right from the take

The Blend function allows continuous mixing between the direct signal and the mic preamp signal. Typically, you get the precision and attack of a DI, then add the character, air, and dynamics of a mic placed in front of an amp or acoustic source. This results in a richer, more controlled tone, often easier to fit in a mix, without multiplying external boxes.

Vari-phase + inversion: correcting phase issues at their origin

Whenever two signals come from the same source (DI + mic, overheads + snare, close mic + ambiance), a slight delay can hollow out the low-mids and create a lack of body. The 5017 combines a phase inversion (180 degrees) and a continuous Vari-phase adjustment to finely align signals, restoring a stronger and more musical sum. This is a powerful tool to thicken an electric guitar (DI + cabinet) or bass (DI + mic), as well as to ensure reliable live recordings.

LDR Optical Compressor: fast compression without wasting time

Based on an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) circuit, the 5017's compressor is designed to be straightforward: a single threshold control and automatic output gain compensation. When the signal exceeds the "Thresh" threshold, gain reduction applies with a 2:1 ratio. Via an internal micro-switch, you can select conventional or fast time constants depending on the source type (vocals, rhythm guitar, more percussive bass, etc.). An LED indicates compressor activity, facilitating adjustments on stage.

Silk and Custom Portico Transformers: the "analog" finishing touch

Silk mode offers a subtle option to enrich the signal: by reducing feedback and adjusting frequency response, it adds a sense of softness, presence, and a deliberately "vintage" texture. Combined with the Custom Portico transformers, it helps provide a recognizable sonic imprint, useful when you want the take to have personality even before EQ in the mix.

One device, two approaches: single Blend channel or "two-channel" use

In instrument use, the 5017 excels in Blend mode (DI + mic) with phase correction, then compression of the mixed signal (internal micro-switch in Blend position, default setting). In "two-channel" configuration, a singer and a guitarist can benefit from processing: the 5017 then serves as mic preamp + compressor for vocals, and as preamped DI for the instrument. In this case, Blend is set to DI position (no mixing) and an internal micro-switch applies compression to the mic preamp signal. Silk mode affects both vocals and guitar, while the high-pass filter only affects the mic signal.

Technical specifications

Number of channels

2

EQ

High-pass filter

Mic Gain (MIC GAIN)	from 0 dB to 66 dB	Indicator	compressor activity LED
Gain adjustment	in 6 dB steps, for a total gain of 66 dB	Compressor routing	internal micro-switch to apply compression to mic channel or DI/Blend channel
Phantom power	48 volts, on/off via a rear panel switch	Vari-phase	continuous phase alignment adjustment (useful when mixing two signals from the same source)
Mic output	independent (always separate from DI/Blend path)	Phase inverter	polarity inversion (180 degrees) on the mic signal
Direct Input	6.35 mm jack	Phase invert	180-degree phase shift function
THRU output	signal pass-through for instrument and line-level signals	High-pass filter (HPF)	cutoff frequency at 80 Hz
DI input	high impedance, balanced or unbalanced	HPF slope	12 dB/octave
Instrument gain	continuously variable from 0 to 30 dB	HPF usage	reduces handling noise, hum, and low-frequency interference (especially useful on the mic input)
DI gain	adjustable from 0 dB to 30 dB	Transformers	Custom Portico
Blend	continuous mixing between direct and mic signals	Silk mode	adds vintage warmth and presence on both outputs
Technology	LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) optical compressor	Outputs	two transformer-isolated outputs
Control	single threshold adjustment (Threshold / Thresh)	"Two separate line outputs" use	distinct outputs for DI/Blend and mic when Blend is set to DI position
Behavior	gain reduction with 2:1 ratio when signal exceeds threshold	Indicators	signal presence and clipping for DI and mic paths
Make-up gain	automatic output gain compensation	Internal micro-switches	compressor routing (mic to DI/Blend)
Attack and release times	fixed constants, selectable (conventional or fast) via internal micro-switch