Description

The Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer is a 2-channel, transformer-based, live-sound feedback controller that allows up to a 20dB increase in mic level before feedback

While the name Rupert Neve is most associated with recording studio equipment, he was equally involved in designing broadcast consoles for Associated British Corporation TV, Granada TV, and the BBC, back in the ’60s. In those days of live broadcast, one squeal from a console meant you were fired (hence the high-headroom designs). These days, with sound reinforcement far more prevalent in churches, concert halls, cable TV, and stadiums, etc., the need for a high levels and sonic clarity without feedback has increased exponentially. Well, Mr. Neve hears your pain and responds with the Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer. In a world of feedback suppressors and graphic EQs that chop holes in your system’s frequency response, the 5045 exceptionally adept at reducing feedback without negatively impacting the sonic integrity of the source signal. The RND 5045 Primary Source Enhancer can effectively increase the level a microphone by up to 20dB before feedback occurs in a live sound environment.

Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer in one take: 

• All-analog design built around Rupert’s custom transformers, doesn’t introduce filtering or digital processing
• Sonic performance that retains the integrity of the source material
• Simplified controls make it ideal for environments without a full time engineer
  

INSIDE THE BOX—Rupert Neve Designs 5045  

While the 5045 shares some commonality with conventional noise gates, it operates on a different principle. One common aspect is that both reduce the gain during the absence of signal, or more specifically, both begin to attenuate when the level of a signal falls below a set threshold. The 5045 senses when someone is speaking or singing into a mic, allowing the signal to pass, and reduces gain appropriately when it senses the talking or singing has stopped, which helps reduce the system’s tendency to feed back. Most importantly, the 5045 does not require filtering and digital processing to achieve appreciable results.

The Depth Control

The depth knob sets how much attenuation is applied after the signal falls below where the threshold is set. Setting the depth so that it doesn’t chop off parts of quietly spoken words while fighting a difficult feedback problem is the goal, especially with singers that sing quietly one moment and loudly the next while demanding loud monitors. This would be the equivalent of gate chatter, which the 5045 deals with via the time constant control.

The Time Constant Control

The time constant control is designed to help prevent choppiness in some situations and stop feedback in other situations. It mostly sets how quickly the attenuation occurs in the quiet sections between words or sentences. There are settings that should fit many situations and generally fade down slow enough so that the ends of words are not affected, yet fast enough to control feedback. Choose the most appropriate time constant that doesn’t soften the beginnings and endings of phrases, yet still diminishes the feedback and “boominess” of the signal.

The RMS/PEAK Switch

Similarly, the RMS/Peak button allows some finessing of the timing of the 5045. With the peak button pushed in, the 5045 will return to normal level from attenuation very rapidly. This may help prevent the beginnings of some words from being cut off. (It also opens the door for some creative dynamics-shaping if one uses the 5045 on musical instruments.) With the button set to RMS, the 5045 will behave moderately slower, but with a greater deal of perceived musicality. In this mode, it is relying on the average signal level rather than merely the loudest and briefest peaks.

RND 5045 user reviews: 

“The 5045 yielded a 14 to 15 dB increase in level, with no feedback, glitches or choppiness.”— George Peterson

“Without the 5045, I wouldn’t be able to do my job.” — Andy Meyer, FOH Engineer (Madonna, Justin Timberlake)

OUTSIDE THE BOX—Rupert Neve Designs 5045 Primary Source Enhancer

Featuring the instantly recognizable and elegant powder-blue finish of the Portico series, the 5045 front-panel controls include Process Engage buttons, RMS/Peak buttons, and Time Constant, Threshold, and Depth knobs for both channels. The rear panel includes balanced XLR input and output for channels A & B, ground-lift switch, power button, and 12VDC power connector port.

In environments where uncompromising sound reinforcement is critical, and/or run by volunteers, such as a house of worship, the set-and-forget performance of the Rupert Neve Designs 5045 makes it an event-saving essential tool. For more information, call or chat online with your Westlake Pro Sales Consultant today.  

Rupert Neve Designs 5045 specifications:

Threshold

• Continuously variable from -20 to 10dBu

Depth

• Continuously variable from 0 to 20dBu

Time Constants

• Peak Mode:
  A: 50mS B: 100mS
  C: 200mS
  D: 750mS
  E: 1.5S
  F: 3S

RMS Mode Time Constant data collected using 10dB bursts.

Attack: fixed 20mS

Release:

• A: 20mS
• B: 200mS
• C: 1S
• D: 2S
• E: 5S
• F: 30S

Maximum Output Level:

• +25dBu

Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise

Feedback Suppressor Engaged: Main Output

• Better than 0.002%

Noise

Feedback Suppressor Engaged: Measured @ Main Output, un-weighted, 22Hz-22kHz, 50 ohm terminated input

• Better than -100dBu
• Better than -95dBu

Frequency Response

Main Output

• @ 20Hz -3dB
• @150kHz -3dB

Crosstalk

Measured Channel to Channel

• Better than -80dB @ 16kHz

Why buy the RND Portico 5045 Primary Source Enhancer from Westlake Pro?

Westlake Pro is not just an online pro audio retailer that guarantees the lowest prices. We also comprise Westlake Design Group and Westlake Studios. Westlake Pro Design Group has provided design, integration, and acoustic construction for legendary recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast stations worldwide, including studio builds for clients such as Snoop Dogg, Dave Pensado, The Village Recorders, and the award-winning Enzi Studio in Mumbai, India. Among our post-production clients are major film studios, including ABC, Disney, NBC, 20^th Century Fox, Universal, Warner Bros, and Capitol Records.

Not only do we build world-class studios, we are a legendary studio ourselves— Westlake Studios. If that sounds familiar, it because the world’s best selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller was recorded at Westlake Studios. Whether you’re building a laptop studio or a world-class facility, why not work with the real pro audio experts—Westlake Pro.