RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS MBC | Master Buss Converter | Dual Path Ad Converter & Limiter

Portico II MBC

Master Buss Converter Dual-Path A-D Converter and Limiter

Tap into premium A-D conversion and limiting for tracking, mixing, and mastering in any genre with the Portico II MBC Master Buss Converter, a dual-path 24-bit / 192 kHz converter with a host of high-end configurable features ranging from adjustable harmonics to selectable calibration levels.

Capable of operating in dual mono or linked stereo, the MBC provides the flexibility and customization needed to handle critical stereo mixes, vocal session with A-list artists, and anything in between. Select the Class-A tranformerless path for transparency or switch to the custom transformer-coupled path to access the Silk/Texture circuit for adjustable harmonic content and saturation.

The onboard limiter utilizes enhanced topology to deliver a balance of exactitude and vibe, and its threshold, gain, and release controls offer efficient manipulation of crucial settings. A 20 to 250 Hz sweepable high-pass filter can be inserted into the sidechain, allowing effective management of how your signal's bass levels trigger the limiter.

With XLR-1/4" combo inputs, three simultaneously active digital outputs, and BNC word clock I/O, the MBC is easily integrated into any setup, be it a live sound rig or a permanent studio installation.

Dual-Path Analog Design

From the ground up, the MBC was designed for reference performance regardless of genre or desired sonic character, and the key to this lies in the quality and adaptability of the analog drive circuitry. For a bolder, more powerful imprint, a custom-designed interstage transformer with Rupert's acclaimed Silk circuitry can be inserted to recreate the classic tonality of his vintage designs.

Unlike Rupert Neve's audio transformers intended for line-level output, this new transformer is designed to achieve output transformer harmonic content characteristics at a level appropriate for input to the converter itself. With the addition of variable Silk, the engineer is able to precisely dial in the desired amount of harmonic content; the Red mode highlights harmonics in the mid and high frequencies, while the Blue mode accentuates harmonics in the lows.

From a subtle transformer tonality without Silk, to significantly more color than vintage modules with the Silk/Texture circuit fully pushed, the selectable transformer path fills your tracks with enhanced dimensionality and power. When maximum transparency and fidelity is desired, the transformerless path provides extraordinary detail and clarity.

While many transformerless circuits suffer from thin tonal balance and a lack of punch, the MBC's Class-A circuitry was painstakingly designed to deliver a beautiful sense of clarity, with vibrant detail at both high and low frequencies. As an additional tonal palette to capture your tracks, the transformerless path is an essential complement to the weighty, classic sound of the transformer path. No matter what sonic character you're seeking, the MBC can provide it at the push of a button.

Compound Active Release Analog Limiter

Designed to act as a musical sculpting tool exceeding the quality of available plug-in limiters or as a transparent safety limiter for tracking or live performance and broadcast, the MBC's limiter features refined compound active release topology, which enhances both the accuracy and musicality of the limiter response. The resulting limiter achieves transparency and the capability of pushing the level of tracks or mixes without damage to the integrity of the source.

To further adapt the sound of the limiter, several controls are available for each channel. The built-in S/C HPF (sidechain high-pass filter), sweepable from 20 to 250 Hz, minimizes the limiter's reaction to low frequencies, which tend to be more sustained in nature than high frequencies. The threshold control sets the maximum levels for your digital signal, and the variable release time constant alters the response characteristic to better fit different source material.

Mastering-Grade Conversion

The MBC's 24-bit / 192 kHz converters were developed after years of careful listening, and represent a further advancement of the design within the RMP-D8. The precision-controlled internal clock's minimal jitter and phase noise allow the converters to capture the complete performance of your music with a great degree of accuracy.

Professional Connectivity

To connect into your interface or digital console, the MBC is equipped with three digital outputs—AES3 via XLR, S/PDIF via RCA coaxial, and S/PDIF via TOSLINK optical—capable of simultaneous output to multiple destinations. The word clock output allows the MBC to act as high-end master clock for your entire setup, and the word clock input enables external sync to a separate master clock if desired.

The MBC can be seamlessly integrated into a multichannel conversion environment, thanks to its four selectable standard levels from -14 to -20 dBFS. These reference level calibration standards are implemented with a superb degree of accuracy via high-precision resistors and relay-controlled stepped attenuation.

Precise Metering

A pair of 22-segment meters provide extremely precise level metering of the input to the converter stage, utilizing a new design that represents the highest resolution LED metering in a Rupert Neve Designs product to date. For monitoring of the limiter's gain reduction, there are 8-segment gain reduction meters designed to display transient reductions with extreme accuracy. The level meters can be further customized with a 1-second or 3-second peak hold option.

Specifications

• Function
  • Analog-to-Digital Converter
• Number of Channels
  • 2
• Analog Inputs
  • 2 x XLR-1/4" Combo Inputs
• Digital Outputs
  • 1 x XLR 3-Pin Male (AES3)
  • 1 x TOSLINK Optical Female (S/PDIF)
  • 1 x RCA Coaxial Female (S/PDIF)
• Word Clock I/O
  • 1 x BNC Input (75-Ohm Terminated)
  • 1 x BNC Output
• Input Impedance
  • 9.9 Kilohms
• Frequency Response
  • Transformerless Path: 20 Hz to 70 kHz ±0.025 dB Typical
  • Transformer Path: 20 Hz to 70 kHz ±0.1 dB Typical
  • Limiter: 20 Hz to 70 kHz ±0.1 dB Typical (Transformerless Path Selected, 40-Ohm Balanced Source)
• THD + N
  • Transformerless Path: 0.0009% Typical (Measured at 1 kHz at -2 dBFS (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
  • Transformer Path: 0.002% Typical (Measured at 1 kHz at -2 dBFS (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
• Noise
  • Transformerless Path: -108 dBFS Typical (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
  • Transformer Path: -114 dBFS Typical (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
  • Limiter at 0 dB Make-Up Gain: -107 dBFS Typical (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
  • Limiter at +20 dB Make-Up Gain: -97 dBFS Typical (10 Hz to 22 kHz Bandwidth)
• Common Mode Rejection
  • 105 dB Typical at 1 kHz
• Release Time
  • 50 ms to 1 sec
• Make-up Gain
  •  0 to +20 dB
• High-Pass Filter
  • 20 to 250 Hz (Sidechain HPF)
• Calibration
  • +4 dBu = -14, -16, -18, or -20 dBFS (Selectable)
• Bit Depth
  • 24-Bit
• Sample Rates
  • Up to 192 kHz
• Power Requirements
  • 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Power Consumption
  • 45 W
• Dimensions
  • 19 x 1.7 x 9" / 48.3 x 4.2 x 22.9 cm

In The Box

• Rupert Neve Designs Portico II MBC Master Buss Converter Dual-Path A-D Converter and Limiter
• Power Cable
• Limited 1-Year Warranty