500 Series Primary Source Enhancer
For live sound engineers, feedback is public enemy #1. Based on the circuitry in Rupert Neve Designs’ Portico 5045, the 545 Primary Source Enhancer is a monaural 500 Series module that functions similarly to a noise gate but operates on a different principle. With its superior background bleed attenuation and feedback suppression, the 5045 has become a mainstay in countless tour racks, arenas, houses of worship, and broadcast studios — largely supplanting noise gates in live applications where noise and feedback suppression is mission critical. Now the 545 offers the same natural-sounding performance and reliability in the convenient 500 Series format. Amazingly effective at reducing feedback without degrading the sonic integrity of the source, the 545 effectively increases the level of a live mic signal by up to 20dB before the onset of feedback. With its minimalist control set, the 545’s ease of use permits quick on-the-fly adjustments during performances, and also makes it a good choice even for unattended, set-it-and-forget-it scenarios.
Block the bleed, ditch the feedback
If you’ve been struggling with background bleed and persistent feedback problems, the Rupert Neve Designs 545 Primary Source Enhancer is an ideal alternative to a traditional noise gate or feedback-fighting system. Like a conventional noise gate, the Rupert Neve Designs’ 545 reduces gain in the absence of signal, attenuating when the level drops below a user-defined threshold. But that’s where the similarity ends. Using just a few simple controls, you can dial in the perfect amount of background level reduction, without negatively impacting your sound.
Fast, easy, intuitive operation
Just insert the 545 into problem channels on your mixing console and gently dial in the Threshold until the background disappears between the performer’s phrases. The Depth control then lets you fine-tune how much attenuation is applied, so you can get totally natural-sounding results, minus the noise and feedback. The illuminated Fast button selects between two time constants, determining how quickly attenuation onset occurs in the spaces between phrases. The illuminated Peak button selects between peak and RMS detection modes. Peak mode is useful for catching fast transient peaks and creative dynamic envelope shaping, while RMS mode produces a slower, averaged response in the sidechain.
Custom Rupert Neve input and output transformers
An all-analog device, the 545 does not use any filtering or digital processing to achieve its stellar results. Built around custom Rupert Neve input and output transformers, the 545’s circuitry delivers superior noise and feedback control without compromising the sonic purity of the source material.
Rupert Neve Designs 545 Primary Source Enhancer Features:
- 1-channel 500 Series background bleed attenuation and feedback suppression module
- Ideal for any live sound application
- A must-have for tour racks and venue installations
- Threshold, Depth, and Fast controls for defining response characteristics
- Not standalone; requires compatible 500 Series chassis
- Solid build quality for many years of service
