Rupert Neve Shelford 5052: Mic Pre / Inductor EQ - Manual (Page 6)

the output stage. With Silk disengaged, the output is modern and pristine, yet still
retains Rupert’s signature larger-than-life transformer sound. The mic pre section also
includes a sweepable 20-250Hz high-pass filter, Mic / Line selection, 48V phantom
power, and polarity reverse.
Following the preamplifier, the 5052 has a transformer-coupled output, which allows
the 5052 to feed a tape machine or DAW directly from the mic pre while still using
the EQ and Silk / Texture in a dedicated analogue mix path such as that found with
a 5088, 5060 or vintage console. This output can also be used to insert a separate
compressor or other processing between the mic pre and the EQ, or it can allow
the 5052 to work with two separate sources. When the “TO EQ” button is engaged,
the mic pre signal is routed directly into the EQ such that the mic / line input signal
flows through to the main output as a single channel strip.
The 3-band, custom-tapped inductor EQ on the 5052 was inspired by RND’s
favorite portions of Rupert’s vintage EQ designs. The low frequency band is
primarily based on the 1064, which is renowned for its creamy, resonant bass.
Unlike the 1064 however, the LF band on the 5052 can be used as either a shelf
or a peak filter, adding punch, dimension, and immense control to your low end.
The 5052’s inductor midrange band is based on his prized 1073 EQ, which is
ideal for sweetening vocals and instruments while bringing them forward in a
mix. Additionally, the mid frequency band’s proportional “Q” response makes it
well-suited for minimizing problematic frequencies in a source. The 5052’s high
frequency band is a hybrid vintage / modern design, blending inductor circuitry
from the 1073 with capacitor-based topologies to achieve the vintage tones with
enhanced control. As Rupert originally intended with his most prized classic designs,
each EQ section uses low-feedback, class-A discrete electronics to prevent low-level
artifacts and harshness from detracting from the tonal shaping. The EQ circuit itself,
however, is a decidedly modern updated design using techniques and components
that were simply not available 35 years ago, and should not be considered a
“clone”.
Both the high and low band can be switched from shelf to peak curves and offer 15
dB of boost or cut. The high band can be switched from 8 kHz to 16 kHz, and the
low band can be selected at 35 Hz, 60 Hz, 100 Hz or 220 Hz. The inductor based
Mid Band offers 6 center frequencies; 200 Hz, 350 Hz, 700 Hz, 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz
and 6 kHz. The Mid Band also has a “Mid Hi Q” switch to narrow the bandwidth
(increase the Q) of the filter.
The 5052 has two 8 segment fast acting accurate LED bar-graph meters to indicate
Output Level.
Like the 5051, the 5052 requires its own standalone power supply to operate. The
two available power supplies feature proprietary 4-pin polarized outputs at +24 and
-24V DC, and will power either five or twenty-five 5052 modules.