{"title":"500 Series \/ Saturation","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"heritage-audio-ram-500-47729","title":"Heritage Audio RAM 500","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfter two years of intensive research and development, the first element of the RAM systems came to life. The RAM System 500 is a fully unique product with no precedent in the industry, providing a mastering grade monitoring solution for the 500 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a 500 series plug-in unit with double module width, it serves as a compact, zero-compromise monitoring station for home, project or mobile studios. It features one stereo speaker output and powerful headphone amp, two balanced stereo inputs and a Bluetooth input for convenient wireless connection to mobile devices. The RAM System 500 uses state-of-the-art analog circuitry for maximum transparency and minimal noise floor and distortion. The entire signal path, including the 64-stage relay attenuation system, is designed with gold-plated switching relays, archiving stereo accuracy and sound quality only found in systems costing 10 times as much.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heritage Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57959673889151,"sku":"47729","price":549.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"rupert-neve-designs-542-pair","title":"Rupert Neve Designs 542 (Pair)","description":"The ultimate colour box\n\nAs a 500-series follow-up to the Portico 5042, the 542 delivers the same thick, musical simulation of tape while drastically enhancing creative control via a number of new features. In addition to the the “true tape” circuitry – great for bringing out 3rd-order harmonics – the 542 incorporates a soft-clip circuit that tames the harshest sources and enhances 2nd-order harmonics, a variable and versatile Silk\/Texture circuit for three transformer tones in one, and a wet\/dry control to blend in the perfect amount of saturation.\n\nThe 542's \"True Tape\" emulation circuit provides the nostalgic rounding and compression usually only achieved by the use of tape, and can offset the harshness often found in digital recordings. Unlike digital emulations, the \"True Tape\" drive circuit works by feeding a tiny magnetic \"record head\", whichin turn is coupled to a correctly equalized, replay amplifier. As the voltage rises on the \"record head\", saturation increases, and a soft clip circuit engages at higher levels to round off peak transients. The sound of the tape circuit can be further modified with selectable 15 \/ 30 IPS modes and a pre\/post-tape blend control. In addition to the tape circuit, the 542 also has the variable Silk \u0026amp; Texture circuitry found in the Portico II series of modules, which allows the engineer to fine-tune the harmonic ratio and tonality on the output transformer.\n\nGetting the most out of the 542\n\nWhile in the olden days, tape's non-linearity was generally looked upon as more of a curse than a “feature”, the advent of digital systems that operate in a completely linear fashion has made many appreciate the quirks of non-linear audio processing. Unlike linear designs, non-linear devices require the user to actively experiment with gain staging to find the \"sweet spot\" of the circuit. Although this requires a small amount of effort on part of the engineer, if used properly, the effect can add a dynamic aspect to performances that can enhance the impact of a song.\n\nThe non-linearity in the 542's \"True Tape\" circuitry and Saturation control necessitate taking note of both drive and input levels. How levels are staged into the 542's tape circuit can significantly impact tone, depending on the position of the saturation control and the drive level on the tape circuit. As saturation is increased, low frequency compensation is decreased, and at a drive level of 5 the soft clipper enters the circuit. Finding the best balance point between low frequency response, total harmonic distortion, and desired soft clipping require playing with a combination of the saturation, trim and blend controls, and may also include using dynamics processing and proper gain staging before the 542.\n\nAs a rough guide, we recommend starting with an input signal from around 2-10dBu and applying saturation, 15 \/ 30 IPS, Silk, and blend to taste. However, it always behooves the engineer to experiment with the balance between the pre-tape signal level and the level of the saturation control to find the best results for each source.\n\nTo get a better idea of what is happening at different saturation and \"Tape Head\" levels, look through the frequency response and THD by frequency response graphs in the Technical Specifications section at the end of the manual.\n\nAlso, like a real tape machine, the flux loops in the \"True Tape\" circuitry can pick up signals from strong nearby magnetic fields (The most likely sources are nearby power supplies, power amplifiers and computer monitors). Although we have shielded both the unit as a whole and the tape circuit to minimize stray inductance, if you have issues with hum when engaging the tape circuit, try moving the 542 to other spots away from magnetic field radiators until the hum subsides.\n\nAdding Texture\n\nBoth Silk modes are modified and fine tuned by the \"Texture\" control. By manipulating the Texture control, the amount of Silk can be changed from essentially absent, to roughly four times the amount of coloration found in Silk from the original Portico Series. With Silk \/ Texture engaged, the distortion characteristic and harmonic content of the unit are very reminiscent of many of Rupert’s vintage class-A designs. These controls add another realm of tonal control to the 542, and should be explored creatively in conjunction with the \"True Tape\" for best effect.\n\nDesigned for 500 Series by Mr. Rupert Neve\n\nRupert Neve: “While creating functional 500-series modules is relatively simple, designing those modules to equal their non-500 series counterparts with the current, voltage and space restraints is quite challenging. In creating our own 500 Series Modules, we experimented with a number of different transformer and circuit designs to achieve the same presence and sweetness found in the Portico Series of modules. The result of these efforts is that outside of the slightly lowered headroom, our 500 series modules are nearly indistinguishable from standard Portico Series modules, and are perfectly suited for studios of the highest-caliber.\"\n\nThe 542 consists of a line driving amplifier having transformer balanced inputs and outputs. The sonic quality of these amplifiers is such that by providing galvanic isolation, simple single-sided circuit topology and freedom from grounding problems, they are capable of enhancing the sonic quality of many signal sources, especially those of digital origin. The sonic \"signature\" is one of extreme purity and the image is consistent with that of Rupert Neve's original designs of 35-40 years ago.","brand":"Rupert Neve Designs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57959720747391,"sku":"9823","price":1488.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/9823-1.jpg?v=1783943301"},{"product_id":"looptrotter-sat-500","title":"Looptrotter SAT 500","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Looptrotter SAT 500 is a saturation module for 500 Series format designed to be very friendly to the ear and extremely musical, akin to old valve consoles and tape recorders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Looptrotter SAT 500 features some unique options to further tailor the sound such as a Lo Safe switch which prevents the lowest frequencies form distorting by engaging a unique pre-emphasis and de-emphasis circuit. This is complemented by a new Hi Smooth function which boosts the high frequencies before the saturation stage and smoothes and compresses the signal in a pleasing manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Drive button lets you dial in the desired amount of distortion. Dry and Wet controls are also included to blend the original unprocessed signal with the overdriven tone. The level of saturation is indicated by two LEDs with the first one indicates 4% THD and a red one indicated by 8% THD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLooptrotter SAT 500 Main Features:\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Looptrotter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57959751352703,"sku":"8991","price":449.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/8991-1.jpg?v=1783943220"},{"product_id":"rupert-neve-designs-542-pair-and-sx-pro-powergrid-duo","title":"Rupert Neve Designs 542 (Pair) \u0026 SX Pro PowerGrid Duo","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe SX Pro PowerGrid Duo features a sleek, flush-mount design with recessed slots for two 500 Series modules, delivering a clean and professional look. It offers both XLR and TRS input and output options, and houses an ultra-high quality internal power supply with a standard IEC connector for reliable operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for dual-mono setups, the PowerGrid Duo also includes a stereo link switch—perfect for pairing compatible modules like compressors for true stereo processing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SX Pro","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57959957594495,"sku":"52518","price":1599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/52518-1.jpg?v=1783942989"},{"product_id":"anamod-xf-tube","title":"AnaMod XF Tube","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe AnaMod XF Tube is a 500 Series analogue processor that models the behaviour of transformer and valve stages without digital conversion or actual valves. Selectable transformer materials, valve modes and circuit topologies make it a flexible way to add harmonic density, soft saturation and low-frequency weight during tracking or mixing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is intended for adding analogue density, harmonic structure and level-dependent colour without relying on a tape machine or valve signal chain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AnaMod","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57960037679487,"sku":"49914","price":1799.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/49914-1.jpg?v=1783941997"},{"product_id":"elysia-karacter-qube","title":"Elysia Karacter Qube","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe karacter 500 is a box full of vibrant colours. It covers a complete spectrum including mastering-grade saturation, tube-inspired distortion and glorious destruction. Gone are the days when only racks full of outboard gear could achieve these elusive and highly desirable styles of tonal coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis all-in-one solution offers two separate channels which can be set up for dual mono, linked stereo or linked and unlinked M\/S operation. Integrated mix stages for parallel signal processing and the unique Colour Control add to its remarkable flexibility. The entire unit is designed with discrete class-A topology, so even the most lo-fi sounds will benefit from the karacter's high-end touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnhance your tracks or decimate everything – It's a matter of karacter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elysia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57960047116671,"sku":"48565","price":775.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/48565-1.jpg?v=1783941676"},{"product_id":"elysia-karacter-500","title":"Elysia Karacter 500","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe karacter 500 is a box full of vibrant colors. It covers a complete spectrum including mastering-grade saturation, tube-inspired distortion and glorious destruction. Gone are the days when only racks full of outboard gear could achieve these elusive and highly desirable styles of tonal coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis all-in-one solution offers two separate channels which can be set up for dual mono, linked stereo or linked and unlinked M\/S operation. Integrated mix stages for parallel signal processing and the unique Color Control add to its remarkable flexibility. The entire unit is designed with discrete class-A topology, so even the most lo-fi sounds will benefit from the karacter's high-end touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnhance your tracks or decimate everything – It's a matter of karacter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elysia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57960075657599,"sku":"4641","price":659.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/4641-1.jpg?v=1783941501"},{"product_id":"rupert-neve-designs-542","title":"Rupert Neve Designs 542","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate colour box\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a 500-series follow-up to the Portico 5042, the 542 delivers the same thick, musical simulation of tape while drastically enhancing creative control via a number of new features. In addition to the the “true tape” circuitry – great for bringing out 3rd-order harmonics – the 542 incorporates a soft-clip circuit that tames the harshest sources and enhances 2nd-order harmonics, a variable and versatile Silk\/Texture circuit for three transformer tones in one, and a wet\/dry control to blend in the perfect amount of saturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 542's \"True Tape\" emulation circuit provides the nostalgic rounding and compression usually only achieved by the use of tape, and can offset the harshness often found in digital recordings. Unlike digital emulations, the \"True Tape\" drive circuit works by feeding a tiny magnetic \"record head\", whichin turn is coupled to a correctly equalized, replay amplifier. As the voltage rises on the \"record head\", saturation increases, and a soft clip circuit engages at higher levels to round off peak transients. The sound of the tape circuit can be further modified with selectable 15 \/ 30 IPS modes and a pre\/post-tape blend control. In addition to the tape circuit, the 542 also has the variable Silk \u0026amp; Texture circuitry found in the Portico II series of modules, which allows the engineer to fine-tune the harmonic ratio and tonality on the output transformer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGetting the most out of the 542\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile in the olden days, tape's non-linearity was generally looked upon as more of a curse than a “feature”, the advent of digital systems that operate in a completely linear fashion has made many appreciate the quirks of non-linear audio processing. Unlike linear designs, non-linear devices require the user to actively experiment with gain staging to find the \"sweet spot\" of the circuit. Although this requires a small amount of effort on part of the engineer, if used properly, the effect can add a dynamic aspect to performances that can enhance the impact of a song.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe non-linearity in the 542's \"True Tape\" circuitry and Saturation control necessitate taking note of both drive and input levels. How levels are staged into the 542's tape circuit can significantly impact tone, depending on the position of the saturation control and the drive level on the tape circuit. As saturation is increased, low frequency compensation is decreased, and at a drive level of 5 the soft clipper enters the circuit. Finding the best balance point between low frequency response, total harmonic distortion, and desired soft clipping require playing with a combination of the saturation, trim and blend controls, and may also include using dynamics processing and proper gain staging before the 542.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a rough guide, we recommend starting with an input signal from around 2-10dBu and applying saturation, 15 \/ 30 IPS, Silk, and blend to taste. However, it always behooves the engineer to experiment with the balance between the pre-tape signal level and the level of the saturation control to find the best results for each source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo get a better idea of what is happening at different saturation and \"Tape Head\" levels, look through the frequency response and THD by frequency response graphs in the Technical Specifications section at the end of the manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, like a real tape machine, the flux loops in the \"True Tape\" circuitry can pick up signals from strong nearby magnetic fields (The most likely sources are nearby power supplies, power amplifiers and computer monitors). Although we have shielded both the unit as a whole and the tape circuit to minimize stray inductance, if you have issues with hum when engaging the tape circuit, try moving the 542 to other spots away from magnetic field radiators until the hum subsides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdding Texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Silk modes are modified and fine tuned by the \"Texture\" control. By manipulating the Texture control, the amount of Silk can be changed from essentially absent, to roughly four times the amount of coloration found in Silk from the original Portico Series. With Silk \/ Texture engaged, the distortion characteristic and harmonic content of the unit are very reminiscent of many of Rupert’s vintage class-A designs. These controls add another realm of tonal control to the 542, and should be explored creatively in conjunction with the \"True Tape\" for best effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for 500 Series by Mr. Rupert Neve\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRupert Neve: “While creating functional 500-series modules is relatively simple, designing those modules to equal their non-500 series counterparts with the current, voltage and space restraints is quite challenging. In creating our own 500 Series Modules, we experimented with a number of different transformer and circuit designs to achieve the same presence and sweetness found in the Portico Series of modules. The result of these efforts is that outside of the slightly lowered headroom, our 500 series modules are nearly indistinguishable from standard Portico Series modules, and are perfectly suited for studios of the highest-caliber.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 542 consists of a line driving amplifier having transformer balanced inputs and outputs. The sonic quality of these amplifiers is such that by providing galvanic isolation, simple single-sided circuit topology and freedom from grounding problems, they are capable of enhancing the sonic quality of many signal sources, especially those of digital origin. The sonic \"signature\" is one of extreme purity and the image is consistent with that of Rupert Neve's original designs of 35-40 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rupert Neve Designs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57960095285631,"sku":"1782","price":744.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1008\/1216\/1407\/files\/1782-1.jpg?v=1783940659"}],"url":"https:\/\/sxpro.co.uk\/collections\/500-series-saturation.oembed","provider":"SX Pro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}