8
of annoying feedback.
5045 FEATURES
THE LINE OUTPUTS
The main output signal comes from the output transformer secondary which is balanced and ground
free. A ground free connection guarantees freedom from hum and radio frequency interference when
connected to a balanced destination such as the input to a mixer. However, the transformer may be
used with one leg grounded without any change in performance. It is not necessary to “ground” one
leg at the Portico output. It would normally get a ground connection when fed to equipment that is not
balanced. Maximum output level is + 25 dBu, which provides a large margin over and above the likely
maximum requirement of any destination equipment to which the 5045 is connected.
DEPTH
Sets how much attenuation is applied after the signal falls below where the “THRESHOLD” is set. “0”
implies zero attenuation and the 5045 won’t effect the signal gain. -10 dB is moderate attenuation and
reasonably safe from accidentally chopping off a word or part of a word. -20 dB attenuates deeper, but
it can audibly cut off words with certain sources. In fact, setting up the 5045 so that it does not chop off
bits of quietly spoken words while fighting a difficult feedback problem can be a challenge sometimes,
especially with singers that sing quietly one moment and loudly the next while demanding loud
monitors.
THRESHOLD
Everything else being equal, typically louder voices (or hotter signal levels) will be associated with
higher “THRESHOLD” settings or more clockwise settings than quieter voices that may require
“THRESHOLD” relatively more anti-clockwise. In either case, the key thing to watch is the “PROCESS
ACTIVE” LED that should always be lit when the person is talking or singing and the LED should only
dim after they stop vocalizing. Adjust the “THRESHOLD” accordingly.
TIME CONSTANT
Sets how quickly the attenuation occurs in the quiet sections between words or sentences. “A” is the
fastest and “F” is the slowest. “A” will quickly soften the level which can be advantageous when the
singer is consistent and feedback howl is challenging. “F” is the safest in terms of slowly fading down,
but might be a bit slow fading up again, and might be a bit slow for controlling some pesky feedback
situations. “C” and “D” are moderate 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. But one
can choose whichever “TIME CONSTANT”, “A” through “E” that seems to best fit and not soften the
beginnings and endings of phrases, yet diminishes the tendency to feedback.
RMS/PEAK
The “RMS/PEAK” button allows some finessing of the timing of the 5045. With the “PEAK” button
pushed in the 5045 tends to return to normal level from attenuation faster. 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 wants to use the 5045 on musical instruments.
SPECIFICATIONS
Threshold:
Continuously variable from -20 to 10dBu.
