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Description
In addition to the 100% analog tape emulation 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, variable Silk Red & Blue for an infinite variety of transformer tones, and a blend control to dial in in the perfect amount of saturation.

Transformers Imitating Tape
Unlike digital emulations, the “True Tape” drive circuit works by feeding a custom-designed interstage transformer acting as a “record head”, which in 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.

What is Silk?
In addition to the tape circuit, the continuously variable Texture control with Silk Red and Silk Blue modes provides a whole other level of control over the harmonic density and tonality of your tracks & mixes. The Silk Red mode accentuates transformer saturation in the high and high-mid frequencies to amplify the vibrant midrange harmonics associated with Rupert’s vintage equipment, while Silk Blue accentuates saturation of the lows and low-mids to add thickness and weight to any source – especially useful for “thin-sounding” tracks or mixes. Unlike EQ, these Silk & Texture controls saturate the output transformers, and add highly musical harmonics to the source material according to the amount of Texture applied.

Drive the 542 hard, choose your Silk flavor, and crank the Texture knob for a rich, saturated, vintage vibe – or disengage Silk entirely for a more purist, hi-fi tape effect. The choice is yours.

LINE AMP NOISE
  • Measurements with tape circuit disengaged. Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohm.
  • Unity Gain: Better than -100 dBV

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
  • Measured at +10 dBu, trim at unity.
  • Main Output: +/- 0.25 dB from 5 Hz to 60 kHz, -2 dB @ 120 kHz

MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
23.25 dBu

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE
  • @ 1 kHz, +20 dBu output level: Better than 0.002%
  • @ 20 Hz, +20 dBu output level: 0.07% Typical (2nd and 3rd harmonic)


TAPE FX SPECIFICATIONS

NOISE
  • Measured at Main Output, un-weighted, 20 Hz - 22 kHz, Input Terminated 40 Ohm.
  • Saturation @ minimum: Better than -100 dBu 
  • Saturation @ maximum: Better than -100 dBu

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

  • 15 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu: -3 dBu @ 28 kHz 
  • Saturation @ minimum: 0 dBu @ 10 Hz 
  • +5 dBu Peak @ 60 Hz Saturation @ maximum: -3 dBu @ 20 kHz 
  • -3 dBu @ 12.5 Hz 
  • +2.4 dBu Peak @ 60 Hz

  • 30 IPS, Input @ -0 dBu: -3 dBu @ 120 kHz 
  • Saturation @ minimum: -3 dBu @ 10 Hz, +3.15 dBu Peak @ 125 Hz 
  • Saturation @ maximum: -3 dBu @ 100 kHz 
  • -3 dBu @ 12.5 Hz 
  • +1.3 dBu Peak @ 110 Hz

TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION AND NOISE 

15 IPS
  • Input @ -0 dBu: 0.4% @ 3 kHz to 1% @ 175 Hz typical Saturation @ minimum: Greater than 1% below 175 Hz typical 
  • Saturation @ maximum: 1% at 6 kHz typical, 0.3% @ 1 kHz to 3% @ 50 Hz typical

30 IPS
  • Input @ -0 dBu: 1% at 1 kHz typical 
  • Saturation @ minimum: 0.6% @ 400 Hz to 5% @ 20 Hz typical 
  • Saturation @ maximum: 1.5% @ 20 kHz to 0.4% @ 1 kHz typical, 0.4% @ 1 kHz to 2% @ 50 Hz typical

POWER REQUIREMENTS
Supplied by 500 series rack with 110-125 mA @ +/- 16V DC
Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Call
Rupert Neve Designs
Brand New
18 Years
Chicago Music Exchange
Chicago Music Exchange
773-525-7773
Chicago, IL
4:42 PM
Monday-Saturday 11 A.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday 11 A.M to 5 P.M.

Payment Terms - Orders Internet orders may be paid for using the following methods: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. For phone or mail orders you may pay money orders and cashier's checks by mail. Just call us at 773-525-7773 to place your order. All non-credit-card orders are subject to a 10-business-day hold. We do not accept international credit card or PayPal payments from international accounts. For international security reasons, please call the store to arrange a Bank Wire: +01-773-525-7773.

Shipping Charges - Taxes and Title Separate charges for shipping and handling will be shown on your order form. As a security precaution, initial orders and orders shipping to alternate addresses may be held for extended verification. We reserve the right to make partial shipments, which will not relieve you of your obligation to pay for the remaining deliveries. All items purchased from Chicago Music Exchange are made pursuant to a shipment contract. This means that the risk of loss and title for such items passes to you upon our delivery to the carrier. The published rates are for US domestic shipping only. Contact us directly if you wish to place an international order. For more information on our shipping policies, including rates, delivery times, and delays, please visit our website at chicagomusicexchange or call us at: 773-525-7773. If applicable, a separate charge for taxes will be shown on the invoice. We are required to collect sales tax on all orders shipped to Illinois.

3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.