It's tempting, if not a little lazy, to view the new 500-series offerings as mere repackages of FMR Audio's tried-and-true products like the RNLA. There is really nothing mere about them. It's not that there aren't obvious connections...the RNLA500's lineage is definitely visible and audible: RED knobsalbeit slightly more (ahem!) refinedprovide a visual clue as to its origins while it's THICK & GOOEY sound tell you the RNLA's algorithm is still beating in its silicon heart (brain?)! Okay, it's still an RNLA that you can use to add some compression-induced character (and control) to your vocal/bass/drum/mix/guitar/piano/orchestral/banjo tracks. It's also comfortably responsive to its controls, just like our 1/3 rack version. So what about this isn't merely a repackaging?
First, there's the 500-series thing: small, rugged and convenient analog audio processing modules that fit into just about any recording situationfrom pro studios to bedroom venues. Having what you need, when and where you need it is, as "they" say, half the battle. The 500-series format is, well, everywhere. Secondly, although convenience and size are important (this is audio after all), if it doesn't deliver the sonic results, what's the point? Even our dyed-in-the-wool RNLA users notice that there's something more here: THICK & GOOEY, meet CREAMY & SMOOTH! From fully, electronically balanced I/O to higher-resolution arithmetic, the net result is a professional audio compressor that's both responsive, small, rugged and has tone for days! RNLA progeny? Yes. But not merely...
How It Sounds
Okay, THICK, GOOEY,
CREAMY & SMOOTH. Got it. For most of us, this means that it sounds
good, but what does that mean? The RNLA500 is, admittedly, much
"gentler" and not as apt to grab'n'run with the signal as other, more
"modern-sounding" compressors. Like an old-timey photocell, the RNLA500
is a little resistant to responding right away, but requires the signal
to be there for a while to get the photocell to act. That slight
hesitancy to respond is one of the key performance parameters that
causes opto (and opto-like) compressors to be so coveted. Althought the
RNLA500 is a VCA-based compressor, our algorithm controls it in a manner
that puts the essence of opto-compressors in a more modern and
controllable compressor.
How It's Done
Like
all of our dynamic audio processing products, we've replaced sidechain
electronics with chunks of software to accomplish both a
bill-of-materials cost reduction while simultaneously improving dynamic
performance accuracy and consistency. The beauty of this approach is
that the main signal path (all dynamic audio processors have two paths: a
sidechain/control path and the main audio path) remains firmly in the
analog domain thereby avoiding latency and digital conversion artifacts
that are sometimes unwanted. Coupled with a faster (40x) processor and
higher-resolution VCA control, sealed switches & relays, multi-layer
printed circuit board (PCB) the RNLA500 will deliver smooth and
controllable compression for years to come.
- Single-channel, 500-series version of the RNLA.
- Balanced input & output.
- Linkable for stereo operation.
- Maximum input/output levels of +28dBu.
- Overcurrent protection circuits safeguard 500-series rack operation in case of power supply faults.
- Linear & Logarithmic Release modes.
- Accurate signal level metering via power-saving "dot" gain-reduction display.
- Sealed, C&K subminiature toggle switches.
- Red-anodized, machined aluminum knobs.
- Controls calibrated in the coveted Tufnel scale for maximum something.
Condition | Brand New (New) Brand New items are sold by an authorized dealer or original builder and include all original packaging.Learn more |
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