The FMR Audio RNLA 500-Series "Really Nice"
Levelling Amplifier is based upon the successful RNLA, and not only fits
the increasingly popular 500-Series rack, but delivers an improved
thick and gooey character befitting the format!
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.
FMR Audio RNLA 500-Series "Really Nice" Levelling Amplifier Features
- 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.