FMR Audio who has a reputation for making great sounding but reasonably priced gear has announced that they are releasing their RNC - Really Nice Compressor (now 18 years old) in a 500 series format. It retains the sound and features of the original but with some added touches. I remember the SuperNice Mode worked really well on background vocals.
From the website:
"As with the original RNC, the RNC500 can exhibit a sonic neutrality while giving the recordist a level-of-control difficult to obtain without adding unwanted artifacts. Unlike the original RNC, however, the RNC500 possesses a sonic "beefiness"—a growl, if you will—that adds a slight, but very compliant, bottom-end to the source material."
"...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 (24-bit) arithmetic, sealed switches & relays, multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) the RNLA500 will deliver smooth, controllable and reliable compression for years to come."
• Single-channel, 500-series version of the RNC.
• 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.
• 24-bit arithmetic for smoother compression.
• SuperNice & Normal modes.
• Accurate signal level metering via power-saving "dot" gain-reduction display.
• Sealed, C&K subminiature toggle switches.
• Blue-anodized, machined aluminum knobs.
RNC500's Introductory price $299
FMR is also offering their RNLA (Really Nice Leveling Amplifier) in a 500 series format. Like the RNC500 it's not just a duplication of the original but they have enhanced the RNLA to be as they put it even more "THICK, GOOEY, CREAMY & SMOOTH".
"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."
• 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.
• 24-bit arithmetic for smoother compression.
• 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.
RNLA's Introductory price $299
• 24-bit arithmetic for smoother compression.
• 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.
RNLA's Introductory price $299
Here are videos (by Front End Audio) of the original RNC and RNLA. I will post videos of the new units as soon as they're available:
