RNC1773 — Really Nice Compressor

— Main Features —

Stereo compressor in 1/3 rack size.

 

Accurate & repeatable 5-parameter

  controls.

 

"Normal" mode for serious signal

  squashing. Very fast attack times

  allow positive control of percussive

  sources.

 

"Super Nice" mode for near invisible

   compression. This mode cascades

   three stereo compressors in series

   to reduce compression artifacts.

 

Single TRS-cable attachement to

  many "insert" jacks.

 

1/4" TRS sidechain insert for special

   effects.

 

 

No audio flows through front-panel

  controls, permitting short audio

  runs to avoid hum/noise pickup.

 

Rack-mountable.

 

Rugged extruded aluminum and

  electro-galvanized steel enclosure.

 

What It Is

FMR Audio's first product, introduced over 18 years ago, the Really Nice Compressor (RNC) is a compact and cost-effective stereo compressor with a high-fidelity audio path and compression scheme. The RNC provides quality compression at a budget price.

 

How It Sounds

The RNC provides two modes of operation. One allows the RNC to be used for special effects, like snappy snares or popping basses. The other provides near-invisible signal compression for sensitive material where compression artifacts are less desirable (like natural vocals, acoustic guitar or the program bus). The RNC yields clean, airy compression with few artifacts and little high-end loss, even at massive gain reduction! The amazing performance is why—even after almost 20 years—many professionals are calling the RNC one of the best sounding compressors for under $2000.

 

How It's Done

The RNC achieves such high performance at a low cost by using using a microprocessor to replace discrete sidechain components (resistors, diodes, capacitors, opamps, transistors, etc) with chunks of software, thereby reducing the component cost. This approach, however, still processes the main audio in the analog domain, avoiding the problems associated with digital audio conversion (e.g., latency, digital artifacts). Even the problem of "scratchy" pots and switches are avoided:  no audio flows through the front-panel controls. The front-panel pots and swtiches merely feed DC voltages to the microprocessor and it takes care of adjusting parameters and signal path with components—like sealed-relays and VCAs—located close to the input/output jacks avoiding noise pickup and audio quality reduction due to aging controls! With this blend of technology, the RNC offers the accuracy and precision of digital control with the clean tonal character of an all-analog signal path. The RNC's digital control permits accurate repeatability of your favorite settings.

 

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