Really Nice Compressor (RNC1773)

RNC1773 — Really Nice Compressor

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.

— 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.