Compressors Limiters & Gates

Notes: What It Is

Years ago, many RNC users pined for less invisible compression and requested that FMR Audio offer a more "colourful" compressor, suitable for bass guitar, drums and other sources in need of added sonic texture. In response, the FMR designer went to the RNC archives and resurrected a version of RNC software that had been rejected for release because it wasn't invisible enough! The result: a compressor reminiscent of some classic opto compressors used to just "level" the signal rather than tame every transient. To celebrate the RNLA's sonic "colour", a bright red knob* was chosen as a visual metaphor. Although the most recent version ships with a less ostentatious red-striped knob (not shown), the RNLA's sonic colour remains bolder than ever...

How It Sounds

"Thick" and "gooey" is how some customers have described the RNLA's sound. The RNLA is, admittedly, much "gentler" and not as apt to grab'n'run with the signal. Like an old-timey photocell, the RNLA is a little resistant to responding right away, but requires the signal to be there for a while to get the photocell to act. This action yields a soft musicality to the compressor's action that adds a desirable characteristic to the source signal.

How It's Done

The RNLA and the RNC share much of the same hardware, but run different algorithms to achieve the desired effect. The RNLA exercises the well-known dictum (among dynamic processor designers) that, after the static characteristics of the signal path, the main contributors to a processor's sound are the shapes of the attack & release envelopes. The RNLA's software then transforms the sidechain signal into a drive signal for the VCA that both slows things down a bit and totally reshapes the crisp and quick action of the RNC's "normal" mode. This reshaping (and slow down) are the primary sonic drivers behind the RNLA's "thick and gooey" sound!

Notes: The S-Com 4 is a compact and versatile single-rack space device that provides four channels of high-quality dynamic processing with an Expander/Gate and Compressor/Limiter on each channel.

The four channels operate independently or in stereo pairs. Its multi-segment LED metering displays input/output level as well as gain reduction. The Expander/Gate section features a continuously variable Threshold control, as well as a switch for fast or slow release times. The Compressor/Limiter section includes variable Threshold, Ratio and Output levels. S-Com 4's Enhancer switch restores high frequencies that are sometimes diminished by heavy compression.

This wide-ranging combination of features makes the S-Com 4 an efficient and versatile audio tool for a wide variety of applications. Its clean and quiet audio characteristics make it ideal where high sonic integrity is imperative.