The FMR Audio RNLA "Really Nice" Levelling Amplifier is a compressor with a thick and gooey character that works well with vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitars and two-mix sources! You have to have at least one in your studio!
Years ago, many RNC users pined for less invisible compression and requested that FMR Audio offer a more "colorful" compressor, suitable for bass guitar, drums and other sources in need of added sonic texture. In response, our 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 "color", 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 color remains bolder than ever...
How It Sounds
"Thick" and "gooey" is how some of our customer's 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!
FMR Audio RNLA "Really Nice" Levelling Amplifier Features
- Stereo compressor in 1/3 rack size.
- Accurate & repeatable 5-parameter controls.
- Imparts an obvious, euphonic "thickness" to the source.
- "Log Release" mode to restore transients lost on some percussive sources.
- Attack & Release controls are calibrated in the famous and coveted Tufnel scale.
- Single TRS-cable attachment to many "insert" jacks.
- 1/4" TRS sidechain insert for special effects.
- Rack-mountable.
- Rugged extruded aluminum and electro-galvanized steel enclosure.
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RNLA
Sep 13th 2020If you know what this is you probably already know how well it works, especially for the price. If you dont know, there are many videos out there, check some out and learn something new. These sound great!
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sounds great, but..
Sep 9th 2020I love this piece. It sounds great, definitely colors the sound in a flattering way. It's not for everything but I like it for what I use it for (stereo drum room mics). The only thing is that I wish the Log Release would stay on after you power it off and then back on again. I keep all my mics up and my gear patched in. Sometimes I'll do something quickly and forget to make sure the Log Release is on (it won't be if I don't check) and my room mics don't sound quite the way I want them to. It can be a bummer.
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Thank You
Feb 27th 2016Recently purchased something online and the experience has been most favorable. Ryan has been very helpful with addressing any concerns and has followed up on shipping prior to our direct communications. Looking forward to shopping with Frontendaudio in the future. All the best Andre
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Fantastic leveling amp for the price!
Nov 19th 2014This is my second FMR purchase & got to say these guys make a great product for the money! The RNLA has nice warmth + great headroom for various applications.
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Great Service Great Product
Jul 2nd 2013My go to bass compression.
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good cheap compressor
May 25th 2012This compressor unlike the RNC has some color to it. I like it for smoothing out bright sources like acoustic guitar and drum overheads (cymbals) two tasks that I think it really excells at. I was not too impressed with it on vocals or bass.
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Predictable Perfection
May 16th 2012i have 3 of FMR's products. i use the Leveller, Preamp and the Compressor for my podcast. the sound of the microphone going into the mixing board is present, pure and powerful. those who listen to my podcast always tell me how better i sound than anyone else. i use either a Shure Sm7b or a Lawson FET and besides the podcast, i am also recording simultaneously and so with the 3 FMR units in the chain i get perfect recordings going into my Zoom H4n. i have had a year of hassle-free podcasting and recording thanx to FMR
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Great compressor for the price, creamy!
Dec 9th 2011This has a very nice character to add to lots of sources. It can clean up, although it wont be as clean as some others, but it really is better when pushing a little to get some character. Its great is you combine it with another rnla or rnc in the rackmount! For the money, everyone should have one of these!
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it´s Really Nice! haha
Nov 30th 2010I've been using this compressor, and all i can say is that it really is "thick and goey", i don't have many outboard compressors, but i've used presonus, alesis, dbx, and this one it´s by far the best i´ve used.
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