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.
FMR Audio RNLA "Really Nice" Levelling Amplifier Features
- FMR Audio RNLA "Really Nice" Levelling Amplifier
- Manufacturer Warranty
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great product/great company
Sep 23rd 2010This is my first compressor and it seems to be pretty good all around. It colors the sound a bit but I like that with the sterility that computer recording can create. Best of all, they are made in the USA by a company that cares!
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FMR Audio RNLA The secret tool
Jan 13th 2010The RNLA, besides looking really cool with it's red knobs, is one of my favourite tools in the studio. If the RNC us overall gentler and rather well behaved (although it can beat-squash-squeeze the c@#~p out of a sound too;), the RNLA is the rascal, the cheeky bugger! It is one of my secret tools (well not anymore now..) for drum buss compression adventures, synth basses, bass guitar, Rhodes. If you are ready to go the distance, this little box will deliver!!! When it's about this company, you BETTER believe the hype!!!! FMR rocks!!
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