The WesAudio RHEA 500-Series Compressor is a fully analog, stereo vari-mu tube compressor with digital recall.
Since digital footprint became part of the modern age, analog flavor was demanded more than ever. It is hard to imagine more musical and rich sounding compression than vari-mu desgin. This time ng500 line presents RHEA – most noble of all, where modern age meets vintage, literally.
TRUE TUBE COMPRESSION
RHEA is true tube compressor, where gain reduction is literally implemented via tube circuit. As vari-mu design is feed backward compression, its behavior is known for amazing musical results!
INTERSTAGE TRANSFORMERS
To properly integrate tubes into modern audio levels, just before signal is passed to the tubes, transformers are doing its magic! And that strongly emphasize the low end!
MIX KNOB FOR PARALLEL COMPRESSION
With MIX knob at your disposal, parallel compression has never been simpler to achieve! With RHEA your MIX setting can be automated in your DAW. Did You ever wanted to push your compressor harder in chorus? Nothing simpler! Just record automation using touch sensitive encoder, or draw your automation lines in DAW!
THD – ADD COLOR TO YOUR MIXES
THD stands for “Total harmonic distortion” and it allows to saturate your signal with beautiful analog color.
HARDWARE A/B
Even using RHEA as pure analog signal processor you can easily switch between two parallel settings with a magic of a simple buttons.
WesAudio RHEA 500-Series Compressor Features
- 100% analog device with +24dBu of headroom
- True stereo tube “vari-mu” style compressor
- High voltage tube operation
- Interstage CARNHILL transformers
- Input and output level control for maximum flexibility
- Mix knob for parallel compression
- THD – harmonic distortion with two modes (Medium & High)
- SIDE CHAIN FILTERS – 3 high pass filters at 60,90 and 150 Hz
- 500 series and ng500 (e.g. _TITAN) series compatible
- Total Recall and plugin control compatible with most DAWs.
- Analog automation in DAW
WesAudio RHEA 500-Series Compressor Specifications
- Frequency response: 10Hz-150kHz (-3dB)
- THD+N < 0.03% (1kHz,0dBu) – no compression
- THD+N >= 1% – at maximum compression level
- Input impedance: 20kohm
- Output impedance: < 100ohm
- Max signal level: +24dBu
- Crosstalk:< -80dB
- THD (MID switch): 1%
- THD (HIGH switch): 3%
- Attack: 0.5,1,3,10,30,50 (ms)
- Release: 0.1,0.3,0.6,0.9,1.8,3.6 (s)
- SC Filter: 60,90,150 Hz
- Power consumption: 190mA per rail
- Dimensions : 76x133x158mm
WesAudio RHEA 500-Series Compressor Includes
- WesAudio RHEA 500-Series Compressor
- USB Cable
- Manufacturer's warranty
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Analog Warmth Meets Digital Recall Magic
Nov 18th 2025I primarily use the WesAudio RHEA compressor on my stereo mix bus to add subtle tube coloration and saturation without heavy compression. It delivers a warm, musical character that enhances the overall mix tone beautifully. One of the standout features is the digital recall capability, which lets me save and instantly reload settings—a huge time-saver in complex sessions. Additionally, the ability to automate the compressor's parameters takes it to another level, allowing for highly dynamic and precise mix adjustments. Most of the time, I’m very happy with how the mix sounds after passing through the RHEA, though it’s important to be careful not to overdo the saturation. Using your ears to apply just the right amount of color and compression based on the music style is key.
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So sweet!
Dec 3rd 2022Brings that tube brilliance that we all want. Love this thing!
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Rhea Compressor
Oct 14th 2022This Wes Audio Comp is AMAZING!! This is my first tube compressor so it took alil bit of a learning curve but it has TONS of vibe and body!!!
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Rhea Compressor
Oct 14th 2022This Wes Audio Comp is AMAZING!! This is my first tube compressor so it took alil bit of a learning curve but it has TONS of vibe and body!!!
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