FMR Audio RNLA500 Levelling Amp - 500 Series

FMR Audio RNLA500 Levelling Amp - 500 Series

The RNLA500's lineage is visible and audible, RED knobs, albeit slightly more refined, provide a visual clue as to its origins while its THICK & GOOEY sound tell you the RNLA's algorithm is still beating in its silicon heart. However, it's still an RNLA that you can use to add some compression-induced character (and control) to your vocal, bass, drum, mix, guitar, piano, orchestral, and banjo tracks. It's also comfortably responsive to its controls, just like FMR Audio's 1/3 rack version.

Main Features

The 500-series are small, rugged, and convenient analogue audio processing modules that fit into just about any recording situation, from pro studios to bedroom venues. Having what you need, when and where you need it is half the battle. The 500-series format is everywhere. Secondly, although convenience and size are important if it doesn't deliver the sonic results, what's the point?

THICK & GOOEY, meet CREAMY & SMOOTH! From fully, electronically balanced I/O to higher-resolution arithmetic, the net result is a professional audio compressor that's both responsive, small, rugged and has tone for days.

The RNLA500 is much 'gentler' and not as apt to grab'n'run with the signal as other, more ‘modern-sounding’ compressors. Like an old-timey photocell, the RNLA500 is a little resistant to responding right away but requires the signal to be there for a while to get the photocell to act. That slight hesitancy to respond is one of the key performance parameters that causes opto (and opto-like) compressors to be so coveted. Although the RNLA500 is a VCA-based compressor, FMR Audio’s algorithm controls it in a manner that puts the essence of opto-compressors in a more modern and controllable compressor.

Like all FMR Audio’s dynamic audio processing products, they've replaced sidechain electronics with chunks of software to accomplish both a bill-of-materials cost reduction while simultaneously improving dynamic performance accuracy and consistency. The beauty of this approach is that the main signal path (all dynamic audio processors have two paths: a sidechain/control path and the main audio path) remains firmly in the analogue domain, thereby avoiding latency and digital conversion artefacts that are sometimes unwanted. Coupled with a faster (40x) processor and higher-resolution VCA control, sealed switches & relays, and a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), the RNLA500 will deliver smooth and controllable compression for years to come.

Key Features:

• Single-channel, 500-series version of the RNLA.
• Balanced input & output.
• Linkable for stereo operation.
• Maximum input/output levels of +28dBu.
• Overcurrent protection circuits safeguard 500-series rack operation in case of power supply faults.
• Linear & Logarithmic Release modes.
• Accurate signal level metering via power-saving 'dot' gain-reduction display.
• Sealed, C&K subminiature toggle switches.
• Red-anodized machined aluminium knobs.
• Controls calibrated in the coveted
• Tufnel scale for maximum something.