Tags: Compressors

Notes: A solid gold modern classic from FMR. The RNC must be one of the biggest studio bargains around. Proper analogue compression with digital control, offering pro sound at an affordable price.

Supplier's Notes:
What It Is

FMR Audio's first product, introduced over 18 years ago, the Really Nice Compressor (RNC) is a compact and cost-effective stereo compressor with a high-fidelity audio path and compression scheme. The RNC provides quality compression at a budget price.

How It Sounds

The RNC provides two modes of operation. One allows the RNC to be used for special effects, like snappy snares or popping basses. The other provides near-invisible signal compression for sensitive material where compression artifacts are less desirable (like natural vocals, acoustic guitar or the program bus). The RNC yields clean, airy compression with few artifacts and little high-end loss, even at massive gain reduction! The amazing performance is why- even after almost 20 years- many professionals are calling the RNC one of the best sounding compressors for under $2000.

How It's Done

The RNC achieves such high performance at a low cost by using using a microprocessor to replace discrete sidechain components (resistors, diodes, capacitors, opamps, transistors, etc) with chunks of software, thereby reducing the component cost. This approach, however, still processes the main audio in the analog domain, avoiding the problems associated with digital audio conversion (e.g., latency, digital artifacts). Even the problem of "scratchy" pots and switches are avoided: no audio flows through the front-panel controls. The front-panel pots and swtiches merely feed DC voltages to the microprocessor and it takes care of adjusting parameters and signal path with components - like sealed-relays and VCAs - located close to the input/output jacks avoiding noise pickup and audio quality reduction due to aging controls! With this blend of technology, the RNC offers the accuracy and precision of digital control with the clean tonal character of an all-analog signal path. The RNC's digital control permits accurate repeatability of your favorite settings.

Notes: The DOCtron IMC MK2, also known as Martin Stimming's Instant Mastering Chain, is a compact, fully analogue stereo processor designed for both live and studio sum signal processing. It combines a British-style 2-band shelving EQ, a VCA compressor with advanced controls, and a transformer-based saturation stage, all housed in a robust carbon chassis. The device is renowned for its transparent yet characterful signal path and is hand-crafted in Germany.

Tech specs

Fully analogue audio processor chain in a portable package
Low and high-shelf EQ with dedicated bypass
That (r) VCA bus compressor with FF/FB detector path
Lundahl (r) output transformer with drive and gain reduction knob
Headphone out with dedicated volume knob
Sidechain send / return via 6,3mm stereo jacks
6,3mm balanced jack connectors for in- and output
Weight: 990g
Dimensions: 56 x 146 x 142,5 mm
Roadproof carbon housing