Really Nice Compressor
QuickStart Guide
V0.60
FMR Audio
(512)352-3290
www.fmraudio.com
I
NTRODUCTION
The Really Nice Compressor (RNC) is a small and inexpensive stereo compressor with both a high-fidelity
audio path and compression scheme. The RNC was designed to give the user two different compression
“recipes” in one box:
•
WYSIWYG Operation —
of high-quality (and sometimes, high-dollar ) dynamic processors. This is one of the
unheralded aspects of vintage equipment that gives the older equipment such a
positive feel. So too with the RNC—there are no surprises in this mode—dial up a
specific parameter to a specific setting and that’s what you get. It’s predictable
and repeatable. This mode was intended to be used for signal control (taming
really dynamic signals) as well as
What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get operation is a hallmark
special effects .
Super-Nice Operation —
•
together to minimize compression artifacts while still providing control over the
signal. This is not an “auto” mode ...all parameter knobs still work to give YOU con-
trol over the signal. The intended purpose of this mode is gentle compression of
an entire mix (i.e., program compression) and compression of sound sources that
must be very gently compressed, yet controlled.
H
OOK
The RNC is designed to interface with unbalanced audio gear (nominal operating level = 0dBu) two dis-
tinct ways:
-U
P
1)
TRS Inserts —
found on many consoles where: TIP = Console insert out, RING = Console insert
in, SLEEVE = Ground reference. This means that each channel of the RNC can be
hooked to a each channel of a TRS console insert with a single TRS cable. For
example, on my Mackie 1604VLZ, the main out has left and right insert points so
that my RNC can be put in the main out insert (Left and right) with only two TRS
cables!
The RNC can be hooked into Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) insert points
This proprietary mode layers three compressors
2)
All Other Equipment —
be done with a pair of TS (Tip-Sleeve) jacks for each RNC channel . Thus, the full ste-
reo hook-up of an RNC must be done with four TS 1/4'' cables.
NOTE —
the equipment you are connecting the RNC to is balanced, you must first unbalance it and
only connect into the RNC with TS 1/4'' plugs.
RNC QuickStart V0.50 Page 1 of 3
Hooking up the RNC to balanced lines with TRS 1/4'' plugs will not work! If
Hooking up the RNC to gear other than TRS inserts must
N
ORMAL
Mode Selection
This mode is selected upon power up of the RNC. If the
NORMAL MODE is selected.
Initial Settings
We recommend that you start using the NORMAL mode by:
M
ODE
SUPER NICE
• Setting all knobs in the 12 o’clock position (i.e., all knob pointers strait up).
indicator lamp is extinguished, then
• Making sure that the
• Ensuring that the
signal path).
Adjustments
NORMAL
depending upon your desires and the settings. Here are some general guidelines to help to achieve your
desired compression effects:
mode is the most flexible of the two RNC modes.
•
Subtle Compression —
ATTACK
1.0 sec. Adjust the
dB.
•
Pumpin’ and Breathin’ —
should be set between 0.3 sec and 1.0 sec (adjust to taste). Set the
give you 8 to 12 dB of
•
Maximum Control —
RELEASE
slower signals, increase the
lower than you would for either of the other two effects, so that the compressor
starts at a lower level on the signal to maximize your control over it.
time is best set for 2.0 msec and higher.
time to taste (for fast transients, like snare drums, use a fast release; for
NORMAL
BYPASS
THRESHOLD
GAIN REDUCTION
Set the
mode is engaged (SUPER NICE mode off).
mode disabled (i.e.,
Keep the
for maximum
Set the
RATIO
RELEASE
BYPASS
RATIO
control between 1:1 and 6:1. The
GAIN REDUCTION
RATIO
to between 6:1 and 10:1.
.
to 25:1.
time accordingly). Adjust the
ATTACK
LED off—RNC is in the
NORMAL
RELEASE
mode can be subtle or bombastic
time should be above
time to its fastest, 0.2 msec.
levels of 6 to 8
RELEASE
THRESHOLD
THRESHOLD
time
to
S
UPER
Mode Selection
This mode must be manually selected by depressing the
tor lamp is on.
Initial Settings
We recommend that you start using the
RNC QuickStart V0.50 Page 2 of 3
N
ICE
M
ODE
SUPER NICE
SUPER NICE
mode by:
switch until the
SUPER NICE
indica-
• Setting all knobs in the 12 o’clock position (i.e., all knob pointers strait up).
• Making sure that the
• Ensuring that the
nal path).
Adjustments
Once you’ve dialed all controls to the 12 o’clock position, use the following steps to get the most of
NICE
mode:
1)
Set Threshold for Desired Gain Reduction Amount —
reduction during the loudest passages in the song. In general, you shouldn’t be
gain reducing more than 8dB (although it’s possible and your music will still actu-
ally sound pretty good...).
2)
Use ATTACK Knob for More Control —
required, decrease (turn anti-clockwise) the
pressors to more aggressively grab onto the transients.
3)
Use RATIO Knob for (Still) More Control —
increase (turn clockwise) the
isfaction.
SUPER NICE
BYPASS
mode is engaged (of course!).
mode disabled (i.e.,
RATIO
until you’re controlling the signal to your sat-
BYPASS
If more control over the signal is
ATTACK
LED off, RNC is in the sig-
Dial the amount of gain
time. This causes the com-
If more control is still needed,
SUPER
4)
Adjust RELEASE Time —
music punch . The shorter (turn anti-clockwise) the
the sound. The most natural sound is achieved at settings greater than 0.5 seconds
RELEASE
5)
Adjust GAIN Control —
average gain reduction amount. So, if you’re gain reducing 6-8 dB, then your
GAIN setting should be set for +6-8 dB.
time (i.e., 12 o’clock to 5 o’clock).
In general, the
The
GAIN
control should be adjusted to make up for the
RELEASE
knob is adjusted to give the
RELEASE
time, the “punchier”
RNC QuickStart V0.50 Page 3 of 3
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