Compressors Limiters & Gates

Notes: The SC2 is a highly sophisticated and flexible dynamics processor designed for easy operation and great tone. The unit can be adjusted to provide anything from smooth subtle compression to hard limiting. Noise reduction is provided by a fast solid gate or a subtle expander.

The Attack and Release functions allow the user to set the general operating range and then automatically adapt to the audio being processed. A full auto mode is also available. The ultra-precise LED meters while two LED meters clearly display the gain reduction for each channel.

Notes: What It Is

Based upon the successful Really Nice Compressor, this variation not only fits the increasingly popular API500 series rack, but delivers an improved dynamic fidelity befitting the format! This dynamic-range compressor provides positive signal control while leveraging its pedigree for simultaneously reducing collateral sonic damage. Additionally, some thoughtful features have been added that most folks won't overtly notice, but will be glad that they're there: overcurrent protection prevents a rare failure from bringing down your whole 500-series rack, an early-warning power supply detection that causes the RNC500 to enter bypass-irrespective of the front panel switch position-to avoid power-down "pops", a robust 18 guage electro-galvanized enclosure that keeps the delicate electronics safe from harm and helps protect against Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from affecting things inside or outside of the enclosure.

How It Sounds

As with the original RNC, the RNC500 can exhibit a sonic neutrality while giving the recordist a level-of-control difficult to obtain without adding unwanted artifacts. Unlike the original RNC, however, the RNC500 possesses a sonic "beefiness"-a growl, if you will-that adds a slight, but very compliant, bottom-end to the source material. Years ago, FMR Audio designed a multi-channel RNC for London's famed Air Studios. It was with that device that an RNC with extra "heft" was first encountered. It turns out that much of this "un-RNC like" growl is a result of the higher operating I/O levels like those present on the RNC500. It seems that the harder the RNC500 is hit, the heftier the sound. The RNC500 could be broadly characterised as "clean", but with a hint of attitude...that's under your control!

How It's Done

Like all FMR Audio dynamic audio processing products, sidechain electronics have been replaced 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 analog domain thereby avoiding latency and digital conversion artifacts that are sometimes unwanted. Coupled with a faster (40x) processor and higher-resolution (24-bit) arithmetic, sealed switches & relays, multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) the RNC500 will deliver smooth, controllable and reliable compression for years to come.

Notes: What It Is

Years ago, many RNC users pined for less invisible compression and requested that FMR Audio offer a more "colourful" compressor, suitable for bass guitar, drums and other sources in need of added sonic texture. In response, the FMR 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 "colour", 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 colour remains bolder than ever...

How It Sounds

"Thick" and "gooey" is how some customers 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!

Notes: If ever there is an official "Audio Technology Hall of Fame", it will definitely include a shrine to the iconic Teletronix LA-2A. We pay homage to this audio-processing pioneer that has graced so many recordings, with our KT-2A Classic Levelling Amplifier. And while vintage Teletronix LA-2As are extremely rare and expensive, the KT-2A is amazingly affordable - and designed for the 21st Century. Mastering quality compression and limiting, at a price point that makes the KT-2A equally at home in your studio - and your live rack!

The KT-2A draws inspiration from the original Teletronix LA-2A levelling amplifier, which was first produced in the early 1960s. Since then, Teletronix levelling amplifiers have been prized for their smooth musical sound, and audio engineers have utilised them at all stages of the recording process - from tracking to mastering.

At the heart of the KT-2A is a vintage lag-free optical attenuator based on the very same electroluminescent technology used in its predecessor. The KT-2A is constructed from the highest-quality discrete components - all of which meet or exceed the LA-2A's original specifications. This is just one of the many ways the KT-2A brings unparalleled precision and superb signal integrity into the new audio age.

KT-2A owes its characteristic warmth to a set of premium, hand-selected 12AX7, 12BH7 and EL84 tubes. This time-tested combination provides ultra low-noise analogue output with the ideal balance of tight, warm bass, silky-smooth midrange and brilliant, airy treble.

Ever since its formation in the 1970s, XL4 and Heritage H3000 quickly became industry standards.

MIDAS has earned an impeccable reputation due to their no-compromise approach for audio and build-quality, and in particular for their Award-winning Mic Preamps, considered by experts as the industry's best-sounding designs. Building on this legacy, the XL8 and PRO Series of Live Mixing Systems continue this great heritage of Award-winning audio quality.

KLARK TEKNIK is proud to incorporate custom-designed MIDAS Input and Output transformers in the KT-2A for the ultimate in high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments. Find out more about MIDAS' amazing legacy by visiting their extensive website.

Notes: The S-Com 4 is a compact and versatile single-rack space device that provides four channels of high-quality dynamic processing with an Expander/Gate and Compressor/Limiter on each channel.

The four channels operate independently or in stereo pairs. Its multi-segment LED metering displays input/output level as well as gain reduction. The Expander/Gate section features a continuously variable Threshold control, as well as a switch for fast or slow release times. The Compressor/Limiter section includes variable Threshold, Ratio and Output levels. S-Com 4's Enhancer switch restores high frequencies that are sometimes diminished by heavy compression.

This wide-ranging combination of features makes the S-Com 4 an efficient and versatile audio tool for a wide variety of applications. Its clean and quiet audio characteristics make it ideal where high sonic integrity is imperative.