FMR RNC vs. RNLA

[Raydar]

Hey, Harvey.

I have read that you've been using the new FMR RNLA for a while now.

I'd like to get your impressions on this unit, and how it compares to the RNC in terms audio quality, features, flexibility, applications, and "flavour".

Also, (in general) is there a real difference beteween a "compressor" and a "levelling amplifier"? I've always considered the terms interchangable, like "tube" vs. "valve", but I'm wondering if there is a conceptual or functional difference in the terms?

Thanks.

[diogo]

i would love to know something about it myself...especially in the flavour department.

[Reid Mason]

It seems that Harvey has been out sick for awhile, and is recovering from surgery. He posted this a little while back: http://www.pmiaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=671#post671

I know we all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back happy and healthy!

[skeetch]

Have a pair each of the RNC's and the RNLA's. They're definitely different creatures in the flavor department. Different colors for different applications for sure.

The RNC's are pretty transparent - in Super Nice mode you can hardly tell they're working but they are. Really nice for a variety of vocal styles and acoustic guitars. I use em for both tracking and mixdowns.

The RNLA's have more of an attitude about them. More colorful than the RNC's and definitely not the choice for transparency. I wasn't thrilled with the results when tracking with them, but they really rock across a drum sub bus or distorted guitar track at mixdown time. I've used them for rock vocals, drum subs, distorted guitar tracks, and even on a bass track at mixdown to give the bass a bit of an edgey snarl. Tried it across the mix bus and, while it did "glue" the mix together in an interesting way, I wasn't altogether thrilled with it in that application. I'm not a big fan of putting anything across the mix bus so take that with a shaker of salt.

Overall, these are great little boxes and the "bang for the buck" quotient is quite high on them.

[hargerst]

I agree. They're a little fatter sounding that the RNC and definitely add some color.