DISC PreSonus RC 500 1 Channel Solid State Channel Strip

Full Description

Vintage-Style Channel Strip

The PreSonus RC 500 1 Channel Solid State Channel Strip is a hybrid channel strip that combines the best of both worlds, using a classic design combined with modern-day technology. Ideal as the centre-piece of any recording setup, the RC 500 is ideal for processing studio-grade vocals. The channel strip boasts FET compression and an integrated 3-band semi-parametric equalizer. Combining premium-grade components with a classic design results in a crisp and warm sound, similar to classic channel strips. It utilises a wide range of high-grade components including film capacitors and ultra-low distortion op amps. It also features built-in +48V Phantom Power, high pass filter and a -20dB pad for added flexibility.

Solid-State Preamp

Designed by Robert Creel, the solid-state preamp utilises the best possible analog circuitry for a Class-A preamp. Using discrete transistors and low-distortion op amps, the preamp provides transparent yet rich sound. The result is high-definition audio that capture every nuance of your sound, from vocals to instruments. The higher frequencies provide a crisp and rich sound, while the low end is tighter and punchier for a full-bodied sound. The preamp design is so special that the unit was name the RC in honor of Robert Creel.

FET Compression & 3-Band EQ

At the heart of the channel strip is the fast, reliable FET compression and 3-band semi-parametric EQ. The Field Effect Transistor compressor boasts variable attack, release and threshold controls for optimal flexibility. The RC 500 uses transistors to emulate the sound of a tube preamp, for that classic warmth associate with vintage compressors. The soft knee compression curve features a fixed 3:1 ratio for optimal audio performance. It can be driven harder with a lower threshold to mimic high compression rates. The smooth 3-band EQ has been designed to match the preamp and compressor, combining a range of isolate filter and per-band Q allowing you to shape your sound with extreme precision, whilst retaining a smooth yet rich style. The low and high band can be toggled between shelving and peak for added versatility.

Design & Connectivity

The compact, robust design is ideal for the studio, with its rack-mountable chassis blending seamlessly into any studio rack. It also features a wide range of connectivity including a front-panel ¼-inch instrument input as well as rear-panel XLR mic and line inputs. This allows you to process everything from instruments to vocals and more. It also boasts balanced outputs on XLR and ¼-inch TRS connectors and balanced send and return connections for connecting to a range of external equipment. The dual-mode analog VU meters not only deliver that vintage feel but also allow you to monitor your levels with ease. The meters are large in size and lit from behind for quick and easy monitoring.

Features

• Transformer-coupled, high gain microphone preamp with a Class A hybrid design
• FET based compressor using hybrid detection methods with switching relays for hard bypass
• 3-band semi-parametric equalizer with switching relays for hard bypass
• +48V phantom power, 80 Hz highpass filter, and -20 dB pad
• Front-panel ¼” instrument and rear-panel XLR microphone and line inputs with Input Select switch
• VU meter with selectable output level/gain reduction display
• Analog insert with balanced send and return
• High grade components: film capacitors, 1% tolerance resistors, and very low-distortion op amps
• Master output control
• Balanced output on XLR and ¼” TRS connectors
• Internal toroidal power supply with IEC connector
• Steel chassis

Reviews

"The compressor is accurate and responsive, and very good for managing the normal dynamic excursions of most vocal performers, subtly but firmly." - Sound on Sound

Specifications

Input Impedance

• Microphone: 1500ohm
• Line: 1 kohm
• Instrument: 1 Mohm

Maximum Input Level

• Microphone (-20 dB Pad out): 0 dBu
• Microphone (-20 dB Pad in): +20 dBu
• Balanced Line: +18 dBu
• Instrument: 0 dBu

Gain Range

• Microphone (-20 dB Pad out): +20 dB to +70 dB
• Line: -20 dB to +15 dB
• Instrument: +5 dB to +50 dB

Performance

• Noise Floor (all inputs, minimum gain): -102 dBu (A-weighted)
• Microphone Equivalent Input Noise (EIN; 20 Hz - 20 kHz): -125 dBu (A-weighted)
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 25 kHz, ±1 dB
• Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu
• Output Impedance: 50ohm

EQ

• Type: 2nd-order shelving filter
• Q: 0.5
• Low Band (Low-pass or Bandpass): 20 Hz to 400 Hz, ±16 dB
• Mid Band: 400 Hz to 5 kHz, ±16 dB
• High Band (High-pass or Bandpass): 2 kHz to 20 kHz, ±16 dB

Compressor

• Type: FET VCA with RMS-based control
• Threshold (Variable): -25 dBu to +20 dBu
• Ratio (Fixed): 3:1
• Attack Time (Variable): Fast (0.5 ms) to Slow (10 ms)
• Release Time (Variable): Fast (30 ms) to Slow (500 ms)
• Curve Type: Soft knee

Power

• Internal supply, standard IEC connector: 100/120/230/240 VAC, 12W

Dimensions

• Rackmount Size: 1U rackmount
• Height (mm): 43.7
• Depth (mm): 195.3
• Width (mm): 482.6
• Weight (kg): 3.26