FMR AUDIO RNLA - check this review

[Jeff Jasper]

Funny, I had those same problems with my FMR RNC. It was a bad insert cable. The reviewer is an idiot. And a lazy one at that.

jj

[bbgallaway]

That's one of those reviews that I immediately dismiss just based on the complete lack of thinking/writing skills. Seems like someone just needs some self validation - readily available via the instant publishing power of the internet.

Regardless of that, I've had a similar experience - the time I hooked a mic through an RNP into the RNLA and then into the preamp of a Firepod (thinking it was the line input). Kept wondering why it sounded crappy, until I realized I was the idiot. Yup, I also fail to think things through sometimes. The only difference is that I work it out instead of writing crappy reviews.

Since then I've had some great results with the RNLA on a lot of different sources. Maybe not the best tool for everything, but what is? It definitely shines when you find the right place for it.

[901]

Too lazy to contact FMR audio and also even too lazy to make a recording of the problem, but have the time and patience to write a blog and badmouth a product...

[Unclenny]

I believe him.

Didn't you guys see that professional logo at the top of his page?

Wait.....I'm going in to check my RNLA right now as I just happen to be tracking bass through it.



Okay....just pushed it pretty hard with a quick attack and release. MMmmm, good.

I must have a faulty unit.

[A LaMere]

If you read this guys other reviews, it becomes pretty apparent that he's using these compressors as a guitar compressor.... So "Bad input cable" could certainly be among the many reasons that he's not getting the RNLA to work properly.

Take it for what it's worth I suppose..

To his credit, he has used/reviewed a LOT of different compressors for use with guitar...
which is good fun.

[scottyscottuk]

i posted his review coz i want to make sure b4 i order one, i will be using to comp vocals when tracking only. you think it will be good for that???

and what kinda results should i expect?

Ma200 or sm7b >ga pre73>rnla>rme ff800>cubase5

[RCM - Ronan]

I have $4-5000 compressors in my studio but I still use my RNLA on every mix. Truth is that I do not like it as much as my RNC, but I fire it up on pro mixes almost every day and have never had a problem with it.

[scottyscottuk]

tracking vocals tho???

[RTR]

Originally Posted by rcm

I have $4-5000 compressors in my studio but I still use my RNLA on every mix. Truth is that I do not like it as much as my RNC, but I fire it up on pro mixes almost every day and have never had a problem with it.

What do you prefer for vox.? the rnc or rnla...I only have a dbx 163x at my home studio and am looking for a nice vox. comp. to use while tracking...A little color would not hurt either!

PS. I really dig you recording show, I look forward to seeing that link in my e-mail!!! Thanks for that!!!

[RCM - Ronan]

Originally Posted by RTR

What do you prefer for vox.? the rnc or rnla...I only have a dbx 163x at my home studio and am looking for a nice vox. comp. to use while tracking...A little color would not hurt either!

PS. I really dig you recording show, I look forward to seeing that link in my e-mail!!! Thanks for that!!!

Thanks so much for the kind words about my show. I use the FMR audio compressors as parallel compression on a couple sub groups at mix time. They live patched into the console that way and never move. Unfortunately the compressors I like for vocals are at a much higher price point. (Distressor, Signal Audio workshop gainrider and Petes Place BC 500). but if I was to pick one of the FMR audio compressors for vox I am pretty sure that I would go with the RNC. It does not have a lot of color but it does a good job of clean gain reduction, which is huge praise for something in that price point.

[scottyscottuk]

what about the art pro vla II ?? better for tracking vox than the fmr's?

[Unclenny]

I use mine for tracking bass.....mostly.

Tried it on vox but my vocals are right out there in my sparce stuff so I use something a bit cleaner.

[bbgallaway]

Don't have experience with the RNC, but from what I've heard it would be the better choice most of the time on vox. The RNLA is great, just not extremely transparent/clean. I'm sure there are times it would shine on a lead vocal, just not too often.

[naturalkinds]

Awww. Poor Bongomania. He's one of my favourite members on Talkbass, where he submits a lot of these reviews.

Nevertheless, I think one of the criticisms here is apt. He seems to perform relatively limited tests in arriving at his assessment -- namely, he essentially uses these compressors as guitar pedals.

[RTR]

Anyone ever use a dbx 163x on vox.? I only use it on bass going in but never tried it on vox.

[jonc]

Would you use the rnc or rnla last in a chain coming out of a loopstation which is fed by vocal mic, a fender bass, logic pro midi computer drums and midi keyboard?

This is for my live show. I think I may need a stereo compressor at the very end of the chain before going into a DI to the different house PA's (venue capacity between 100-250 max) to attenuate all the different sounds. also needs to be small and compact as I tour by bus.

do you fine fellows think the RNC or RNLA could be a good option ?

[kerouac]

I've used mine on bass a little bit, but this weekend I finally tried it in conjunction with a Little Blondie into my ISA One on a solo guitar and vocal. It sounded GREAT and really helped accentuate his strumming style, as well as bring up the room sound.

[Retinal]

I know that despite all the comps I have
I miss the RNLA, gotta get one back