Up for sale are two FMR Audio RNC 500 500-Series Compressor modules in excellent functional and cosmetic condition.

If you know studio gear, you know the original desktop RNC (Really Nice Compressor) became a legendary studio secret weapon. FMR Audio took that exact transparent, high-end compression design and rebuilt it specifically for API 500-series racks, adding balanced I/O, sealed C&K switches, blue anodized aluminum knobs, and higher internal headroom (+28 dBu max input/output).

It gives you the transparency of ultra-expensive VCA compressors at a fraction of the cost. Runs exceptionally well on vocals, acoustic guitars, tracking chains, or stereo linked across a bus.

Key Specifications:

Format: Single-channel API 500-Series module format

• Operating Modes: Normal Mode (fast VCA) & SuperNice Mode (cascaded triple-detector compression for invisible, artifact-free gain control)
• Signal Path: 100% Analog audio path with 24-bit digital sidechain detection
• Max Level: +28 dBu input & output (clean, high-headroom operation)
• Controls: Threshold, Ratio (1:1 to 25:1), Attack, Release, and Gain Trim
• Metering: Power-saving, high-accuracy 10-segment LED dot display for Gain Reduction
• Protection: Built-in overcurrent protection circuits to safeguard your 500-series rack power supply
• Linkable: Can be stereo linked with a second RNC 500 module

What Pros Say About the RNC Line:

Steve Albini (Legendary Producer/Engineer – Nirvana, Pixies):

"The RNC is amazing. It's ridiculous that a compressor that costs so little works as well as compressors costing thousands of dollars."

Ronan Chris Murphy (Producer/Mixer – King Crimson, GWAR):

"The Really Nice Compressor is on almost all of my mixes. It does transparent gain control better than compressors ten times its price."

Craig Anderton (Audio Author & Music Technologist):

"In 'SuperNice' mode, the RNC is so smooth that you can knock off 10dB to 12dB of gain reduction without hearing a single artifact."

Hannes Bieger (Mixing Engineer & Sound On Sound Reviewer):

"The RNC in the 500-series format takes a proven classic and elevates it with superior build quality, balanced I/O, and incredible value."

Ethan Winer (Audio Engineer & Acoustic Expert):

"The FMR RNC is one of those rare pieces of gear that performs cleanly and accurately without imposing unwanted color unless you push it to."

FMR Audio closed up shop last year, retiring after 30+ years in the industry.

Location:

Local pickup/drop off near Kitchener/Guelph, drop off in the Greater Toronto Area also available; and willing to ship insured at buyer’s expense anywhere in the world if required. Check out my other 500-series ads!