OK, lets check these statements out and compare the RNC to some of the other compressors mentioned here.
[The RNC] is too slow for a lot of program material
Fastest attack rate:
dbx 160A: Program dependant. Higher-compression = faster attack. Highest mentioned is 3ms (30db)
API 225L: 2ms
Manley Variable Mu compressor: 25ms
RNC: 0.2ms
it doesn't allow for control over a lot of the compressor functions.
dbx 160A: variable Threshold with 3-way selectable mode; variable compression ratio.
API 225L: variable threshold; variable release; variable ratio; knee (hard/soft); type (old/new); attack (fast/slow)
Manley: Recovery 5 way selectable; variable attack; variable threshold; selectable compress or limit mode;
RNC: variable threshold; variable ratio; variable attack; variable release; mode (nice/super nice)
it has VERY limited metering
dbx 160A: 19 segment level led (switchable input/outpt) + 12 segment gain reduction led
API 225L: 5 segment gain reduction LED
Manley: gain reduction VU meters
RNC: 8 segment gain reduction led
it has no side chain
dbx 160A: Has side chain
API 225L: Has side chain
Manley: No side chain
RNC:
Has side chain
The patching is very limited
And what is that supposed to mean? The RNCs inputs are TRS tailored to be patched with a stereo cable directly into a mixer channel.
FMR was able to make a great compressor for the price. I have one too. But to compare it to compressors in the $1700 range does a disservice to FMR and to the original poster. Pro's won't be ditching their 160's, 1176's, LA-2A's, API's, Manley's, and Fairchilds for RNC's anytime soon.
"Ditching?" For the price of the RNC you do not need to sell your other compressors to buy one. But if you mean that pros won't be using the RNC that is simply false. They are using it. Not ALWAYS, but sometimes.
dbx Senior Technical Support
I have a dbx 163A. I love it, it's great, dbx makes excellent compressors. But when I see people from dbx behaving like this I know I should get an RNC, and so should everyone else, you are obviously scared shitless by it. FMRAudio has made a product that is basically revolutionizing, and it has thrown the compressor market into a fit. But cool it, in a couple of years dbx will have compressors that work in the same way like the RNC; and you too will have great stereo compressors for $200 bucks.
B t w, most compressors specifically mentioned by Tom are vintage gear that isn't manufactured anymore, and so is hard to find specs for. But dbx, API and Manley are current manufacturers. I selected the three compressors to compare with this way:
The 160A: Because Tom mentioned the 160.
The 225L: It was the first API compressor I found specs for.
The Variable Mu: I have heard loads of good things about it.
So I did not pic these to make the RNC look good. In fact, I specifically picked the Variable Mu to make the RNC look bad. It did not work. I expected the RNC to compare OK with the other compressors. But in all cases except the metering, it wins over the other compressors!
Yes, the RNC is made for the prosumer market. But It obviously kicks ass, and badmouthing it will kick back.