got another question......... since the RNC is 'stereo' does that mean that you can have 2 different signals running thru it? or would you have to buy a separate RNC for each appliance?
Its not rackmountable( my only drawback from it being my new gear whore purchace) unless you buy that pannel mount from mercenary site for $40. but than agian they have the special for 2 rnc w/ rack plate for around $379(hhmmmmmmmmmmmmm)
I am thinking about getting an RNC...I use an Aardvark Q10 soundcard/preamps.
If I were going to use RNC on a track...after I had already recorded it into my software, I would have to run the output of my Aardvark card into the RNC, and then out from the RNC back into my card?
Sounds like a lot of signal loss...maybe I should just stick with software compressors.
Wes- yup: you'd have to reconvert your signal to analog, compress it, then convert back to digital. Yucky. That's how you kill sound quality- too many conversions.
If I need to use the RNC with digital recording, I use it in the recording signal chain. Not recommended, I know, but much (!) better than adding extra conversions.
yeah....I can't think of too many instances when I would want to do that.
Actually the only problem that I have.....that I might want that for...
when I record overheads, for drums...I get the level so that it isn't going to clip when played loudly...
but, the toms ring through and clip the overheads hardcore.
So, I have to turn it down pretty low...which takes away from the cymbal clarity...which is what I am after...just to take care of the few times the toms are used.
Would an RNC running on those stereo overheads be a good idea? Maybe that could tone down the toms a little bit....and let me record higher without clipping?
Nope, I haven't done it that way. I have sound forge for wave editing and the digital compressors included are decent enough for me.
I use the RNC for tracking, and with my analog stuff (I also have a 8-track reel machine). I still do serious stuff with my analog machine..... I just like it better. The nice thing about the Q10 though, is I can put all 8 tracks straight to the computer, or send 8 tracks out. I get a lot of options on whether I want to go analog or digital.
You can easily use an RNC for mono by just using one side. I think they recommend using the Left channel for mono.
Wes, abandon the notion of running your recorded signal out through the RNC. The signal degradation will not be worth it . Either commit to the compression on the way in (which means knowing how to set it conservatively), or compress via software plug-ins after the fact (Waves makes good ones).
The RNC is the best compressor made for under a $1,000, and it's a purchase I'll never regret. But it would be just another doorstop if I didn't learn how to use it.
-kent