I use a Alesis 3630 when I need compression. I don't particularly care for it, but it's all that I have. It is quite noisy, or much nosier than I think it should be.
How does the RNC perform with regards to noise? The Alesis 3630 that I have adds 10db or so at 0 db gain.
The "button" doesn't adjust any parameters. It turns on a serial-cascade of 3 compressors to eliminate noise and artifact. The parameters still need to be set accordingly.
I have an RNC, a Bellari RP282a, a compellor, a dbx 166xl, and a presonus bluemax. My vote = bluemax. I use the "vocal 3" setting on the way in and while mixing. done it that way for probably 7 years. for my voice at least, which needs a lot of compression, it can't be beat. The RNC would be my #2.
Well, I would at least be adjusting the threshold (unless you don't have any wild peaks whatsoever) and makeup gain. I actually follow the manual's advice about adjustments and it yields good results. Basically they rank the order of further adjustments if you need more compression: attack -> ratio -> release.
I find that if I use my synth, Motiff ES, I don't need to mess with much when mixing. The sounds on that board are very well done, most of them that is.
Vocals would be where I use my RNC. Sometimes I run the mic from the mic pre right into the RNC--usually I don't have to do much when mixing it down, except, of course, a touch of reverb.
the rnc sounds like a winner then. Doing the vocals in post isnt getting the job done. I dont know if AA's compression just sucks orI dont know how to set it right, but...