Compressors Limiters & Gates

Notes: The DUAL LIMITER has a unique design that will enhance the sonic textures of your audio system for years to come. Developed in partnership with studio and live-sound engineers, the DUAL LIMITER is very musical.

The heart of the Dual Limiter is a unique PWM gain control circuit. Combined with its intelligent detector, the result is a Classic sounding compressor/limiter without the traditional nose and distortion artefacts.

The DUAL LIMITER may be used as either a compressor or a limiter with all of the following:

- Multitrack or analogue recording device
- In a mixer's channel insert points
- Between a microphone preamp and signal processors
- Between pre-amplified electronic musical instruments (synthesizers, guitars, bass, samplers, acoustic instruments with pickups) and other line-level equipment

Notes: The VLA-500 brings the same VCA-less Vactrol based compression circuit used in ART's legendary Pro-VLA, putting to a convenient 500 Series format for the first time. Capable not only of delivering incredibly smooth compression and overall dynamic control, the VLA-500 also offers two user selectable tone shaping circuits making it one of the most versatile signal processors in your 500 Series rack.

The 'Punch' circuit is a J-FET Harmonic Enhancer that adds even-order harmonic distortion for a fuller, "punchier" tone while taming nasty peaks that may escape the Vactrol. The Grit circuit adds frequency-dependent signal distortion to make any track truly stand out. This is a highly creative effect that can work especially well on drums and percussion, solo brasses and woodwinds and even vocals when added presence and position in a mix is required. Bypassing both 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits delivers the purest Opto-compressor tone, perfect for critical solo instruments and clean vocals. 'Punch' and 'Grit' circuits can even be combined for additional tone shaping options.

Notes: A solid gold modern classic from FMR. The RNC must be one of the biggest studio bargains around. Proper analogue compression with digital control, offering pro sound at an affordable price.

Supplier's Notes:
What It Is

FMR Audio's first product, introduced over 18 years ago, the Really Nice Compressor (RNC) is a compact and cost-effective stereo compressor with a high-fidelity audio path and compression scheme. The RNC provides quality compression at a budget price.

How It Sounds

The RNC provides two modes of operation. One allows the RNC to be used for special effects, like snappy snares or popping basses. The other provides near-invisible signal compression for sensitive material where compression artifacts are less desirable (like natural vocals, acoustic guitar or the program bus). The RNC yields clean, airy compression with few artifacts and little high-end loss, even at massive gain reduction! The amazing performance is why- even after almost 20 years- many professionals are calling the RNC one of the best sounding compressors for under $2000.

How It's Done

The RNC achieves such high performance at a low cost by using using a microprocessor to replace discrete sidechain components (resistors, diodes, capacitors, opamps, transistors, etc) with chunks of software, thereby reducing the component cost. This approach, however, still processes the main audio in the analog domain, avoiding the problems associated with digital audio conversion (e.g., latency, digital artifacts). Even the problem of "scratchy" pots and switches are avoided: no audio flows through the front-panel controls. The front-panel pots and swtiches merely feed DC voltages to the microprocessor and it takes care of adjusting parameters and signal path with components - like sealed-relays and VCAs - located close to the input/output jacks avoiding noise pickup and audio quality reduction due to aging controls! With this blend of technology, the RNC offers the accuracy and precision of digital control with the clean tonal character of an all-analog signal path. The RNC's digital control permits accurate repeatability of your favorite settings.

Notes: Designed as an homage to the classic 1176LN, every effort was made to keep the 76-KT FET-Style Compressor true to the original D and E versions of the iconic signal processor. At the same time, we modernised the completely discrete signal path using hand-selected components and custom-engineered MIDAS input and output transformers - for the ultimate in pristine sonic performance.

Ever since its formation in the 1970s, MIDAS has had a long history of innovation and leadership in the world of audio mixing consoles. Employed by the most famous touring acts and installations worldwide, legendary MIDAS consoles such as the XL4 and Heritage H3000 quickly became industry standards.

MIDAS has earned their impeccable reputation due to their no-compromise approach for audio and build-quality and in particular for their Award-winning Mic Preamps, which are considered by industry experts as the industry's best sounding designs. Building on this legacy, the XL8 and PRO Series of Live Mixing Systems continue this great heritage of Award-winning audio quality.

KLARK TEKNIK is proud to incorporate MIDAS designed input and output transformers for the ultimate in high-quality audio reproduction in both live and studio environments. Find out more about MIDAS' amazing legacy by visiting their extensive website.

The compression ratio is selected by pushing any, or all, of the Ratio buttons located to the left of VU meter. Ratios available are: 4:1 for moderate compression; 8:1 for severe compression; 12:1 ratio for mild limiting; and 20:1 for hard limiting. Using the "All-Button" mode can be especially effective when applied to drums, bass, guitar, and room mics - or for more aggressive "in your face" vocals.

76-KT's Attack knob adjusts the amount of time it takes the compressor to respond to audio that exceeds the threshold. The response time is slower at the fully counterclockwise position and faster when turned clockwise. The Release knob adjusts how long the compressor remains engaged after the incoming audio falls below the threshold. The response time is also slower at the fully counterclockwise position and faster when adjusted clockwise.

In keeping with the design of the original processor, the 76-KT features an illuminated, vintage-style VU meter for visual confirmation of gain reduction (GR) and output levels. A meter reading of 0 corresponds to an output level of +4, +6 or +8 dBm, depending on which button is engaged.

Featuring a rugged steel 2U rackmount enclosure, the 76-KT is designed for the rigours of live concert touring. Premium Neutrik XLR connectors are used to ensure reliable audio connections, night after night.

76-KT features a universal power supply, which is auto-voltage sensing for use on a worldwide basis.

Notes: - Threshold, ratio and output level control per channel
- Variable gate with threshold control per channel
- Bypass switch allows instant comparison of original sound with processed sound
- Precise 4-digit LED gain reduction meters
- +4 dB/-10 dB selector switch for internal level adjustment
- Inputs and outputs via balanced XLR connectors and 6.3 mm jacks
- Rack installation, 1 U

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Original box damaged, product is in different packaging but in perfect working order***


- Threshold, ratio and output level control per channel
- Variable gate with threshold control per channel
- Bypass switch allows instant comparison of original sound with processed sound
- Precise 4-digit LED gain reduction meters
- +4 dB/-10 dB selector switch for internal level adjustment
- Inputs and outputs via balanced XLR connectors and 6.3 mm jacks
- Rack installation, 1 U