DISC Radial Workhorse PreComp Preamplifier and Compressor

Full Description

Potential Applications

• Post-Production Voice-Over Recording: The PreComp is the ideal solution for tracking vocals. Simply plug in your microphone, set the microphone level, and add the desired amount of compression for your recording
• Using In A Broadcast Studio: With intuitive operation, the PreComp is perfect for on-air broadcasting applications. Set your level and add the desired amount of compression to maximise the voice, and you are set. Modules such as a Q4 parametric EQ can be added into your signal chain for added tonal control thanks to the Omniport 1/4'' TRS insert
• Using For Live Recording: The PreComp is an ideal front-end channel strip for live recordings, allowing you to capture the signals straight from your mics whilst keeping the dynamics under control to prevent distortion. You can split the signal using the 1/4'' TRS output on a Radial Workhorse system to feed a recording device, and use the XLR out to feed a PA system

Features

• Functions as both a microphone preamplifier and a compressor in a single 500 Series module
• Preamp stage can deliver in excess of 60dB to handle all types of microphones
• Equipped with Radial's unique AccuState™ gain control
• AccuState™ maximizes the signal-to-noise at all levels
• Fully-featured VCA compressor with adjustable threshold, ratio, and make-up gain controls
• Advanced compression algorithm reads the program material and automatically transitions from soft-knee to hard-knee
• Simple slow-fast switch that allows easy optimization of the PreComp for either vocals or percussion

Specifications

• Audio Circuit Type: AccuState™ input with true variable gain front end
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (-1.5dB at 20Hz)
• Dynamic Range: 112dB
• Gain: 55dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.003 percent
• Intermodulation Distortion: 0.03 percent
• Input Impedance: 3.3K Ohms
• Output Impedance: 300 Ohms
• Equivalent Input Noise: -120dBu
• Noise: -85dB at +40dB of gain
• Maximum Input: +24dBu
• Power: 56mA
• Conditions: For use in dry locations only between 5°C and 40°C
• Dimensions (L x W x D): 228mm x 159mm x 51mm / 9'' x 625'' x 2''
• Weight: 0.7kg / 1.5lbs

Controls & Connectivity

• Gain (Preamp section): Used to set the gain of the microphone preamp section. The AccuState™ gain control sets the input sensitivity and gain at the same time to optimize the noise at all settings
• 180° Reverse: Inverts the polarity to help phase-align two microphones when recording in stereo
• High-Pass Filter: Gently rolls-off low frequencies below 100Hz to reduce rumble which can muddy up a recording
• LED Metering: The green and yellow LEDs let you know when the signal is below or above the threshold and compression is being applied. The red LED illuminates when the signal is near clipping
• Thresh: Variable threshold control used to set the point when the compression will take effect
• Ratio: Sets the compression ratio from 1:1 (off) up to 10:1 where a 10dB input produces 1dB at the output
• Gain (Compressor Section): Sets the output level of the compressor and is used to compensate for the gain reduction
• Slow-Fast: Sets the speed at which the compressor will take effect. When set to slow, the initial transient such as a snap from a snare will pass without compression
• In: Turns the compressor on or off to compare the dry signal with the compressed results
• 48V Switch: Recessed switch design that prevents accidental powering on or off, used to activate phantom power for condenser microphones and active DI boxes
• Phantom LED: Indicator illuminates when +48V phantom power is active
• Omniport™: Functions as a signal access point allowing the preamp and compressor sections to be used independently or to insert another processor like an EQ in between the two sections
• Omniport™ Switch: Turns the Omniport on and off. When off, the preamp and compressor sections work in series. When on, the Omniport TRS insert jack is switched into the signal path between the two sections