Recording - December 2013 - 61
like that of the 700, is of the bold-stroke variety where little knob
tweaks go a long way. You can push and pull your sound like taffy
with this EQ and there is nothing surgical about it.
As for the compressor, I think I like this simplified version better
than the one on the ADL 700! Although 3:1 is a much subtler ratio
than we typically find on fixed-ratio comps, here it works well, especially with the soft knee to produce a smooth, even grab that is very
well suited to vocals, bass and electric guitar. I would call it a musical and controlled comp rather than the slam-it-and-smash-it kind. I
also think that removing the makeup gain was a wise choice, as that
function is better handled by the master output knob.
The sum of it all
The magic of the RC 500 lies in how well the pre, compressor,
and EQ work together. I have reviewed a number of channel strips
over the years, and often they are either too simple with elements
that are more gimmick than useful, or they are overcomplicated with
too many features. By contrast, the RC 500 is just right! Each section is really well integrated and complements the others well.
In my ADL 700 review I mentioned that gain-staging that unit
could be tricky, what with its having a two-stage mic preamp,
makeup gain on the compressor, and a master output. It was
quite easy to induce unwanted noise. While the ADL 700 is a
great piece of kit fronted by one of my favorite tube preamps
ever, I actually prefer how everything flows more naturally in
the RC500. The preamp determines how hard you hit the compressor, the EQ takes over from there, shaping the tone, and
the master gain determines the final level. Its full thick tone and
simple classic-console feel allow it to hold its own with vintage
units, rather than simply trying to sound like them.
Anything I don't like about the RC 500? Two personal-taste
issues: One, I do miss the switchable impedance selection
found on the ADL units, and, two, as mentioned above, I miss
the ability to switch the order of the compressor and the EQ.
Other than that, this unit truly did sneak up and surprise
(and impress) the heck out of me. I stand by my assertion that
this is the best-sounding solid-state device PreSonus has made
since the MP series. Like the ADL line, this is very much a pro
piece rather than "prosumer"; I think that's a very good thing,
as there are not too many full-on channel strips available-
boutique or otherwise-in this price range. Streeting for
about eight hundred dollars, the RC 500 is a steal for this
quality of build and sound!
Price: $999.95 ($799.95 street)
More from: PreSonus, www.presonus.com
http://www.presonus.com
http://www.realtraps.com
http://coproaudio.com
http://coproaudio.com
Recording - December 2013
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recording - December 2013
Contents
Recording - December 2013 - Cover1
Recording - December 2013 - Cover2
Recording - December 2013 - 1
Recording - December 2013 - 2
Recording - December 2013 - 3
Recording - December 2013 - 4
Recording - December 2013 - 5
Recording - December 2013 - Contents
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Recording - December 2013 - Cover3
Recording - December 2013 - Cover4
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