Radial PreComp

Radial Engineering PreComp is a pre-amp and compressor for the 500 series, manufactured by Radial Engineering.

History
The Radial PreComp was released in 2013.

Official description

 * Combination preamp and compressor
 * Accustate gain control for low noise
 * Full function compressor for dynamic control
 * Each processor may be accessed separately

The PreComp channel strip is a combination mic preamplifier and compressor made for the popular 500 series rack format and designed to bring greater efficiency to the recording process by simplifying the signal path and gain stage management.

The single wide module begins with a high performance preamp that can deliver in excess of 60dB to handle all types of microphones. Equipped with Radial's unique Accustate gain control, the PreComp simultaneously sets the output and sensitivity to maximize signal-to-noise at all levels. This is particularly important when recording in the digital domain where background noise can often be audible during quiet passages. A full-feature VCA compressor follows with adjustable threshold, compression ratio and gain make-up controls. The advanced compression algorithm reads the program material and automatically transitions from soft-knee to hard knee as the signal rises above the threshold. A simple slow-fast switch makes it easy to set the PreComp for either vocals or percussion.

Once connected to a 500 series power rack, connections to and from the PreComp are automatically routed to the XLRs for balanced operation. When used with a Workhorse, connectivity increases with ¼" TRS connectors and D-Subs while the Omniport provides direct patching to the preamp or the compressor, enabling the engineer to use each processor separately. Other features include 180° polarity reverse for phase matching two microphones, a high pass filter to eliminate unwanted resonance, 48V phantom power for condenser mics and an IN/OUT switch that lets you quickly compare the original uncompressed signal with the processed result.

This makes the PreComp an excellent choice for recording, broadcast and post production suites where instant control over voice and instrument is desired. The PreComp will also be a favorite for multi-channel live recording engineers where the small footprint can accommodate many input channels in a higher density rack.