Radial Engineering’s new PreComp module ($400 MSRP) is designed to fit the 500 Series rack format. The design begins with a high performance preamp equipped with Radial’s unique Accustate gain control, which 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 compressor follows with adjustable threshold, compression ratio and make-up gain control that automatically transitions from soft-knee to hard-knee as compression increases. A slow-fast switch is designed to make it easy to set the PreComp for either percussion instruments or smoother tracks such as vocals.
Once connected to a 500 Series power rack, I/O connections automatically route to the XLRs for balanced operation. When used with a Radial Engineering Workhorse, connectivity increases with ¼-inch TRS connectors and D-Sub connectors, and the Omniport provides direct patching to the preamp or the compressor, enabling the engineer to use each processor separately.
Other features include 180-degree polarity reverse for phase matching two microphones, a highpass filter to eliminate unwanted resonance, 48-volt phantom power for condenser mics, and an In/Out switch that lets you quickly compare the original uncompressed signal with the processed result.
Radial states that it will begin shipping the PreComp in May 2013.
