What's in a RNCompressor?

[Buck Buchanan]

Hey Paul and all,

> OK, anyone know what is in a RNC?
> 

I spoke directly with those folks concerning my RNC and I believe he
told me that there's DBX chips in there handling the VCA chores and some
kind of brain handling the actual control.  Analog signal path - digital
control.  Sorry I can't be more specific.

Ok, I know it's off topic but I must share my RNC story:  I buy one
based on the zillions of rave reviews I recieve.  My purpose is simple
limiting to keep the wild signals from my synth from hammering inputs of
digital effects.  I noice a little noise on threshold triggers when the
program material is very low freq (weird ambient synth stuff).  I can't
make it go away and still get a fast enough attack.  I make a phone call
to RNC and speak with the inventor/company president/wearer of many hats
(forgot his name offhand).  We have a great chat (on his dime) where he
tells me to check out the DBX chips and tells me how RNC got started. 
It turns out that my problem is a lot my fault (settings - RNC has some
extreme short attack availabilities) and a little bit the RNCs fault
based on some control "dithering" thing that I didn't understand
completely.  He explained the dithering was a feature that makes the RNC
so popular but could cause some of my problem given my specific
application.  Now here's the best part: He offers to reprogram the thing
to remove the dithering - for free!  I was floored.  There's no com port
on this thing - they have to completely tear it down.  I send the thing
back to them, they change the firmware, and now it's fantastic!

Ask Roland if they'll tweak your firmware - not.  RNC is a DIY company
(originally) and their support shows it.  I strongly reccomend their
great product and great vibe!

By the way, most users will probably prefer the stock firmware (they
took the dithering thing out and people didn't like it as much so it
went back in).  The product is more aimed at recording.

-Buck-