--Discontinued--The Radial Engineering PreComp Channel Strip is a combination microphone preamplifier and compressor made for the popular 500 series rack format that is designed to offer 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 60 dB to handle all types of microphones. Equipped with Accustate gain control, the PreComp simultaneously sets the output and sensitivity to maximize signal-to-noise at all levels. This is particularly important while 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 1/4" TRS connectors and D-Subs, while the Omniport provides direct patching to the preamp or the compressor, thereby enabling the engineer to use each processor separately.

Other features include 180° polarity reverse for phase matching 2 microphones, a high pass filter to eliminate unwanted resonance, 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and an IN/OUT switch that lets you quickly compare the original uncompressed signal with the processed result. This makes the PreComp well-suited for recording, broadcast, and post production suites where instant control over voice and instrument is desired. The PreComp is also a favorite for multi-channel live recording engineers where the small footprint can accommodate many input channels in a higher density rack.