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Amazon
4.7 (101)
$199.99
Reverb
5.0 (59)
$299.00 2 available Used
B&H
5.0 (27)
$205.00
Thomann
4.7 (251)
$236.00

Average Price: $235

Standard/Professional

$100

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Meet the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, often known as the "RNC". This compact stereo mastermind redefines the boundaries between affordable and cheap. Hailing from the late 1990s, the RNC has earned its stripes in both amateur home studios and high-end control rooms alike, owing to its clear compression and small size. It's a real bargain that could make pricier compressors rethink their worth.

Key Features:

  • Stereo Compressor: Handles both left and right channels for a balanced sound.
  • Transparent Compression: Maintains the integrity of your music, ensuring natural sound.
  • Compact Size: Ideal for both professional and home studios.
  • Affordable: Packs high-end features at a fraction of the cost of similar compressors.

Product specs

Available since June 2005
Compressor Yes
Gate No
Peak Limiter No
2-Channel Unit Yes
Attack/Release Adjustable Yes

FAQs

What type of compression does the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor provide?

The FMR Audio RNC1773 offers clean, transparent, and airy compression with two modes: "Normal" for standard compression tasks and "Super Nice" for more subtle, nuanced compression without high-end loss.

Does the FMR Audio RNC1773 have an all-analog signal path?

Yes, the RNC1773 features an all-analog signal path, ensuring high-fidelity audio quality while being controlled digitally for precise adjustments.

How many channels does the FMR Audio RNC1773 support?

The FMR Audio RNC1773 is a 2-channel compressor, making it suitable for stereo applications or dual mono setups in studio environments.

Can I adjust the attack and release settings on the FMR Audio RNC1773?

Yes, the FMR Audio RNC1773 allows for adjustable attack and release settings, providing flexibility to tailor the compression to your specific audio needs.

What makes the "Super Nice" mode unique on the FMR Audio RNC1773?

The "Super Nice" mode on the RNC1773 offers a more transparent compression effect, reducing the typical artifacts associated with compression and preserving the high-end detail of your audio.

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

FMR Audio RNC "Really Nice Compressor"

Video thumbnail for FMR Audio RNC "Really Nice Compressor" by Front End Audio

FMR Audio RNC "Really Nice Compressor"

Front End Audio

Front End Audio

Video thumbnail for Fearless Gear Review - FMR REALLY NICE COMPRESSOR  | Spectre Sound Studios by SpectreSoundStudios

Fearless Gear Review - FMR REALLY NICE COMPRESSOR | Spectre Sound Studios

SpectreSoundStudios

SpectreSoundStudios

Video thumbnail for FMR RNC 1773 Review: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals & Full Mix by Zed Marty

FMR RNC 1773 Review: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Vocals & Full Mix

Zed Marty

Zed Marty

Video thumbnail for A Compressor Nobody Knows About, But Everybody Needs by TyTheProdigy

A Compressor Nobody Knows About, But Everybody Needs

TyTheProdigy

TyTheProdigy

Video thumbnail for FMR Audio RNC 1773 vs. RNLA 7239 Shootout by Johann Faustus

FMR Audio RNC 1773 vs. RNLA 7239 Shootout

Johann Faustus

Johann Faustus

Video thumbnail for FMR Really Nice Compressor RNC 1773 | Mix Bus Compression by Soundcast Studios

FMR Really Nice Compressor RNC 1773 | Mix Bus Compression

Soundcast Studios

Soundcast Studios

Video thumbnail for 2 Awesome Budget analog Bus Compressors by Twin Creek Audio

2 Awesome Budget analog Bus Compressors

Twin Creek Audio

Twin Creek Audio

Video thumbnail for FMR Audio RNC 1773 | Sidechain Demo by OmniChannel

FMR Audio RNC 1773 | Sidechain Demo

OmniChannel

OmniChannel

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally transparent sound, does not color the audio

  • Super Nice mode offers nearly invisible compression

  • Low self-noise compared to other budget compressors

  • Versatile, effective on vocals, acoustic guitars, and main bus

  • Compact size, ideal for small studios

  • Offers clean compression or can add "dirt" with controls

  • Stereo compressor with sidechain option at a low cost

  • Can be used for live work with great success

  • Ideal for peak limiting with transparent results

  • Performs well in analog mixing environments

CONS

  • Fast attack and release times may cause distortion on bass heavy instruments

  • Lacks a built-in gate, making it less ideal for drums or percussion

  • Requires a workaround (HPF to the sidechain) for optimal performance on certain instruments

  • Some users notice a slight high frequency drop on hats and cymbals

  • May cut some low end even when in bypass mode

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The "super nice" mode offers ultra-smooth compression, ideal for vocals and strings, with fast attacks and slow releases for optimal results.

    Source
  • The standard mode, when "super nice" is off, provides squashy, noticeable compression suited for dynamic sources, with slow attack and fast release settings.

    Source
  • The absence of metering on the RNC1773 encourages users to rely on their ears, which some find beneficial for honing their listening skills.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For transparent bus or mix compression, using "super nice" mode with slow attack and release provides subtle control without obvious compression artifacts.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the RNC1773 for its ability to increase perceived loudness without raising actual volume, enhancing track presence in mixes.

    Source
  • The RNC is reportedly better suited for studio settings than live modular performances due to difficulties in making fine adjustments during live sets.

    Source
  • The RNC can be used to limit volume before a soundcard, preventing clipping during jamming sessions when used outside a modular system.

    Source

User experience

  • Light compression during tracking, with settings like a threshold just below peak and a ratio of about 6:1, is favored for controlling peaks without heavy alteration.

    Source
  • Some owners enjoy the simple, straightforward design of the RNC1773, highlighting its effective performance despite a lack of extensive features.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners consider the RNC1773 to have the best performance-to-price ratio for a hardware stereo compressor, making it an ideal first hardware compressor purchase.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A user mentions using the RNC1773 in post-production due to compatibility issues with a pre-amp and OS updates, suggesting setup challenges with specific audio interfaces.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Symmetrix 425 is suggested over the RNC for modular setups, especially for bass-heavy content, where the RNC might underperform outside of its "super nice" mode.

    Source
  • The MSCL is recommended as a great stereo choice for modular racks, offering limiting capabilities often desired in modular setups, unlike the RNC.

    Source

Critic Reviews

FMR RNC1773 'Really Nice' Compressor

soundonsound.com

The FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor is a gem for budget-conscious studios. Renowned for its dual operational modes, it offers conventional compression with expected side effects and a unique 'Super Nice' mode that smooths out dynamics without losing detail. While its external PSU might be a slight inconvenience, the unit's ability to handle stereo mixes and its ease of use make it a compelling choice. Super Nice mode shines, providing transparent, almost invisible compression akin to higher-end models. Despite minor quirks, this compressor is a versatile tool that handles everything from subtle level control to creative pumping, making it a valuable addition to any setup.

positive

FMR Audio: RNC 1773 | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor lives up to its name, offering high-value performance at a budget-friendly price. Larry Crane praises its compact design and effectiveness, noting that it outshines many pricier competitors. Its "really nice" mode delivers subtle compression, making it versatile for various applications like overheads, room mics, guitars, and vocals. The downside? It lacks independent stereo controls, but for under $200, it's a minor trade-off. Overall, it's a little powerhouse that's hard to beat for the price.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 32 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

still the finest bang for buck mono comp going

the RNC is in fact REALLY NICE... its a VCA comp in the dbx/SSL camp with really fine control. If you're used to the E and G series channel comps you'll feel right at home. For guys doing one track at a time into a USB interface this is a must-have just for transparent peak limiting. This compressor would be a great buy at almost any price. If you don't know how to set up a compressor this is not really plug 'n play, but for anyone with experience and a decent set of ears? I own so many of these, they just get it done.

L

Really Really Nice

Don't let it's size fool you. It can flatten a (mix) bus like a steamroller if you let it. But at the same time it can be subtle like a breeze. I took it on the road a while as the master compressor for my live set as Analog Kitchen but is not much in use now. Every so often I'll use it and it never fails me. It's always nice to have options..

xaqary

Constant companion for more years than I can count

It's a different world now but when this came out it was an amazing bank for buck. It's super strait forward & easy to use. "Does what it says on the tin" piece of gear. Still gets use today, tho certainly not as much as it used to. That's not to discount it at all & I'm certainly not planning on selling it!

jimmarchi1

I like my really nice limiting amplifier too, loved the RNC so much that when the RNLA came out I pre-ordered one

xaqary

Totally, I was in that early adopter gang as well. Killer piece of kit. I used to have the RNLA but it fell victim to a "loan" to a buddy & I moved before I got it back.

mineral_walter

really nice

It works like a dream. I noticed a little high frequency drop (on hats and cymbals) when processing audio with it, but a little eq brings it back to shine.

jimmarchi1

yeah, FMR make a.... wait for it.... really nice compressor

its nice, really

lizardwizard__

Impressive

I was very successful using this in post production compressing. This bad boy does cut some low end even in bypass not a big deal if you’re expecting it

andreabertolinidj

really nice compressor

a great tool. really usefull and trasparent when recording voices with RN mode on. great also on parallel comp on drums

matthewfuqua

Made in Austin TX

I use this live for Acoustic Guitar. It works really great! Super transparent

jimmarchi1

love the really nice compressor! it just works, nothing more.... great change of pace from all the vintage and vintage-styled boxes where the flawed circuits color the sound and become an instrument in and of themselves!

G

Really nice stereo compact compressor:)

Love this little baby

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mat Zo uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Mat Zo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Featured in this April 25, 2019 Twitter post.

If you want an entry level outboard compressor, this is the one. Relatively cheap and it sounds great. It’s pretty good as just touch of saturation on a master with no peak reduction too

See how Steve Albini uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

video recorded at Electrical Audio, Steve Albini's studio, item shown at 8:56

See how HOMESHAKE uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

HOMESHAKE

Homeshake

...
Verified via Flaunt

In the Flaunt article "Homeshake's Doing Fine, Thanks," an FMR Audio device is visible behind HOMESHAKE's laptop. While it's uncertain if the device is the RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor or the RNLA, it is clearly an FMR Audio product.

See how Bohte "BOH" Saisuke uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Bohte "BOH" Saisuke

Bassist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via Photo

A photo Boh uploaded to his twitter showing that he has 2 FMR Audio, RNC1773 "Really Nice Compressors". One he had modified by the Umbrella Company, and another that is stock.

Translated Quote from Twitter "I forgot paste image (^ _ ;) that the left had been used up to now. This right is further modify version! "

See how Ross From Friends uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Ross From Friends

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via DJMag.com

Felix Clary Weatherall talks about using this item in the link.

See how ACM live uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

ACM live

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post titled "Synth Sunday," ACM live demonstrates the use of the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, incorporating it into their setup via a side chain bus on the mixing console.

See how Ruede Hagelstein uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Ruede Hagelstein

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Ruede Hagelstein showcases his live setup, featuring the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, which he used for a performance at About Blank in Berlin.

See how Bryce Barsten uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Bryce Barsten

Guitarist, Composer

Chinese American Bear

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram video posted by Chinese American Bear, Bryce Barsten's studio is shown with an FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor clearly visible on the shelf.

See how Paul Robb uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Paul Robb

Keyboardist, Composer

Information Society

...
Verified via Soundonsound

List of effects at Paul Robb's studio:

Aphex Type C2 Exciter. BBE 462 Sonic Maximiser enhancer. Drawmer DL241 dual compressor. "I generally strap this across the stereo buss. At some point I'd like to get a better compressor, though." Boss SE50. Boss SE70. "I primarily use these for distortion." Digitech VFX Valve FX. "This is an awesome distortion box. It's so bright it will rip your head off." Ensoniq DP/2. "I also use this primarily for distortion. All four of my distortion boxes [Digitech Valve FX, Roland SE50 and SE70, Ensoniq DP2] are absolutely critical to me. They're indispensable. I rarely use synthesizers anymore without running them through a guitar box." Eventide H3000 multi‑effects. FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor (x3). "These are my new favourite boxes. They make them in Texas, and they're incredibly cheap — 179 dollars, I think it was. But they're great, and on a par with the Drawmer compressor." Focusrite Red 2 Dual EQ. "It's mostly just gorgeous looking! Everyone who comes in here notices it. It looks like a piece of candy, you just want to bite on it. The thing is, it's so intimidating to look at, you really can't tell if it's any good or not — it doesn't need to be any good! I like it, though it's not quite good enough to strap across the whole mix: the EQ3D is on a par, even though it's half the price." Focusrite Red 7 Voice Channel. "This has a mic pre, a compressor, an enhancer and a de‑esser in it, which we use for recording vocals." Lexicon MPX1 multi‑effects. Lexicon PCM70 multi‑effects. Nightpro EQ3D filter. Peavey Analog Filter. "I actually very rarely use this. I've run some loops through it to make them sound crunchy and lo‑fi and it works OK. These techno people use outboard filters all the time — it's just that this one isn't a particularly good one, and I can't justify spending a grand on something like the Waldorf DPole or the Mutator." Roland SDE1000. "I just use this for simple delays." Roland SRV2000 reverb. SPL Vitalizer. "I think this is a lot more popular in Britain than it is here. I like it, but it has so much background hiss that I can only use it in loud noisy music. The great thing about it is the way it spreads the stereo fields, it's got some kind of phase." TC Electronic M2000 multi‑effects. Yamaha SPX90 multi‑effects. "This was the first effects box I ever bought and it's totally on its last legs. I keep it for its stereo split program, because it sounds so grainy and nice."

See how YMIR uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

YMIR

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by YMIR, the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor is visible in the background, confirming its use by the artist.

See how Joel Nielsen uses FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor

Joel Nielsen

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Imgur

Joel Nielsen's use of the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor is confirmed through a visual proof provided on Imgur.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, curated by the Equipboard community.

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