RHEA - Stereo Tube Vari-Mu Compressor with Digital Recall
RHEA is a high-voltage, true vari-mu tube compressor designed to bring vintage analogue tone into modern studio workflows. Part of the ng500 series, RHEA blends the lush, musical compression of a fully tube-based circuit with advanced features like digital recall, plugin control, and DAW automation. With +24dBu of headroom and full stereo operation, it's an ideal tool for mastering, mixbus processing, and rich tonal sculpting.
True Analogue Tube Compression
At the heart of RHEA is a fully analogue vari-mu circuit, where gain reduction is driven by vacuum tubes operating under high voltage for exceptional musicality and warmth. The compression behaviour is feedback-based, a signature trait of classic tube compressors, producing naturally smooth and transparent dynamics.
Modern Control Meets Vintage Tone
- Interstage Carnhill transformers ensure low-end depth and analogue colour
- MIX knob for easy parallel compression with DAW automation
- THD circuit with Medium and High settings for analogue saturation
- Sidechain filters: 60Hz, 90Hz, and 150Hz high-pass options
- Total recall and plugin control via VST3, AU, AAX, AAX DSP, and more
- 4 touch-sensitive encoders for real-time automation recording in DAW
- Hardware A/B function for comparing settings instantly
Fully Integrated with 500 Series and ng500 Systems
RHEA is compatible with standard 500 Series racks and extends functionality through the ng500 platform. When used with the TITAN chassis, All parameters can be managed via a single USB or Ethernet connection-making it perfect for hybrid studios seeking seamless hardware/software integration.
Key Features
- 100% analogue tube compressor with +24dBu headroom
- True stereo vari-mu topology with high-voltage tube operation
- Carnhill transformers for analogue depth and colour
- Input and output level controls for flexible gain staging
- MIX knob for parallel compression
- THD modes: Medium and High for harmonic colouration
- Sidechain HPF options: 60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz
- 500 Series and ng500 compatible (e.g., TITAN)
- Plugin control and total recall with all major DAWs
- Full DAW automation via 4 touch-sensitive encoders
Technical Specifications
- Frequency response: 10Hz - 150kHz (-3dB)
- THD+N: <0.03% (1kHz, 0dBu, no compression)
- THD+N: ≥1% at maximum compression
- Input impedance: 20kΩ
- Output impedance: <100Ω
- Max signal level: +24dBu
- Crosstalk: <-80dB
- THD (Medium): 1%
- THD (High): 3%
- Attack times: 0.5, 1, 3, 10, 30, 50 ms
- Release times: 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 s
- SC filter settings: 60Hz, 90Hz, 150Hz
- Power consumption: 190mA per rail
- Dimensions: 76 x 133 x 158 mm
Perfect For:
- Mastering engineers and mixbus compression
- Producers seeking tube warmth with digital precision
- Studios integrating analogue hardware into DAW-based workflows
Discover the Soul of Analogue Compression
RHEA captures the best of both worlds-vintage tube tone and modern recallable control. Whether you're enhancing a vocal, gluing a mix, or adding subtle movement to your master, RHEA brings unmistakable analogue character to any production with the ease of digital integration.