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.