PreSonus RC 500 1-Channel Channel Strip

The RC 500’s 3-band semi-parametric EQ was designed to match the preamp and compressor. It combines isolated filters and optimized, per-band Q to provide subtle signal-shaping without harsh artifacts.

Features:

• Transformer-coupled, high gain microphone preamp with a Class A hybrid design
• FET based compressor using hybrid detection methods with switching relays for hard bypass
• 3-band semi-parametric equalizer with switching relays for hard bypass
• +48V phantom power, 80 Hz highpass filter, and -20 dB pad
• Front-panel 1/4" instrument and rear-panel XLR microphone and line inputs with Input Select switch
• VU meter with selectable output level/gain reduction display
• Analog insert with balanced send and return
• High grade components: film capacitors, 1% tolerance resistors, and very low-distortion op amps
• Master output control
• Balanced output on XLR and 1/4"TRS connectors
• Internal toroidal power supply with IEC connector
• Steel chassis

Specifications: Input Impedance

• Microphone: 1500 ohm
• Line: 1 k ohm
• Instrument: 1 M ohm
• Maximum Input Level:
• Microphone (-20 dB Pad out): 0 dBu
• Microphone (-20 dB Pad in): +20 dBu
• Balanced Line: +18 dBu
• Instrument: 0 dBu

Gain Range

• Microphone (-20 dB Pad out): +20 dB to +70 dB
• Line: -20 dB to +15 dB
• Instrument: +5 dB to +50 dB

Performance

• Noise Floor (all inputs, minimum gain): -102 dBu (A-weighted)
• Microphone Equivalent Input Noise (EIN; 20 Hz - 20 kHz): -125 dBu (A-weighted)
• Microphone Input THD+N: < 0.025% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Line Input THD + N: < 0.006% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Instrument Input THD + N: < 0.02% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 25 kHz, ±1 dB
• Maximum Output Level: +24 dBu
• Output Impedance: 50 ohm

EQ

• Type: 2nd-order shelving filter
• Q: 0.5
• Low Band (Low-pass or Bandpass): 20 Hz to 400 Hz, ±16 dB
• Mid Band: 400 Hz to 5 kHz, ±16 dB
• High Band (High-pass or Bandpass): 2 kHz to 20 kHz, ±16 dB

Compressor

• Type: FET VCA with RMS-based control
• Threshold (Variable): -25 dBu to +20 dBu
• Ratio (Fixed): 3:1
• Attack Time (Variable): Fast (0.5 ms) to Slow (10 ms)
• Release Time (Variable): Fast (30 ms) to Slow (500 ms)
• Curve Type: Soft knee

Power

• Internal supply, standard IEC connector: 100/120/230/240 VAC, 12W

Physical

• Dimensions: 1U rackmount
• Height: 1.72"(43.7 mm)
• Depth: 7.69" (195.3 mm)
• Width: 19"(482.6 mm)
• Weight: 7 lb. 3 oz. (3.26 kg)