FMR Audio PBC-6A

The FMR Audio PBC-6A is a single channel compressor, and is the newest that FMR Audio has to offer. It has both XLR and 1/4" connections and isn't in a traditional rack mountable case, as it is in a box about half the size. I have though, seen two units of this size made by FMR Audio in a custom rack.

UTILIZATION

If you've ever used a compressor before, you will be able to use the FMR Audio PBC-6A without a problem. It has pretty much all of the basic parameters associated with compressors. You've got knobs for drive, knee, attack, release, and output, as well as switches for 'thick' and bypass. It also has LED metering for gain reduction. Not too much else that you need to know about this unit, so unless you don't understand what these parameters do, a manual is not needed.

SOUND QUALITY

While a bit different than it's counterpart, the RNC (Really Nice Compressor), the FMR Audio PBC-6A has an overall very impressive tone. It is versatile as I've found it useful in just about every situation I've used it in. However, I do feel that you need to know this compressor in order to use it in the right spots, as it isn't for use with everything. It will hit your signal very hard! Of course you can back off a little bit depending on how you set the parameters, but in general this is a heavy compressor for sure...

OVERALL OPINION

When compared with the Really Nice Compressor, the FMR Audio PBC-6A isn't the same type of bang for your buck deal, but is nonetheless a very good deal. They set the bar very high with the RNC, which is probably the best deal on a compressor out there. Having said this, the PBC-6A comes quite close, as you're getting a top of the line compressor for around $500 USD. Absolutely worth looking into for both home and professional studio owners alike.

Mono compressor comprehensive and compact.
XLR Connectors and input / output, which contrasts compared to other brand models.
The model is not rack mountable, it needs a suitable block (all models of FMR are like that though).

UTILIZATION

Simple manual in English though.
A bypass button, and a thick button to change the color of the compressor.
By pressing these 2 buttons at once you can access the functions of the sidechain of the compressor and the sync between 2 PBC.
Anyway, apart from the connection between two PBC and the sidechain that I have not used, the setting sounds like any compressor is: attack, release, knee, no threshold, however, but a button to drive the metering amount of signal that goes into compression.

SOUND QUALITY

Effects very effective. The vast difference from the plugin's musicality in (almost) all circumstances, and for spending in the Masters, the full respect of the spectrum including the low frequencies that most swallow the plugin still slightly pushing the compression.
Even in the extreme, it keeps a nice color.
I have not yet found a bug on the wrong settings, yet I am back in it on several occasions'.
It is immediately apparent that he loves, he is very comfortable in that situation as extreme soft position.

OVERALL OPINION

Used in recent months in small studio pro.
In fact I do not know much about the world of compressors because few opportunities to compare.
The color, however, a Urei or a Distressor is very recognizable. Here it is not exactly the same thing but I can assure you that the record is stunning. I can cite in this connection the words of a famous manufacturer "if it sounds good, it IS that good."
And this little there, it sounds very very very good.
Well the attack is slower than 1776, it is a vintage lamp color. Very effective on bass, voice, but also on percussion, drums, guitar, with this you'll understand a lot of instrumentals is now going through this unit and expanded emerge, accurate, musical.
Value for money now unbeatable in my ear and better, I do not even think to compare with others since I use it.
As soon as the means to me I can buy another for a stereo set.
It is truly regrettable that the French market has no distributor for this brand, offering high quality products at affordable rates when paying attention to budgets. That said there may be exclusive in the air for the European market: /