Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor/Limiter

The Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor/Limiter is a hand made, VCA based stereo compressor and limiter that I have experience using in the recording studio. I don't know what sorts of connections it has since the one I have used was already racked up in the studio that I used it at and we used the patch bay that it was connected to to make the connections. It is however rack mountable and will take up two rack spaces in a traditional casing.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor/Limiter is generally pretty easy to understand. Each of the two channels has parameters that control threshold, ratio, gain make up, attack, and release, as well as another threshold knob for the limiter. It also contains buttons for putting the compressor and limiter in or out, as well as for gain change, meter, and stereo. While you'll definitely recognize a lot of the parameters found on here if you've got experience with compressors, it will still take a minute to learn exactly what all of the features do. The manual is put together pretty well and is thorough if you're looking for help.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor/Limiter is absolutely outstanding. This box can be used for both mixing and mastering, as it has the pristine sound and stereo capabilites that make it suitable for either. I haven't really used the Red 3 too much for mastering, as I've mostly used it during the tracking and mixing process. Many a times I've run the lead vocal chain through the Red 3 just to hit it a bit and level off the signal. I've also used it during mix down stages to give sounds an extra kick or to level out a signal. Having the limiter on here also makes it versatile and certainly useful for uses in just about any capacity.

OVERALL OPINION

The Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor/Limiter is definitely the type of compressor/limiter that you'll only see in professional studios. It's simply too expensive for anyone other than a professional who is looking to assemble a top notch studio with all the high quality equipment that clients would expect. While I don't know that anything is worth this amount of money, if any compressor/limiter is worth it, I couldn't argue with this one. It's versatile and crystal clear sounding quality make a unit that is really hard to beat...

Dual compressor limiter "linkable" in Stereo.
Analog pure class A
2 inputs, 2 outputs and two inputs of Key dclenchement XLR symtriques
2U 19 "rack

UTILIZATION

Ds Trs easy to use now or we matrise the principles of threshold levels, time attack, time relchement (manual or auto) and adjustable gain.
No need for manual but plutt good ears and time to try to express ... and make choices.

SOUND QUALITY

Rput originally for its transparency in Ralite I find it pretty color ds the instant you push a little compression.
Used on everything, I personally prfre electric guitars clean sound on bass (excellent) or snare.

OVERALL OPINION

APRS fifteen years of use, the red three is for me a compressor part, not as colorful as compressors, lamps, not as transparent as other (Studer. ..), which have rately night's reputable. In Ralite is a great tool trs excellent quality in sound recording (provided they do not force) but also in the mix, or it rvle a true personality and dmontre all its intrt. It is complmentaire other good compressors DIFFERENT characters. He ridicules all software compressors Obviously. I remixed again in analog and I use it on all my mix (except for classical music that I prfre the Studer).
The report qualitprix if I believe the 4300 application did me parat not terrible (I bought it 19,000 francs fifteen years ago).
The problem is not to make a choice, but several choices of colors diffrent compressors. This is part of the ten outstanding choice.

The Red 3 compressor is equipped with dual functions fairly extensive, all controls are familiar to the rendezvous. He also has 2 VU meters, which can indicate the choice the output level or amplitude compression. A key "stereo" to control the 2 channels through a single command module.
Also has an entry called "Key" for a link in side chain .. In short, a compressor after all normal functionality.

UTILIZATION

The use of this tool is simple and enjoyable. The red 3 provides a very classic setting for the rate, the trigger, shutter speed and relaxation.

SOUND QUALITY

This compressor does not add breath, do not pump easily and just be very discreet. on the other hand, when attempting to apply most strongly to such a swell voice, or search the sustain of a guitar, I noticed a rise in low frequencies. A feature that can sometimes be interesting.

OVERALL OPINION

The primary purpose of a compressor is not color the sound, but make sure the levels. Focusrite this respect perfectly the reason it was designed .. compress and limit ..