Download
Share
Print this page
WesAudio _RHEA User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. WesAudio Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. RHEA
  6. User manual

WesAudio _RHEA User Manual

Stereo vari-mu tube compressor with digital recall
Hide thumbs Also See for _RHEA:

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the _RHEA and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for WesAudio _RHEA

Summary of Contents for WesAudio _RHEA

  • Page 2 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 www.WesAudio.com User manual Copyright 2024 by WesAudio...
  • Page 3 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 Thank You for the purchase of Stereo Vari-mu Tube Compressor with digital recall With kind regards Radoslaw Wesolowski and Michal Weglicki...
  • Page 4 The rich, musical compression of the vari-mu design is hard to surpass. Enter the ng500 series' latest addition, _RHEA—a true embodiment of where the modern age converges with vintage elegance. _RHEA is a fully analog, stereo vari-mu tube compressor with the convenience of digital recall.
  • Page 5 Digital Control / Recall ..........................22 6.1 DAW Plug-in ............................23 6.1.1 _RHEA - Plugin Structure ........................24 6.1.2 _RHEA - Plugin Structure (Saturation Mode) ..................27 Other Functions ............................29 7.1 Memories ..............................29 7.1.1 Synchronization Upon Connection ..................... 29...
  • Page 6 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 7.2 Metering ..............................30 Hookup diagrams ............................ 31 8.1 Hookup diagram – analog cables with _TITAN ..................31 8.2 Hookup diagram – _CALYPSO and _TITAN ..................... 32 8.3 Hookup diagram – 500 Series Chassis ....................33 8.4 Other examples ............................
  • Page 7 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 _RHEA is a fully analog unit with digital control, ensuring that all audio processing is handled exclusively through analog components. The digital aspect of the device is dedicated to configuring settings, enabling features like digital recall and remote control.
  • Page 8 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 • True Bypass: Completely removes the unit from the signal chain when not in use, preserving signal integrity. • Accurate Analog GR Meter: Displays real-time gain reduction, with matching plugin simulation for consistency.
  • Page 9 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 This chapter will go through all analog features and explain all hardware aspects of _RHEA. Frequency response 10Hz-150kHz (-3dB) THD+N < 0.03% (1kHz, 0dBu) No compression THD+N >= 1% At maximum compression level Input Impedance...
  • Page 10 An API™ 500 Series compatible rack • _TITAN or any other ng500 compatible chassis, WesAudio's _RHEA module isn't standalone; it needs power from the rack system to function. When unpacking, check for any damage caused during shipping. If there's a problem, contact your dealer immediately!
  • Page 11 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 500 series compatibility note: Each WesAudio device within the ng500 (Next Generation 500 series) lineup comes with a unique connector. This specialized connector serves as an extension to the standard 500 series, enabling your device to be controlled and recalled using the specialized GCon protocol. For instance, this connector allows compatibility with the _Titan 500 series 10-slot frame.
  • Page 12 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2...
  • Page 13 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 1) INPUT – Adjusts the input signal level, with a range from -15dB to +15dB. 2) THRESHOLD – Sets the threshold level where the compressor begins to act. The threshold is fully adjustable. 3) OUTPUT – Adjusts the output signal level, with a range from -15dB to +15dB.
  • Page 14 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 _RHEA is true stereo compressor – that means that detector circuits of each channel are working on a summed signal in the side chain circuit. This makes it impossible to work in dual mono mode – we can’t process two independent tracks on each channel simultaneously –...
  • Page 15 Notes on Analog Board Revisions: • (*) Analog Board REV E: In this revision of the _RHEA main board, compression is softened, and the gain staging is pushed forward to produce the desired amount of saturation. Please note that some compression artifacts may still be audible, as compression is not entirely disabled.
  • Page 16 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 The saturation effect in saturation mode is highly dependent on the input signal level. A higher input signal level makes it easier to achieve an audible saturation effect. Without proper gain staging, the saturation effect can be...
  • Page 17 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 The WesAudio software package is accessible for download to all purchasers of the corresponding hardware unit at https://www.wesaudio.com/download. For information on supported plugin types and platforms, please refer to the provided link. To initiate the installation of the WesAudio software package, navigate to http://www.wesaudio.com/download and download the latest version of the software.
  • Page 18 If you encounter any issues during the installation process, please reach out to our support team at support@wesaudio.com, and we will respond promptly to assist you. Below is a common issue along with suggestions that might help in diagnosing the problem: •...
  • Page 19 The GConManager is a versatile application designed for configuration management across compatible devices. It is located within the Application folder data: • For OSX: Access it at “/Applications/WesAudio/GConManager.” • For WINDOWS: Find it in the folder chosen during the installation phase, typically “c:/Program Files x86/WesAudio/GConManager.exe”...
  • Page 20 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 Each device communicates its firmware version to your workstation, establishing compatibility between your host application and the connected device. To verify the firmware version or perform an upgrade, please use the GConManager _CONFIG application.
  • Page 21 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 To update the firmware, navigate to the GConManager UPGRADE section and press the “Start” button. This starts the update process for any modules that do not have the latest firmware version.
  • Page 22 In essence, _RHEA 's DAW plugin integration marries the rich, analog sound quality with the precision and versatility of digital control. This not only amplifies the functionality of _RHEA but also elevates the music production process, offering unprecedented control and flexibility in a traditionally analog setup.
  • Page 23 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 The _RHEA plug-in extends comprehensive control over all parameters of the unit, ensuring seamless integration into any digital audio workstation (DAW) environment. Designed to be versatile and accessible, it supports all common plug-in standards, including VST2, VST3, AU (Audio Units), and AAX, making it compatible...
  • Page 24 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2...
  • Page 25 _RHEA, whether you're adjusting parameters on the physical unit or via the plug-in. 1. Undo: The Undo feature in the _RHEA plug-in allows users to revert to the previous state before the most recent adjustment was made. This function is essential for quickly correcting mistakes or reassessing changes without permanent consequences to the settings.
  • Page 26 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 24. The Select Connection Button within the _RHEA plug-in serves as a gateway to establishing and managing connections with devices that support the GCon protocol. This feature simplifies the process of identifying and selecting the hardware unit to be controlled, providing a user-friendly interface for seamless integration between the plug-in and physical devices.
  • Page 27 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2...
  • Page 28 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 1. Saturation Meter: Displays the current level of saturation applied. 2. Saturation Graph: Displays the real-time visualization of the amount of saturation applied to the signal. 3. Drive: Adjusts the amount of saturation, increasing harmonic distortion as you turn it up.
  • Page 29 For example, if the connection between the _RHEA plugin and the _RHEA hardware is made while the plugin is in its default state, all parameter states, including A and B presets, will be downloaded to the plugin.
  • Page 30 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 _RHEA unit features an analog Gain Reduction (GR) meter that provides real-time visual feedback on the amount of compression being applied. This meter is essential for monitoring the dynamics of your signal, allowing you to see how much gain reduction is occurring as you adjust the compressor’s settings.
  • Page 31 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 Below chapter shows possible hookup of the WesAudio devices and audio interface. Audio interface OUTs to _TITAN INs _TITAN OUTs to Audio Interface INs Control and Recall of the units (*) PLUG-IN which controls...
  • Page 32 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 ADAT I/O - _CALYPSO in _TITAN chassis converts and distributes analog signal internally in the chassis Control and Recall of the units (*) PLUG-IN which controls hardware unit Computer to Audio Interface connection (USB/TB etc.) (*) Please note that _TITAN Ethernet connection doesn’t require direct connection with the PC/MAC –...
  • Page 33 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 Audio interface OUTs to 500 chassis INs 500 series chassis OUTs to Audio Interface INs Each module USB socket needs to be connected either directly or via USB HUB PLUG-IN which controls hardware unit Computer to Audio Interface connection (USB/TB etc.)
  • Page 34 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 Please note that all WesAudio units, despite their digital recall and control capabilities, remain fully analog and can be utilized at any stage of the production process, including recording and post-processing. For instance, like any other units, WesAudio modules can be seamlessly integrated during tracking.
  • Page 35 No Sound Output or Signal Loss • Unexpected Distortion • Thumping or Low-End Artifacts • Inconsistent Compression • • No Response to DAW Automation • Excessive Heat Please visit the WesAudio FAQ site https://wesaudio.com/faq/ for detailed troubleshooting steps and solutions.
  • Page 36 WESAUDIO 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 GCon is a high-speed communication protocol developed to enable complete management and recall of analog devices. It's important to note that GCon is solely focused on device control and management; it does not facilitate the transfer of audio signals. This protocol is instrumental in bridging the gap between analog warmth and digital convenience, allowing users to enjoy the best of both worlds without compromising on sound quality or control flexibility.
  • Page 37 8/13/24 _RHEA USER MANUAL V2 WesAudio is committed to delivering products of the highest quality, designed for durable and reliable performance over many years, assuming proper care, usage, transport, and storage. Our products come with a two-year warranty covering defects in parts and workmanship from the original date of purchase.