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WES Audio Rhea

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WES Audio Rhea

WES Audio

Rhea

4.6 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 525556
Brand: WES Audio
Model: Rhea
Category: 500 Series Components
Price: $1,560.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Rhea is a serious contender for anyone wanting that classic, polished Vari-Mu vibe in their stereo mixes. WES Audio's choice of Carnhill transformers really delivers that sought-after warmth, and the recall function is a huge time-saver for tracking and mixing engineers. It's a high-end tool, but the results are undeniably impressive.

Product Description

  • WES Audio Rhea
  • Stereo Vari-Mu Style Tube Compressor with Digital Recall Function
  • Construction: 500 module
  • 100% Analogue signal path with +24dBu headroom
  • Carnhill input transformers
  • THD - Harmonic Distortion with two modes (Medium and High)
  • Side-chain filter (3 high pass filters at 60
  • 90 and 150 Hz)
  • Mix control for parallel compression
  • 4 Touch-sensitive encoders allow automation of certain parameters (Threshold
  • Make Up) in the DAW
  • True-bypass
  • Front mini-USB port for total recall function
  • Compatible with Titan cabinet
  • Power consumption: 190 mA
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 76 x 133 x 158 mm
PROS
  • • Carnhill transformers deliver a signature, warm, vintage-style compression.
  • • Digital recall significantly streamlines workflow for studio engineers.
  • • Flexible sidechain filters offer precise control over compression behavior.
  • • Intuitive touch encoders simplify automation within a DAW environment.
CONS
  • • Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for smaller studios or hobbyists.
  • • 500-series format restricts integration without a compatible rack.
  • • THD modes, while offering tonal variation, might be too subtle for some.

Product Video

Key Features

Module Type 500 Series Compressor
Channels Stereo
Controls Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Mix, Make-up Gain, THD Mode
Compatible Format 500 Series Modular Rack Systems (e.g., Titan)
Weight Approximately 1.2 kg (including connectors)

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Medium' mode offers a cleaner, more transparent compression, while 'High' introduces a noticeable harmonic richness and subtle saturation – it’s a subtle but distinct color shift.
It captures all key compressor parameters—threshold, ratio, attack, release, mix, make-up gain, and the selected THD mode—ensuring complete recall of your settings.
The Rhea aims for a more vintage, transformer-driven sound profile, whereas the API 2500 leans towards a more modern, aggressive compression. The Rhea’s recall function is also a significant differentiator.

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