RC-3
Compressor. $155
RC-2 Circuit board.
Internal "Bass Mod" Switch.
Reviews.
Manuals.
RC
video samples on Youtube (Thanks Shane!) 1. and 2.The
RC-3 is
our
interpretation of the Ross grey compressor. The vintage Ross
circuit and sound remain as popular as ever, and have inspired several
quality clones over the years. The Ross was a direct
descendant of the MXR Dynacomp, changing only modestly in the form of
better filtering of internal voltages and other very minor upgrades.
The Ross circuit is otherwise identical to the MXR and
virtually all of the other clones on the market. The Barge Concepts
RC-3 is designed to be a sonic and electrical equivalent of the Ross
and some of its more popular clones, with a variety of significant
enhancements.
1.
The RC-3 is electrically
the same as our RC-2 - same circuit, same controls,
same features, same
price - but in a smaller package. We've redesigned the RC
circuit board to fit into the compact
N1/125B sized enclosure. With a footprint of 4.7" x 2.5", the
new RC-3 saves close to 6 sq. inches of pedal board space in comparison
to the last revision.
2.
A normal Ross, MXR, or clone typically provides two rotary controls;
Level (a normal volume control) and Sustain (gain control for the
opamp). The RC-3 adds to these an additional
Release control to vary
the decay time of the compression control circuit.
We use a detented pot, making it easy to set the unit to the
original Ross decay value, as well as changing it to longer or shorter
values. The values chosen provide lots of room for experimentation, and
the detents are an easy way to return to favorite settings.
3.
A 4-layer, silkscreened and solder-masked circuit board inside the unit
provides the ultimate in power distribution to the
compressor circuitry. Two of the layers are devoted entirely
to providing power and ground for the components, resulting in lower
noise and more ideal performance. The RC-3 has been
engineered to operate safely at 18V, so you can use virtually any
standard external voltage supply with no fear of damage, though there
is a subtle change in the performance of the unit with higher voltages.
Our conclusion is that, all else being equal, a higher
operating voltage gives what appears to be a few more notches of
sustain, with no negative effects.
4.
The RC-3 bass response enhancement
switch greatly improves the low-end
response of the RC-3 compared to the Ross,
Dynacomp, and other Ross
clones. This is particularly important for bass and baritone
guitar players, and is accomplished by reducing the output impedance of
the RC-3 at the critical low end.
Depending on what equipment
you use, this can result in a 10dB or greater improvement in low
frequency oomph. Of course we understand that there might be
times when you want to sound EXACTLY like a Ross, so the internal
switch allows selection of either mode. On request, and for a
modest additional charge ($15), we also offer the option of a small,
unobtrusive, external toggle switch so you can quickly switch modes
whenever you want without having to remove the back cover.
5.
Inside the box we use our customary high quality components, jacks, and
switches. Sealed tantalum, film, and mica capacitors, along
with 1% metal film resistors and low noise transistors assure reliable
and accurate low noise and low distortion performance.
Exclusive use of audio-grade film capacitors in the signal
path (new in v2) further insures the integrity of the output signal,
while Switchcraft jacks and Alpha pots lend a solid feel to the unit.
The E grade of the amplifier (CA3080E) is used
and 3PDT true bypass with pop suppression is also
provided, as on all Barge Concepts products. The extra
interior space and 4-layer circuit board allow a very clean PC board
and wiring layout, with no evidence of things having been smashed into
place.
With less space
wasted on your board, vintage Ross circuit topology and sound, top
quality parts, variable decay control, low noise circuit design, and a
Barge Concepts price that makes it a lot easier to add a high quality,
industry-standard compressor to your setup - the RC-3 is simply the
best Ross clone you can buy at any price.
RC-3 features:
Compact, aluminum Hammond 1590N1-sized enclosure with all jacks
North-mounted.
3PDT True Bypass switching.
Variable decay setting via detented control.
Bicolor LED for Bypass(red) and Active (BLUE).
1% Metal Film Resistors.
High quality film and sealed Tantalum capacitors for improved signal
fidelity signal path is exclusively film capacitors.
Switchcraft jacks, mounted on the north-side to
conserve pedal board
space.
Alpha pots,
with set-screw knobs.
Clean interior layout using a 4 layer silkscreened and
solder-masked circuit board for low noise
and clean power distribution.
Industry standard 9V DC power jack (operation supported up to 18V with
regulated power supply).
Comes with a quality 9V battery pre-installed.
BARGE
CONCEPTS RC-3
Compressor. Free Domestic Priority Shipping.
$155
BARGE
CONCEPTS RC-3
Compressor. International shipping via USPS FCI. $165
Payment:
We
prefer PayPal, but we can also accept Western Union, money orders, and
personal checks. Most PayPal payments are immediate and will not delay
shipment of your unit. USPS money orders are the next fastest, but
other forms of payment will take longer, depending on the processing
time through our bank or yours.
If
you have special payment or shipping considerations, were
happy to
help in any way we can. If you have any other questions or concerns,
please feel free to
send us an email, and
thank
you for your interest in Barge Concepts!