RDL's HR-MCP2 Dual Microphone Compressor provides excellent input headroom and a transparent frequency response while keeping crosstalk and distortion well below the noise floor. Rear-panel switches allow you to choose whether each channel will operate as a mic-pre or as a studio quality compressor. Also included is a 48 Vdc phantom power option which ensures that the HR-MCP2 is compatible with both condenser and dynamic microphones.
The compressor utilizes gain reduction and automatic time release features to smooth the audio and prevent clipping throughout a wide dynamic range. It achieves its goal subtly and maintains the original sound quality with studio quality results and low noise performance.
Each of the two available mic-pre channels are equipped with a 6 dB/octave low-cut filter with a -3 dB cutoff at 80 Hz, an input pad which attenuates the input by 15 dB, and an output gain control which can correct the gain between 20 dB and 60 dB (for line level). All of these features can be toggled on and off via switches on the front face or a knob next to each channel. A 7-stage LED meter string can also be found on the front face which indicates the amount of gain reduction being applied to the audio signal. If the signal gets within 1 dB of clipping, the LED will flash red to indicate that the signal is too hot.
The rear of the HR-MCP2 features 2 balanced XLR ins and outs plus 2 balanced detachable terminal blocks ins and outs. Any of these connectors can also be rewired for unbalanced applications. The unit is compact in size and only takes up a half rack space, although to mount in a rack you must purchase the mounting kit separatly. The body is constructed of shielded metal and out of the box is designed to be a free-standing unit. Overall, if you are a looking for a reliable, transparent, versatile, and compact mic pre/compressor, the HR-MCP2 is an ideal choice.