{"product_id":"wesaudio-rhea-ng500-500-series-stereo-vari-mu-tube-compressor","title":"WesAudio RHEA NG500 500 Series Stereo Vari-Mu Tube Compressor","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eVintage Soul Meets Future Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eWesAudio RHEA\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% analogue, stereo Vari-Mu tube compressor that bridges the gap between classic valve musicality and modern digital efficiency. Designed for mixing and mastering engineers who demand the legendary \"glue\" of high-voltage tubes but require the precision of plugin-style recall, the RHEA provides an uncompromising solution for the professional studio. Whether you are smoothing out a vocal bus or adding weight to a final master, RHEA delivers the rich harmonic character only genuine valves can provide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"1103\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2F_QsOvlBqQ\" title=\"WesAudio _RHEA - stereo vari-mu true tube compressor with digital recall - Features overview\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRich Harmonic Character and Headroom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the heart of RHEA are two new-old-stock (NOS) Russian 6N3P dual-triode valves and premium Carnhill interstage transformers. This high-voltage architecture operates at 160V to ensure a massive +24dBu of headroom, allowing you to push your signal without losing clarity or transient detail. The result is a sound that adds immediate weight, thickness, and a pleasing \"sheen\" to any source material, particularly effective for drum buses and stereo masters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNext-Generation Workflow Precision\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRHEA is part of the innovative ng500 (Next Generation 500 Series) standard. While the signal path remains purely analogue, the unit features full digital control via a dedicated DAW plugin (VST2\/VST3\/AU\/AAX). This allows you to automate analogue parameters, save unlimited presets, and achieve Total Recall instantly when reopening a session. Connection is simple: use the front-panel mini-USB or slot it into a WesAudio _TITAN chassis for seamless integration over a single cable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCreative Tonal Sculpting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeyond standard compression, RHEA acts as a versatile tone-shaping tool. The THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) switch offers two distinct modes (Medium and High) to saturate your signal with beautiful analogue colour. For more aggressive processing, a dedicated Saturation Mode can disable the compression circuit entirely, transforming the unit into a powerful tube saturator. Combined with a dry\/wet Mix knob for parallel compression, RHEA offers unparalleled creative flexibility in a 500-series format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue stereo tube \"Vari-Mu\" style compression circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNOS Russian 6N3P dual-triode valves responsible for gain reduction and amplification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-voltage tube operation (160V) for exceptional headroom and low noise\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Carnhill interstage transformers for enhanced low-end weight and focus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFront-panel Mix knob for automated parallel compression within your DAW\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProprietary THD modes (Medium and High) for selectable harmonic saturation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated Saturation Mode to use the tube stage as a standalone drive circuit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree-frequency sidechain high-pass filters (60 Hz, 90 Hz, 150 Hz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull digital recall and DAW automation of all analogue parameters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStandalone hardware A\/B memory slots for instant setting comparisons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with standard 500 series racks and WesAudio ng500 systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue hardware bypass ensures total signal integrity when not in use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTech Specs:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stereo Vari-Mu Tube Compressor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 150 kHz (-3 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion (No Comp):\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt; 0.03% (1 kHz, 0 dBu)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Signal Level (Headroom):\u003c\/strong\u003e +24 dBu\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrosstalk:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt; -80 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAttack Times:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5, 1, 3, 10, 20, 50 ms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Times:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSidechain Filter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Off, 60 Hz, 90 Hz, 150 Hz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTHD Modes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium (1%), High (3%)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt; 100 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBypass:\u003c\/strong\u003e True hardware relay bypass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModule Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500 Series \/ ng500 (Double slot format)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComputer Connection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Front Panel Mini-USB or via WesAudio _TITAN Chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e 190 mA per rail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76 x 133 x 158 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.95 kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExplore WesAudio Premium Analogue Gear [_RHEA]:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Explore WesAudio Premium Analogue Gear\" href=\"https:\/\/wesaudio.com\/product\/_rhea\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003ehttps:\/\/wesaudio.com\/product\/_rhea\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"1103\" height=\"621\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TLUY4xcap7k\" title=\"Introducing the New WesAudio DIONE \u0026amp; RHEA Plug-ins – Enhanced Features \u0026amp; Workflow Revolution!\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"WesAudio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51058884476964,"sku":"ADSRS_WesAud_RHEA","price":29665.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0984\/8294\/files\/ADSRS_WesAud_RHEAimg01.jpg?v=1783929620","url":"https:\/\/www.audiosaurus.co.za\/products\/wesaudio-rhea-ng500-500-series-stereo-vari-mu-tube-compressor","provider":"Audiosaurus ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}