Bellari RP583 Studio Tube Compressor/Limiter

No longer available at zZounds
This is a carousel with one large image and a track of thumbnails on the left side. Select any of the thumbnail buttons to change the main image. You may also use the left and right arrow keys to navigate between images.
Bellari RP583 Studio Tube Compressor/Limiter, Main
Bellari RP583 Studio Tube Compressor/Limiter, Main
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
True threshold detector circuit.

This compressor/limiter features solid-state input and output buffering only, 1/4 in. and XLR inputs and outputs, calibrated and accurate meters, and side chain for direct access to detector circuits. It also has a versatile compression range. It goes into gear for both subtle compression-like vocal or program material and hard compression-like instrumental work.

Features
All-tube gain circuitry with proper high-voltage plate voltages.

Solid-state input and output buffering only.

1/4 in. and XLR inputs and outputs.

Calibrated, accurate meters.

Smooth, lively tube sound.

Side chain for direct access to detector circuits.

Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz

Input Impedance: 10K Ohms balanced, 1M Ohms unbalanced

S/N Ratio: 90 dB

Indicators: 2 Active LEDs, 2 Analog Meters

Input/Output jacks: XLR balanced, 1/4 in. unbalanced, Side Chain 1/4 in. unbalanced

Dimensions: 3.5 x 6 x 19 in. (89 x 162 x 482mm)

Weight: 6 lbs. (2.72 kg)

Power: 120VAC (230VAC) 15VA

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 801-263-9053
Data Sheet
Manual

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (24 ratings)
Submitted November 24, 2004 by a customer from gmail.com

"This thing is so much fun!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I will never part with this unit. It is a welcome part of my arsenal. There are better sounding compressors that cost twice as much. There are also less flexible compressors that cost twice as much. The RP583 fills a compression void somewhere in between cheap solid-state compressors and ultra-rude Joe Meek type stuff.

Sound
I really like the unique sound of this compressor. It is one of the least expensive tube units you can buy, and perhaps as a result of this it is not smooth and transparent. It pumps, it distorts... but it's very controllable. Yes it can be used for subtle compression as well, but there are other compressors more suitable for that.

Features
All the controls are laid out in a concise way. At first it seems a little weird to have the "output" knob on the left, because I personally see it as the last stage of the unit's internal signal path. But the knobs are nice and big, the meters are quite readable, and all the stuff you expect - including XLR connections and sidechain - are present.

Quality
I am weary about taking a tube-based unit with me anywhere. But nevertheless this thing seems to be built like a tank.

Value
This is the least expensive dual tube preamp I know of. It does not excel at subtle compression (but it is capable). This would be good for somebody who uses several compressors in a recording setup and would like… read more some variety, or a software musician who has access to decent software compressors and would like a little outboard analog warmth and craziness.

Manufacturer Support
I leave this at "10" to not hurt the overall score... I have never needed to contact the manufacturer.

The Wow Factor
What a great retro look. I just love the thing in my rack.

Musical Background:
Performing and recording electronic composer

Musical Style:
electro dance weird stuff read less
8 of 8 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Rate and Review this Product
Read more reviews

No longer available at zZounds

In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer