WesAudio RHEA User manual

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
2
Thank You for the purchase of _RHEA
_RHEA
Stereo vari-mu Tube compressor with digital control over VST2/VST3/AAX/AU
plugins.
With kind regards
Radoslaw Wesolowski and Michal Weglicki

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
3
_RHEA is next product in new generation 500 series line
created by WesAudio.
Since digital footprint became part of the modern age, analog flavor was demanded more than
ever. It is hard to imagine more musical and rich sounding compression than vari-mu desgin.
This time ng500 line presents _RHEA - most noble of all, where modern age meets vintage,
literally.
_RHEA - fully analog, stereo vari-mu tube compressor with digital recall.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
4
Table of Contents
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................6
2. Main Features ...............................................................................................................................6
3. Module installation and compatibility............................................................................................. 7
4. Front Panel ................................................................................................................................. 10
5. Sound......................................................................................................................................... 12
6. Stereo vs Mono ............................................................................................................................13
7. Software..................................................................................................................................... 14
5.1. Installation ................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1.1. Windows................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1.2. OSX........................................................................................................................................ 15
5.1.3. Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 15
5.2. Plugin..........................................................................................................................................17
5.2.1. How does it work? ....................................................................................................................17
5.3. How to connect a unit to a Plugin-in?........................................................................................... 18
5.4. Plugin description.................................................................................................................... 19
6. Hookup diagrams........................................................................................................................ 20
6.1. Hookup diagram –analog cables with _TITAN .......................................................................... 21
6.1.1. Hookup diagram –_CALYPSO and _TITAN............................................................................... 22
6.1.2. Hookup diagram –500 series chassis ........................................................................................ 23
6.1.3. Other examples....................................................................................................................... 24
6.2. Setup for mixing ......................................................................................................................... 25
6.2.1. HW insert/External effect in DAW............................................................................................. 25
6.2.2. Direct output in DAW .............................................................................................................. 26
6.4. Memories................................................................................................................................... 27
6.4.1. Synchronization upon connection ............................................................................................ 27
6.5. Automation................................................................................................................................ 27
6.5.1. Automation record .................................................................................................................. 27
6.6. Pro Tools Integration .................................................................................................................. 27
6.7. GCon Manager ........................................................................................................................... 28

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
5
6.13.1.How to check firmware version ................................................................................................ 29
6.13.2. How to perform firmware upgrade....................................................................................... 29
7. Factory reset................................................................................................................................31
8. Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................31
8.1. Module is frozen and doesn’t react to encoder moves....................................................................31
8.2. Module passes signal only when bypassed.....................................................................................31
8.3. Module can’t connect to a plug-in.................................................................................................31
8.4. Module disconnects by itself........................................................................................................ 32
8.5. Module can’t connect anymore.................................................................................................... 32
8.6. (WINDOWS) Unit can’t connect to a plug-in. ................................................................................ 32
9. Abbreviations and terms...............................................................................................................33
10. Warranty .....................................................................................................................................33
11. History........................................................................................................................................ 34

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
6
1. Introduction
_RHEA is fully analog unit with digital control - whole audio processing is done ONLY through analog
components. Digital side is responsible to configure device accordingly, which allows to implement digital
recall and remote control of the unit.
2. Main Features
100% analog device with +24dBu of headroom,
True stereo tube “vari-mu” style compressor,
High voltage (160V) tube operation,
Inter-stage CARNHILL transformers,
Input and output level control for maximum flexibility,
Mix knob for parallel compression,
THD –harmonic distortion with two modes (Medium & High),
SIDE CHAIN FILTERS –3 high pass filters at 60, 90 and 150 Hz,
500 series and ng500 (e.g. _TITAN) series compatible,
Total Recall and plugin control compatible with most DAWs,
Analog automation in DAW.
Fully digitally controlled and isolated analog circuit,
Digital recall can be achieved by connecting unit directly through front
panel mini USB socket, or using it inside _TITAN chassis,
4 touch sensitive encoders allow record automation of particular parameters (Threshold, Mix,
Make Up) in DAW,
True bypass,
Accurate analogue GR meter and its precise simulation implemented in the plug-in itself,
Free software and firmware upgrades.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
7
3. Module installation and compatibility.
WesAudio _RHEA compressor module is designed to be installed into an API™ 500 Series compatible
rack or in ng500 rack (e.g. _TITAN) and cannot function stand alone, requiring the power source supplied
by the rack system.
Important NOTE:
Unit produces fair amount of heat because of its power consumption and tubes, it is highly
recommended to leave empty space above and below chassis to allow proper air
circulation. Ideally 1U space above, and 1U space below.
After unpacking your _RHEA module, please check for any visible damage that may have occurred
during transit. If there is any problem, please contact your dealer immediately for an advice on how to
proceed.
!!!Ensure the rack is completely powered down before attempting
installation to prevent damage to the module and yourself!!!
!!!UNIT OPERATES AT HIGH
VOLTAGE!!!
!!DO NOT TOUCH ANY COMPONENT
INSIDE THE MODULE WHEN CHASSIS IS
ON!!
Module installation walkthrough:
Choose the position in the rack to which you will install the module and slide it in so that the edge
connector of the module aligns with the matching connector in the rack. A gentle push and the module
should slide home into the rack connector. Attach the front panel to the front of the rack with screws
supplied by your rack manufacturer. This is important for mechanical rigidity. Do not over tighten these
screws to avoid stripping out the threads. Apply power, test that everything is working OK, and most
importantly, enjoy!

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
8
500 series compatibility note:
Each WesAudio device in ng500 (Next Generation 500 series) product line is equipped with special
connector. This connector is an extension to 500 series, and allows your device to be managed/recalled
through specialized GCon protocol (e.g. _Titan 500 series 10 slots frame).
This extension is compatible with 500 series standardized plug type, however some manufacturers
apply enormous screws to the plug itself, which prevent the device to fit in. Based on official research
more than 90% of available 500 series racks will fit just fine. Currently known exceptions:
1) Rupert Neve Designs 500 series Racks (R6 & R10),
2) Aphex 500 series rack,problematic_screw-copy
3) Some older BAE racks (not produced anymore).
4) Midas L6 –Module won’t be able to fit till the very end on slot 3 & 6 – it should work just fine
though.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
9
5) Midas L10 –Module won’t be able to fit till the very end on slot 4 & 8 – it should work just fine
though.If you are in possession of any of those 500 series racks, there are two options:
NG500 module won’t fit into this racks because of upper screw attached to 500 series connector.
This particular screw can be removed without any side effects in most of listed racks. With such
simple modification your rack is ready to host any NG500 module on this particular slot.
If you are in possession of any of those 500 series racks, there are following options:
1) If You are in posession of WesAudio module WITH
ng500 connector (regular version):
a. RND R6 & R10 –it is quite simple
modification to remove thoe screws, and
there is no impact on the chassis –We have
created very simple tutorial:
http://wesaudio.com/r6_mod/
b. For Midas L6 & L10 –WesAudio modules
can be placed on slots without the upper
screw on the connector.
c. For BAE & Aphex racks –it was not analyzed
how complicated removal of those screws
can be, so we would advise to select
different chassis, or aquire WesAudio
module without ng500 connector (please
check below).
2) You can order WesAudio module WITHOUT ng500 connector (special order):
Each device can be ordered without special ng500 series connector which makes it fully 500
series compatible, however:
a) The device compatibility with _TITAN chassis is broken, and can’t be undone.
b) The device can be managed/recalled via direct USB connection without any problems –
however please note that each module to be connected separately via USB cable.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
10
4.Front Panel

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
11
1. INPUT –Input level of the signal –range -15 dB to 15dB,
2. THRESHOLD –sets the operatinglevel for the kneeof the compressor.Threshold is continuously
adjustable,
3. OUTPUT –Output level of the signal - range -15dB to 15dB,
4. ATTACK –controls the quickness of the compressor’s response to changes. Six switchable attack
rates: 0.5, 1, ; 3, 10, 20 and 50 ms,
5. MIX - WET/DRY signal mixer knob for parallel compression,
6. RELEASE –release time is switchable between 0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.8 and 3.6 seconds.
7. THD –controls the harmonic distortion of the Wet signal only. Two switchable modes are
possible: MED (1%THD) and HIGH (2.5%THD),
8. A/B –two slot memory buttons which can be used to compare two different compressor settings,
9. SC FILTER - this button determine three side-chain hi-pass filter frequency (60Hz,90Hz,150Hz),
10. BYPASS –true bypass button,
11. USB –module control USB port,
12. DATA LED –indicates that data is being sent from DAW to device,
13. H-LINK LED –indicates state of host-module connection,
14. GR METER –analogue GR meter indicating current gain reduction.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
12
5. Sound
Vari-mu style compression is very natural in sounding. The behavior is so musical, that in a lot of
situations we will be tempted to push the compressor to the very high gain reduction settings. And this
is all fine! However, there is a tradeoff which can lead to the tube overload for some very dynamic
content –ant it may end up in audible distortion. For some high peaks and fast transient material (like
e.g. drums) this can be really a desired effect, but sometimes it won’t simply align well with source
material –please note though, this effect can start to be audible with very aggressive setting!
This is something to be careful about, we would like to emphasize that this effect is not anyhow
connected with unit’s headroom but it is caused by tubes behavior in particular.
THUMP?
“Thump” or “Thumping” in vari-mu compressors is very specific effect when side chain control
voltage gets into the signal. This is caused because of very small tubes imbalance. It may bring to the
processed signal some additional low-end artifacts –in fact in many cases this may be a desired effect,
as it will strongly emphasize low end content. However, for lower volumes and more gentle source
materials, it can start to be audible. All our tubes get through very complex pairing and parameter
checks, but some small differences can still cause this effect to happen. In this situation we would
strongly encourage to raise the input signal and experiment with attack and release settings.
INPUT, OUTPUT and THRESHOLD?
_RHEA allows to control the level on the signal going in the tube compression stage (Input), the
amount of compression (Threshold), and finally the output of the compressor (Output). Such approach
brings the best flexibility to alter the source material. It can be noticed that Threshold can be quite
gentle in effect, however if more compression is desired, input knob can be used to this purpose. Please
also note that each of those parameters can be automated, so don’t hesitate to change those settings in
different sections of the song!
THD –Total harmonic distortion
THD switch will enable a proprietary circuit which overloads output stage of the compressor. This
circuit can be found in most of our units and it brings certain presence to the source material, which can’t
be achieve using any other approach. We are proud of its design, and we hope You will enjoy it as much
as we do!

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
13
6.Stereo vs Mono
_RHEA is true stereo compressor –that means that detector circuits of each channel are working on
a summed signal in the side chain circuit. This makes it impossible to work in dual mono mode –we can’t
process two independent tracks on each channel simultaneously –like kick and snare for example.
However, it is entirely possible to work with only one mono channel at a time –so feel free to process a
mono vocal track through _RHEA and have fun!

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
14
7. Software
Software package can be downloaded from http://www.wesaudio.com/download by anyone who
purchased related HW unit. To check currently supported plugin types and platforms, please follow
above link.
5.1. Installation
To install Plugin Bundle package, please visit http://www.wesaudio.com/download and
download recent version of software.
5.1.1.Windows
Start the installer application, if you will encounter any system warnings about this particular
installer, please ignore them (*):
Select any components which you would like to install (**).
•If this is FIRST installation, please unplug all WesAudio devices from your workstation.
•When USB driver will be installed, application will inform that all devices should be connected –
please do so.
•If USB driver installation is triggered, user will be asked to restart computer. We know that this is
unwanted activity, but it is necessary step for USB driver to install with success.
•If computer restart is triggered, this Installer will start again during start up. If for some reason
installer won’t be started after the restart, please start same installer manually again.
Select „More Info”
...And select „Run anyway”

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
15
5.1.2.OSX
Because OSX architecture and USB devices handling is much simpler in concept, the only thing to note
is to have all devices connected during install procedure.
Start the installer application, if you will encounter any system warnings about this particular
installer, please ignore them *(sometimes it is necessary to open context menu with right mouse button
and trigger installation once again):
5.1.3.Troubleshooting
If anything would fail during installation procedure please contact our support at
[e-mail]. We will get back to you ASAP.
Below you can find some symptoms and description which will help to investigate the issue:
“Can’t find my device on plugin drop down menu”
Unfortunately there could be dozens of root causes. On Windows machine it is very important to check
if USB device is successfully connected on system level. That can be checked in “Control Panel->System-
>Device Manager”:

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
16
The amount of GCon devices on the list should be equal amount of connected WesAudio units.
If you can’t find WesAudio device in the list, or amount of devices doesn’t match, it is very valuable
information and totally changes troubleshooting steps.
In any other cases, it is necessary to contact our support via [e-mail]
* Operating system as windows or OSX are very restrictive about software signing, which doesn’t really
match with software distributed on small scale. Please ignore any warnings, we guarantee that software is
checked and doesn’t contain any viruses or unwanted malware objects.
** Please note that for WINDOWS it is necessary to install USB driver which is critical to communicate with
HW units. It is required step only during first installation,and this option will be automaticallydisabled during
any software upgrades.

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
17
5.2. Plugin
_RHEA is a fully analog device, which was designed to integrate with its digital counterpart –a software
plug-in available in following formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX or standalone application.
5.2.1.How does it work?
When connection of the DAW plug-in and the Hardware unit is established, both units should
present exactly the same state of parameters. That means that any change on the hardware unit’s front
panel, will be presented on the plug-in, and any change on the DAW plug-in will be presented on the
hardware unit. Each change of the parameters will also apply changes to unit’s analog circuit, so you can
have the best of both worlds!

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
18
5.3. How to connect a unit to a Plugin-in?
In practice there could be plenty of GCon devices connected to Your PC/MAC, that is why it is
mandatory to select proper ID from the drop-down list in order to initiate connection of the plug-in with
the hardware unit. To do so, please hit small Triangle BUTTON on the left bottom section of the plug-in:

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
19
5.4. Plugin description

WESAUDIO
7/31/21
_RHEA USER MANUAL
20
1) Select connection button: This button shows all connected devices, if “drop-down” list with
element IDs is not visible, that means that no devices has been detected which support GCon
protocol.
2) Toggle connection button: Button toggles connection status ON/OFF. Please note that button
works only if ID has been previously selected using “Select connection button”.
3) Connection details: Additional connection information:
a. USB –module has been connected through direct USB connection in front panel.
b. S#X –Slot number which is functionality available in _Titan frame, and means that
internal connection protocol between module and Frame is engaged.
NOTE: This fields shows also connection status:
c. ON –Font WHITE/Style: NORMAL: Connection is established.
d. OFF –FONT GRAY/Style: NORMAL: Connection is NOT established.
e. Connecting FONT GRAY/Style: ITALIC –Connection process is ongoing. If “Connecting”
state is visible for longer period of time (more than 5 seconds), and plugin has no control
over the unit, that would mean:
i. HW unit is no longer connected to your Workstation.
ii. HW unit was disconnected or detached by operating system for some reason.
iii. Any other reason which should be consulted with [e-mail].
f.
4) Connection ID: Unique Connection ID of connected HW unit.
5) Fast preset change (A/B/C): Button switches between available setups A/B/C. Please note that this
presets won’t switch any connection related parameters. That means Connection ID is shared
between all available setups (A/B/C) and won’t be changed if any of those buttons is hit.
6) Undo: Undo last parameter change (up to 20). Please note that setup change button (A/B/C) clears
current history.
7) Redo: Redo last parameter change (up to 20). Please note that setup change button (A/B/C) clears
current history.
8) Copy/Paste fast preset (A/B/C): Button copies currently active fast preset and store it to internal
plug-in memory, this preset can be stored, by selecting another fast preset and hit “Paste”.
9) Menu:
a. Reset parameters to default –sets all plug-in parameters to default.
6.Hookup diagrams
Below chapter shows possible hookup of the WesAudio devices and audio interface.