WesAudio RHEA User manual

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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

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_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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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4.Front Panel