1 overview, 1 introduction, 2 summary of rc 500 features – PreSonus RC 500 User Manual
Page 3: 1 overview — 1, Introduction — 1, Summary of rc 500 features — 1
 
RC 500 Owner’s Manual
Ov
er
view
Resour
ces
Tut
orial
Hook
up
Ov
er
vie
w
1
1 Overview
1.1
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus® RC 500. PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., 
has designed the RC 500 utilizing high-grade components to ensure optimum 
performance that will last a lifetime. The RC 500 is a professional channel strip that 
includes a Class A solid-state preamplifier with a unique hybrid design that combines 
the latest generation of low-distortion operational amplifiers and low-noise, discrete 
transistors. This design maintains the sonic qualities of Class A circuitry and benefits 
from the operational amplifier’s characteristic repeatability in performance.
The Class A preamp is combined with the same FET-based compressor and 
semi-parametric equalizer circuits found in the PreSonus ADL 700, making 
the RC 500 an excellent choice for professional studio applications. Great for 
use with all types of microphones and instruments, the RC 500 has the sonic 
power and flexibility to achieve luscious vocals, crystal-clear acoustic guitars, 
fat bass guitars, dynamic acoustic piano, cracking snares, and much more.
We encourage you to contact us with questions or comments regarding 
this product. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or call us 
at 1-225-216-7887 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. U.S. Central Time. PreSonus 
Audio Electronics is committed to constant product improvement, and we 
value your suggestions highly. We believe the best way to achieve our goal 
of constant product improvement is by listening to the real experts: our 
valued customers. We appreciate the support you have shown us through the 
purchase of this product and are confident that you will enjoy your RC 500!
ABOUT THIS MANUAL: We suggest that you use this manual to familiarize 
yourself with the features, applications, and correct connection procedures 
for the RC 500 before connecting it to the rest of your studio gear. This 
will help you avoid problems during installation and setup.
Throughout this manual you will find Power User Tips that can help make 
you an RC 500 expert. In addition, tutorials covering the basics of dynamics 
processing and equalization can be found in Section 3 of this manual.
1.2
Summary of RC 500 Features
• Transformer-coupled, high-gain microphone preamp
• Class A hybrid design with minimal signal path
• Unbalanced ¼” TS Instrument input on front panel
• Balanced XLR Microphone and Line inputs on rear panel
• Input Select switch
• FET based compressor using hybrid detection methods,
with switching relays for hard bypass
• 3-band semi-parametric equalizer with switching relays for hard bypass
• +48V phantom power, 80 Hz rolloff, and -20 dB pad
• High-grade components
• Film capacitors
• 1% tolerance resistors
• Low-distortion op amps