REVIEW FREDENSTEIN ARTISTIC COMP SE: Inexpensive 500-Series Compressor

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Bargain Priced Fredenstein Artistic Comp SE in Bento 2 Rack

If you look at 500-series module pricing, it’s outrageous how expensive the majority of modules are. What’s a musician with a limited budget to do? Fredenstein rescues bargain hunters, they offer one of the lowest cost 500-series compressor modules on the market. We tested it in the High on Technology studio using a Fredenstein Bento2 chassis. (< full review on H.o.T.). This FET based compressor has got some serious moves and a lot of powerful controls for that low price, plus, it’s got parallel compression. But is it good? 

REVIEW FREDENSTEIN ARTISTIC MIC PREAMP SE 500-SERIES: Bargain or Nightmare?

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The Fredenstein Artistic MicPre SE is a compelling 500-series microphone preamp that delivers professional features and solid performance. I tested it using a Shure SM7B microphone which requires a lot of gain. Despite some quirks with the Bento 2 chassis, the Artistic MicPre SE proved its worth across various recording scenarios, though my unit had an issue that required a replacement.

REVIEW FREDENSTEIN BENTO 2: Powered Rack 1RU 500-Series with Caveats for Neve 1073LB

The Fredenstein Bento 2 is a compact, 2-slot 500-series rack designed to house API VPR Alliance-compatible modules, offering a budget-friendly solution for home and project studios. With its robust build, versatile features, and competitive price, the Bento 2 appears to punch WAY above its weight but there is a problem in there, lurking and waiting to "whine". Here’s a detailed review covering its quality, features, likes, dislikes, price, warranty, and more.