Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor

SOC 1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor description:

The Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor. Create many different flavours of compression, from full on squash to just gentle levelling.

The Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 is based on the Light Dependant Resistor (LDR) technology as used in many classic compressors, but the DDSC topology plus our own Opto Gain Reduction Module design create a more adjustable, predictable and coherent compression characteristic. Gain reduction is totally passive, there are no distortions introduced from semiconductor elements and the signal path is kept to a minimum. LDR selection and matching within a stereo unit ensures accurate tracking compared to vintage optical designs. A common problem with older opto compressor designs (and many modern ones) is the inherent slow attack time of the LDR elements, which is not so desireable for modern mix buss applications. A unique "speed up" circuit in the DDSC circuit of the SOC effectively reduces the attack time to less than 1mS (in fast attack mode). This is on of the fastest attack time of any LDR based compressor on the market today and finally makes the LDR technology suitable for stereo mixdown (2 buss) compression tasks. All the features available on the SOC allows users to create many different flavours of compression, from full on squash to just gentle levelling. A very useful piece of kit destined to become a classic.

The main features of the Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 include:

• Controls for:- Attack(3) Release (6) Ratio (4) Drive and Out Levels
• Big knobs, large back-lit VU meters, conductive plastic pots and reliable switches
• Separate power supply regulators for audio/sidechain sections
• Each channel individually power regulated
• Auto bypass/mute relay when power lost
• Electronically balanced inputs and outputs on XLR
• Gain reduction metering that doesn't drift !!
• New generation opamps utilized in the audio path
• Unique Differential Sidechain circuit design
• Performance comparable to many, more expensive tube compressors