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Add some real vibe to your mastering project with our take on the vintage diode bridge compressor technique.

Audio Path Color
The DBC-M is a Mastering version of the popular Buzz Audio DBC-20 diode bridge compressor and offers fully switched control for repeatable settings. The diode bridge gain reduction element coupled with our innovative side chain design delivers a vintage vibe like no other. The DBC-M audio path uses our Class A discrete amplifier designs in a balanced configuration from input to output with a radio steel laminated transformer to couple into the diode bridge element. This overall combination produces a desirable compression character that can best be described as tight, colourful and rich with harmonics.

Dynamic Ratio Power
In the style of compressors from the 60's, the DBC-M incorporates a automatic ratio whereby the compression ratio is progressively increased with deepening gain reduction. This feature allows for the control of very dynamic signals in a seamless fashion and is also a very desirable characteristic when used on complex percussive material.

Operational Ease
This compressor is easy to get happening with six switched attack and release times covering a wide range, including an interesting auto release mode. Big knobs with 24 position stepped Elma controls are provided for the amount of compression and the output gain. The compressor can be switched to a Soft mode whereby dynamic peaks are partially retained and another switch introduces a high pass filter to the side chain to lower compression sensitivity at low frequencies. The attractive "point source" red LED bar graph meter accurately displays gain reduction and the gloss finish knobs adds to the vintage feel of the DBC-M.

Controls and Functions
GAIN - 24 position Elma switch that adds gain at the output to correct for lost level with a -2.0 to +10dB range in 0.5dB steps.
COMPRESSION - 24 position Elma switch that sets the amount of compression.
ATTACK - rotary switch with 6 settings, FAST (less than 0.5mS)-5mS-10mS-15mS-25mS-50mS.
RELEASE - rotary switch with 6 recovery time settings, 50mS-100mS-200mS-400mS-600mS and AUTO.
HARD/SOFT - adds dynamics in soft mode for times when very light compression is required.
FLAT/BASS - reduces compression sensitivity at low frequencies for more bass punch.
BYPASS/ENGAGE - hard wire unit bypass to compare compressed and uncompressed signals.
There is also a handy power ON/OFF switch and the LINK A/B which provides for stereo tracking to prevent image shift when used on the mix buss.

Specifications
Maximum Input Level; +27dBu
Maximum Output Level; +27dBu
Noise; -80dBu (measured A Weighted with 10dB gain applied)
Gain; variable -2.0 to +10dB in 0.5 dB steps
Frequency Response; 6Hz to 400kHz measured no gain reduction
Harmonic Distortion; At +10dBu input level, no gain reduction; 0.28% @ 100Hz, 0.25% @ 1kHz, 0.15% @ 10kHz
Harmonic Distortion; With 10dB gain reduction (Release set to 400mS); 1.5% @ 100Hz, 0.5% @ 1kHz, 0.5% @ 10kHz
Standard Operating Level; +4dBu
Size; 1 Unit 19" rack mount, (482Wx44Hx250D)
Power requirements; 230V/115V selectable, IEC detachable power cable.
Specifications are typical of a production unit and are subject to change without notice.
0dBu reference = 0.775 volts RMS.

Introducing the DBC-20 two channel diode bridge audio compressor designed by Tim Farrant of Buzz Audio. The DBC-20 is a new take on a vintage technique utilizing a gain reduction element of silicon diodes in a transformer coupled bridge arrangement. This element produces a desirable compression character that can best be described as tight and colourful. The DBC-20 also incorporates a self-adjusting ratio whereby the compression ratio is automatically increased with deepening gain reduction. This feature allows for the control of very dynamic signals (such as vocals) in a seamless fashion.

The DBC-20 audio path uses the Buzz Audio proprietary Class A discrete amplifier design in a balanced configuration from input to output. Operation of the compressor is easy with six switched attack and release times, a big knob for the amount of compression and an output gain control. The compressor can be switched to a soft mode whereby dynamic peaks are partially retained. Another switch introduces a high pass filter to the side chain to lower compression sensitivity at low frequencies. Each channel has a bypass switch and the side chain of the two channels can be linked for stereo operation.

Gain reduction is displayed on a fast response LED bar graph meters that indicates true peak reduction levels. The DBC-20 is housed in a sturdy one unit rack mount enclosure and is built entirely by hands in using through hole serviceable components.

FEATURES:
Vintage-inspired Transformer-coupled Diode Gain Reduction Element
Fully-balanced Class A Amplifier Design
Stereo Linkable Operation
Self-Adjusting Ratio
Switched controlled Attack and Release Controls
Fast-response LED Bar Graph Meter with True Peak and Gain Reduction levels
Soft Mode to retain dynamic peaks
Sidechain High Pass Filter

The SOC-1.1 Audio Compressor is based on the Light Dependant Resistor (LDR) technology from the past, but incorporates a unique "Differential Drive Side Chain" topology and our own Opto module design to create a more adjustable and faster 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 LDR designs.

The Buzz Audio ARC 1.1 is a outboard channel strip combining a mic/line preamp, equalizer, compressor and limiter in one box. It has primarily been designed for recording and processing the human voice and sports a host of features that have been inspired by suggestions from audio professionals from around the globe. The ARC includes tried and trusted elements from other Buzz Audio products plus some new innovations specifically developed for this unit. Whilst aimed at vocal recording and processing, the ARC is a useful tool for all sorts of recording and mixing applications. With all the connection and routing options available, the ARC may be used as a separate Mic Preamp, DI Box, Equalizer and Compressor/Limiter (optionally with sidechain EQ), all at the same time.

The Buzz Audio MA-2.2 provides ultra clean and very musical amplification of all microphone signals. It is considered by many to be an excellent choice for recording acoustic guitar and has been designed with this application in mind. The MA-2.2 is extremely musical in character and will deliver transparent reproduction of any acoustic source including voice, drums, percussion, piano and strings.

The Buzz Audio REQ-2.2 is a revered equalizer in mastering studios around the globe. Its inductor-based design is known for its musical precision and smooth, musical response. One request for today's modern dance and electronic music is an active low-band for a faster transient response from bass and kicks. Buzz Audio is happy to announce the REQ-2.2MEA. It has the same midrange-bands and high-band of the REQ-2.2 with a newly added active low band. There is no additional charge for this option. The REQ-2.2 is available in Standard and Mastering versions.

Like most of our microphone preamplifiers, the Buzz Audio QSP-20 does not use a transformer at the input. Instead we couple direct to the Class A (BE41) amplifier modules with hi-quality WIMA capacitors. This approach presents a much less reactive load to the microphone and allows it breathe better. In other words, the QSP is like an extension to the microphone and this means you can clearly hear the differences between all microphone types and brands. The HI Z - LO Z switch allows you change the load the microphone sees, and this can produce subtle tonal changes depending on the type of microphone.

Due to popular demand Buzz Audio announces the Series 20 SOC, a Class A version of their well known SOC-1.1 compressor. The Buzz Audio SOC-20 includes additional features suggested by our users including a fully balanced XLR side chain insert point, extra ratio and attack settings and a sidechain high pass filter (for less low frequency compression when used on the mix buss). At the flick of a switch, the SOC-20 converts to a MS (Mid Side) compressor allowing you to compress and/or re-balance the sum and difference signals of a stereo mix. The side chain monitor function allows you to hear the MS signals and the side chain insert send can be used as a MS encoder output.

The Buzz Audio Elixir preamplifier module is an excellent compliment to the "fatter" sound of many modules now available in the API 500VPR Series format and has been designed to provide exceptionally low noise wide bandwidth amplification of microphone and instrument signals. The elixir will suit those who desire a recording preamplifier where just a slight amount of bass color is added to the original signal whilst retaining full treble extension and a smooth midrange - warm, sweet, liquid - the perfect blend.

The elixir circuit design is roughly based on the now famous Buzz Audio MA-2.2 mic preamp and utilizes two BE40 True Class A amplifiers in a transformerless input arrangement. Following this is the output stage comprising of two newly designed BE50 True Class A high current audio buffers that drive a Lundahl LL1517 output transformer.

Before modern semiconductor technology, audio filters and equalizers were made with passive components - capacitors and wound coils of wire that formed inductors (or chokes). Audio frequency chokes were bulky and expensive so these days it's easier (and cheaper) to use an electronic circuit to simulate the inductors. However, we have discovered that the difference in sound between the real thing and a simulator is quite noticable. So with the tonic equalizer we have brought you the best of both worlds, utilizing both real chokes and electronic filters in perfect harmony.

The Buzz Audio Tonic offers three bands of equalisation with a versatile sweep midrange section and fixed two frequency high and low bands. The tonic also has a high pass filter utilizing another real choke. The signal path of the tonic is all True Class A discrete transistor with the output balanced via a Lundahl LL1517 high spec transformer. The tonic is designed to fit into the popular API 500 Series modular racks and requires a rack to function.

The essence control circuit design is based on the Buzz Audio SOC-1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor but the main audio path utilises our BE40 and BE50 True Class A amplifiers along with high spec Lundahl input and output transformers. The input transformer is directly coupled to the Buzz proprietary Opto gain reduction element (completely passive input), amplified and then balanced via the output transformer - a very simple but gutsy signal path!

The essence control circuitry utilizes the Differential Drive Side Chain (DDSC) topology that was developed for the SOC-1.1. This system, which processes positive and negative audio waveform in seperate paths, provides the incredibly musical characteristic you will hear with this unit. The DDSC design also provides for a much faster attack time compared to most other LDR based optical compressors.