Buzz Audio - SOC-1.1

vintage heritage

The use of Light Dependant Resistors (LDR) as the control element of an audio compressor was pioneered in the 1960's and we are all aware of the value placed on those famous vintage LA2A and LA3A units. But the SOC-1.1 is not a clone, our clever new design takes that sound and improves on it by offering the user more control. The SOC-1.1 puts you in command of the dynamics rather than putting up with the preset parameters of those older units.

control genius

The attack and release times of the SOC-1.1 can be set much faster than vintage opto compressors and there are three attack settings and six release setting including really useful and intelligent auto modes. The large knobs allow for easy recall of settings in mastering applications.

design brilliance

The design of the SOC-1.1 lead to the development of our differential drive side chain circuit which is unique to Buzz Audio and is used in all our optical compressors. This circuit processes the negative and positive portions of the audio wavefrom separately (attack and release parameters) and along with the "soft knee" characteristic creates a very smooth coherent compression action.

applications galore

The SOC-1.1 is perfect for recording vocals, tracking acoustic instruments and sounds really special on bass instruments. Our clever design destroys the myth that optical compressors are "too slow" for the mix buss and the SOC will provide instant musical "glue" in this application - never digging holes in your mix.

controls and functions

• DRIVE - turning it clock wise increases compression, which is way more sensible than counter clock wise!
• OUTPUT dB - variable pot that adds up to 15dB gain at the output to correct for lost level.
• ATTACK - toggle switch with FAST (1mS) or SLOW (50mS) selection and our excellent AUTO mode.
• RATIO - rotary switch with 4 settings for depth of compression, 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1.
• RELEASE - rotary switch selects recovery time of 100mS, 200mS, 400mS, 800mS, 1600mS and a superb AUTO mode.
• METER - monitor input or output level or amount of compression on the VU meter.
• BYPASS - hard wire unit bypass to compare compressed and uncompressed signals.
• There is also a handy power ON/OFF switch and a channel A/B LINK switch which soft links the sidechain circuit which is useful when the SOC-1.1 is used on stereo mixes.

user comments

Damian Lunson
I just picked up one of your SOC-1.1's and I have to say...I'm floored buddy! This compressor is fantastic. I have only used it once on a male vocal (very low and full timbre) with an acoustic guitar and the amount off depth and all-round pleasing tone it added to the signal was amazing! I sold my LA-2A a little while back to fund my console purchase and while this dude doesn't sport the tubes, it retains everything I miss about my LA-2A. A really bad pun here but I know what the "buzz" is all about now. Wonderful gear. I'll be aiming for some more of your gear shortly. Wicked!