vintage heritage

The use of Light Dependant Resistors (LDR) as the control element of an audio compressor was pioneered in the 1960's and they are all aware of the value placed on those famous vintage LA2A and LA3A units. But the SOC-1.1 is not a clone, the clever new design takes that signature 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. The 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.