Buzz Audio KICK 500 Series Diode Bridge Compressor

The most well known audio compressor that uses a diode bridge as the gain reduction element would have to be the Neve 2254. The Buzz Audio Kick is not a copy of the 2254 - but it is the inspiration for the design. The audio path is balanced from input to output to achieve best headroom and includes Buzz's BE60 buffer input amps and ultra low noise Class A discrete BE41 output amplifiers. Kick features a "radio steel" transformer feeding into the gain reduction diode bridge between the input and output amplifiers. This configuration produces a vintage character that can best be described as tight, colorful and rich with harmonics! Included is the Buzz Audio side chain design with attack and release responses offering a wider range of feel and rhythm choices.

DYNAMIC RATIO POWER

The unique side chain design re-creates the style of compressors from the 60's (think Fairchild) whereby the compression ratio is progressively increased with deepening gain reduction. So as the input signal increases past threshold, the ratio will vary from 1:1 right up to 15:1. This feature allows for the control of very dynamic signals (such as vocals) in a seamless fashion and is also a very desirable characteristic when used on complex percussive material such as the drum buss and drum loops.

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. Rotary 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. The bass function introduces a high pass filter to the side chain to lower compression sensitivity at low frequencies which is useful on the mix bus and the fast response hi-resolution 15 LED bar graph meter accurately displays gain reduction.

BUZZ AUDIO KICK FEATURES:

• Vintage-inspired diode bridge compressor based on classic 1960s compression designs
• Inspired by the legendary 2254 compressor topology
• Fully balanced audio path from input to output for maximum headroom
• Custom Buzz Audio BE60 buffer input amplifiers
• Ultra low-noise Class A discrete BE41 output amplifiers
• “Radio steel” transformer feeding the gain reduction diode bridge
• Rich analog tone with tight, colorful harmonic character
• Progressive dynamic compression ratio from 1:1 up to 15:1
• Smooth handling of highly dynamic material such as vocals and drum buses
• Side chain behavior inspired by vintage Fairchild Compressor designs
• Six switched attack time settings
• Six switched release time settings
• Auto release mode for adaptive compression response
• Rotary compression amount control
• Rotary output gain control
• Soft compression mode for partially retaining dynamic peaks
• Bass side chain high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency compression sensitivity
• Ideal for mix bus, drum bus, and drum loop processing
• Fast-response high-resolution 15-LED gain reduction meter
• Wide range of rhythmic and musical compression responses
• Designed for seamless compression with musical transparency and vintage coloration