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Note: This item may not be returnable or could require a restocking fee. Contact one of our Audio Consultants for more details. Due to the special nature of this item, we order each unit fresh from the factory, exclusively for you! Lead times may vary so please chat, call or email for up-to-date inventory status.

SKU

130553

Buzz Audio SOC-M Mastering Compressor - Black

Mastering version of SOC-20 - Elma stepped controls, active direct-drive output
MFR# SOC-MA-BLK

Product Description

The Buzz Audio SOC-M Mastering Compressor is a mastering focused version of the popular SOC-20 optical compressor. The SOC-M mastering version replaces the DRIVE and GAIN pots of the SOC-20 with stepped Elma attenuators for repeatability. Buzz Audio has also adjusted the ratios to suit mastering tasks and all the ratios feature their famous "soft knee" characteristic. The SOC-M signal path utilizes Class A discrete BE41 transistor amplifiers powered by a special low impedance power supply for vibrant sonic detail. As standard, the SOC-M is fitted with a Lundahl LL1517 output transformer providing a nice sheen to the sound.

Analog Mid-Side Processing

The SOC-M isn't just a stereo compressor, it also incorporates a Mid-Side (or sum and difference) encoder and decoder which is a very powerful mastering tool. When set to MS mode, signals that are common to left and right are processed by Channel A and the left to right difference signals by Channel B. In addition, when set to MS mode, the mid and side signals are available as balanced outputs on the rear panel insert send XLR's

Side Chain Design

At the flick of a switch, a 12dB/octave high pass filter at 170Hz reduces the compressor sensitivity to low frequencies for more bass punch. Also included is a fully-balanced side chain insert point so you can add additional equalization to the compressor characteristic. The side chain monitor function allows you to hear what is returning into the insert point (the side chain) and you can also monitor the mid or side signals when the compressor is used in MS mode.

Dynamic Range Control

The 5 ratio settings feature a soft knee characteristic, meaning the selected ratio is only actually achieved at 10dB of gain reduction. Therefore, very gentle compression is available when using 2:1 and 3:1 and even 10:1 is usable for material that needs stronger dynamic control. The unique differential side-chain circuit of the SOC-M splits the audio into positive and negative waveform and processes it separately (attack and release parameters) with the resulting balanced signal controlling the Buzz Audio BE45 electro-optical attenuator.

There are 5 compressor attack settings and 6 release settings that cover a wide range of response possibilities. In addition, our clever auto modes produce very musical results. The auto-attack adapts to incoming audio rise time, and the auto release will decay quickly from short impulses but longer from sustained or low-frequency signals.

Features:

  • DRIVE - 24 position Elma switch that sets the amount of compression.
  • OUTPUT dB - 24 position Elma switch that adds gain at the output to correct for lost level.
  • ATTACK - rotary switch with 1mS, 10mS, 25mS, 50mS selections and the excellent AUTO mode.
  • RATIO - rotary switch with 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1 and 10:1 selections - all soft knee characteristic.
  • RELEASE - rotary switch with 100mS, 200mS, 400mS, 800mS 1600mS selections and our superb AUTO mode.
  • BYPASS - hard wire unit bypass to compare compressed and uncompressed signals.
  • METER - switches the VU meter between input/output levels or amount of compression.
  • S.C. HPF - inserts a 170Hz high pass filter into the side chain for added bass punch.
  • S.C. INSERT - engage the external side chain insert point and monitor the side chain signal.
  • LINK A/B - joins the side chain of each channel for stereo operation with "soft" tracking.
  • There is also a locking toggle to select STEREO or MID-SIDE mode and a handy POWER on/off switch.

Product Specifications

Condition New
Package Contents Buzz Audio SOC-M Mastering Compressor - Black
Unit Weight 17.6 lb
Tube or Solid State Solid State
Chassis 19-inch Rack-mount
Rack Spaces 2U
Input Connectors Analog XLR
Output Connectors Analog XLR
Compression Type Optical

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (1)

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Excellent Optical compressor. Super smooth, transparent, or colorful, if you need to.

By Luis on November 16, 2021

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I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
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In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
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This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
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The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
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