Buzz Audio DBC-M Mastering Diode Bridge Compressor
Description
Add some real vibe to your mastering projects with our take on the vintage diode bridge compressor made famous by the Neve 2254.
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 range of 0-8dB in small steps.
• COMPRESSION - 24 position Elma switch that sets the amount of compression, increasing gain reduction with clock wise rotation.
• 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, approx 8dB at 100Hz.
• BYPASS/ENGAGE - hard wire unit bypass to compare compressed and uncompressed signals.
• LED METER - gain reduction is displayed in 0.25dB steps up to -2dB and 0.5dB steps to -6dB.
• LINK A/B - links the side chains to prevent image shift when used on stereo material where there may be heavy channel to channel volume differences.
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.