SOC-20 Stereo Optical Compressor Users Manual SOC-20 USERS MANUAL VERSION-1, AUGUST 2011. CONTENTS COPYRIGHT BUZZ AUDIO LTD 2011. PO BOX 6677, TE ARO. WELLINGTON, 6141 NEW ZEALAND. PH. +64-4-472-3084 www.buzzaudio.com email management@buzzaudio.co.
Welcome… Thank you for choosing the Buzz Audio SOC-20 Stereo Optical Compressor. In this manual you will find important information regarding the use of the SOC and we suggest you do read it before using the unit to become familiar with all the controls and their function. If after unpacking the SOC you find any damage to the unit you should contact your dealer or supplier immediately for advice on what to do.
1] Installation Precautions The SOC-20 compressor uses discrete Class A amplifiers and these plus the power supply do generate a fair amount of heat. Normally the SOC can be mounted into a rack without any special ventilation need. If there are other units in the rack that also run hot, it may be necessary to allow for ventilation gaps between the units to avoid over heating. Excessive heat for long periods can shorten the life of all electronic devices.
There are two audio paths provided, the LINE path and the S/C (side chain) path. The main audio input and output connect to the LINE connectors and if you wish to insert another device into the SOC-20 side chain (more on this later), use the S/C INSERT connectors. 4] Controls and Indicators The SOC-20 has two channels with identical controls. By now you might have guessed that the SOC-20 can be used as 2 mono audio compressors, a stereo compressor (left/right) and stereo mid/side compressor.
engaged which allows the SOC to release from fast transient signals quickly, but maintain a slower release time with more continuous signals such as low frequencies or bass. RATIO This switch sets the amount of gain reduction (or compression) for a given change in input signal level. For example, in position 6, a 6dB increase in input signal level will yield a 1dB increase in output signal level, being a Ratio of 6:1.
S/C INSERT The SOC-20 is fitted with a side chain insert point. This allows you to place another device between the audio LINE input and the SOC side chain circuits. (If you are unfamiliar with the term “side chain” it is the circuit in a compressor which takes the audio signal and generates a suitable signal to control the gain reduction element, whatever that may be). A device can be connect to the S/C INSERT rear panel connectors and engaged by placing the S/C INSERT switch down (IN).
Note that unlike some VCA based compressors, all controls remain operational in LINK A/B mode. You MUST still set up BOTH A and B channel’s controls usually with identical settings for stereo program (non MS mode), and perhaps then fine tuned by ear. MODE STEREO-MID/SIDE As mentioned earlier, the SOC-20 can be used as two mono compressors and a stereo mix (left/right) compressor. For these modes, this switch should be in the up position (STEREO).
5] Specifications Maximum Input Level Line; +32dBu Maximum Output Level Line; +27dBu Maximum Input/Output Level S/C Insert; +22dBu Noise; -95dBu Stereo Mode; -90dBu M/S Mode (measured with no make up gain and A Weighted). Gain; variable 0dB to +15dB Operating Level; +4dBu = 0VU on meter Frequency Response; 3Hz to 120kHz measured with +10dB gain and no gain reduction. Harmonic Distortion no gain reduction; 0.08% @ 100Hz, 0.025% @ 1kHz, 0.02% @ 10kHz, 0.
7] Product Warranty • Disclaimer Buzz Audio Ltd is not liable for any damage to microphones, amplifiers, consoles, speakers or any other equipment and/or electric shock to humans that is caused by negligence or improper installation and/or use of the SOC-20 Stereo Optical Compressor.
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