SOC 1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor Users Manual SOC 1.1 USERS MANUAL VERSION-4, DEC. 2009. CONTENTS COPYRIGHT BUZZ AUDIO 2001. PO BOX 6677, TE ARO. WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND. VOICE/FAX 64+4+385-2478. www.buzzaudio.com email hq@buzzaudio.co.
Welcome… Thank you for choosing the Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor. In this manual you will find important information regarding the use of your SOC 1.1 and we suggest that you do read it before using the unit to become familiar with the controls and their functions. If after unpacking the SOC 1.1 you find any damage you should contact your dealer or supplier immediately for advice on what to do.
1] The Mains Input As a safety precaution your SOC 1.1 is shipped without a mains fuse fitted. Before use, you must select the correct mains voltage for your local supply on the rear panel and fit the correct mains fuse type into the fuse draw for that voltage. • Setting the Voltage Selector… You will need a flat blade screwdriver. If your mains voltage is 110V to 120V set the rear panel voltage selector to 120V. If your mains voltage is 220V to 240V set the rear panel voltage selector to 240V.
2] Connections • Audio Input. The XLR female style input connector is wired as follows; Pin 1 = Signal Ground (common) Pin 2 = Signal Hot (+) Pin 3 = Signal Cold (-) • Audio Output. The XLR male style output connector is wired as follows; Pin 1 = Signal Ground (common) Pin 2 = Signal Hot (+) Pin 3 = Signal Cold (-) Both inputs and outputs are electronically balanced. The standard operating input sensitivity for the SOC 1.1 is +4dBu (1.23V rms). This input level will give a 0 V.U. reading on the meters.
3] Controls and Indicators • DRIVE This control adjusts the amount of signal sent to the side chain circuit and therefore the amount of gain reduction applied. Think of it as a Threshold control as found on other compressors. Clockwise rotation increases the amount of gain reduction. • OUTPUT dB Adjusts the post compression make up gain to bring the output level back up to the desired level. Variable from 0dB to +15dB gain. • ATTACK. This switch has 3 positions. See Tips for Use for more info.
Controls and Indicators continued… • RELEASE. 1-2-4-8-16 - sets the release time of the compressor in 100’s of mS from 20dB gain reduction. For example, selecting setting 4 means the compressor will take 400mS to return to 0dB gain reduction from an initial 20dB of gain reduction. Note however the actual release time will vary slightly depending on the amount of gain reduction with the SOC 1.1 taking longer to release from heavy gain reduction. Auto – In this position, the release is program dependent.
Controls and Indicators continued… • SEPARATE-LINK A/B In Separate mode, the SOC 1.1 operates as two completely individual mono channels. In Link A/B mode, the compressor side chains are linked to provide stereo tracking. This mode is used to prevent the stereo “image” shifting if a loud sound appears only in one channel of a stereo mix.
4] Tips for Use Unlike some other audio compressors that are designed to “text book” parameters, the Buzz Audio SOC 1.1 possesses a unique “musically transparent” soft knee compression characteristic. It is equally at home providing gentle level control of acoustic sources through to full on squash for “in your face” lead vocals. The following operational tips will help in getting the best out of your unit, but the final word has to be – use your ears! • Slow Attack.
Tips for Use continued… • SOC 1.1 Ratios. The following graph shows the input to output relationship of the four ratios with the Drive control set fully clockwise. From this graph we see that for lower ratios settings (2:1 and 5:1), the ratio is ultimately achieved only after another further 10dB of gain reduction from threshold, (threshold meaning 0dB gain reduction). For higher ratios, (10:1 and 20:1) the ultimate ratio is achieved within approx. 10dB and 5dB respectively.
5] Service Should you experience any technical problem with your SOC 1.1, contact your dealer or Buzz Audio for recommendations on what to do. The modular nature of the SOC 1.1 construction means most electronic faults can be easily repaired by swapping circuit boards. For on line support visit our web site; www.buzzaudio.com Buzz Audio, 77 Kent Tce, PO Box 6677, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand. Voice/Fax 64+4+385-2478. Email; support@buzzaudio.co.nz 6] Specifications Max Input/Output Level = +23.5dBu.
7] Internal Adjustments The SOC 1.1 has a number of internal trimpots to set up the ratio calibration and the gain reduction metering circuit. Full line up is a relatively complicated procedure beyond the scope of this manual, and should only be required if a LDR/LED module is replaced. Instructions for full alignment can be obtained by contacting your supplier or Buzz Audio directly. • VU Meter Calibration. IMPORTANT NOTE – the LDR module inside the SOC 1.
Internal Adjustments continued… Locating the “VU CAL” and “METER ZERO” trimpots on the Meter board directly behind the front panel control board. These are the only trims that may need adjustment from time to time. All other trims are factory set to match the LDR modules installed and do not need routine alignment. • PLEASE do not adjust any other internal trimpots unless you have a copy of the Buzz Audio SOC 1.
8] Warranty Information We are confident that you will receive many years of trouble free operation from your unit. If however you experience any technical problem with your SOC1.1, contact your dealer or Buzz Audio for recommendations on what to do. The modular nature of the SOC construction means most electronic faults can be easily repaired by swapping the circuit board. For on line support visit our web site; www.buzzaudio.com Buzz Audio, 77 Kent Tce, PO Box 6677, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand.
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