Buzz Audio Essence

500 Series Optical Compressor Module

Save 20% £930.00 £744.00 (Inc VAT)

£620.00 (Ex VAT). Shipping calculated at checkout.

A very versatile optical compressor for 500 series frames that takes optical compression to the next level. Audio path quality The input is coupled directly to our proprietary light dependant resistor gain reduction element via a Lundahl...

In Stock 2 Available for Next Day Delivery

Product Information
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A very versatile optical compressor for 500 series frames that takes optical compression to the next level.

Audio path quality

The input is coupled directly to our proprietary light dependant resistor gain reduction element via a Lundahl LL1540 input transformer. This is followed by a discrete signal path using our class-a BE40 amplifier for gain make up and the BE50 high current line driver to excite the Lundahl LL1517 output transformer. All this creates a very warm low end sound along with extended top end clarity.

Creative versatility

The essence is the only 500 series compressor (that we know of) to feature a side chain insert point so you can apply equalisation to the compression characteristic to control certain parts of the audio spectrum. The insert can also be used to "key" the compressor from another sound for all sorts of creative pumping effects. In addition, there is on board side chain eq allowing you to quickly adjust the compressor sensitivity at high and low frequencies.

Control Genius

The Essence attack & release settings have been carefully selected for a varied dynamic palette and the intelligent auto modes allow for really good "set and forget" operation. The soft knee Opto action is particularly excellent for smoothing the dynamics of vocals and a stereo pair will find immediate use to level and glue stems, instruments and the mix.

For critical stereo operation we recommend you order a factory matched Essence pair.

Controls & Features

GAIN - sets the output gain from 0dB to +15dB.

DRIVE - sets the amount of compression applied to the signal, clockwise rotation means more compression.

ATTACK - 4 position switch with attack time settings of 1mS, 15mS, 70mS and our excellent Auto mode.

RELEASE - 6 position switch with recovery time settings of 100mS, 200mS, 400mS, 800mS, 1600mS and the intelligent Auto mode.

RATIO - 4 position switch sets the depth of compression from light to heavy, 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1 all with the soft knee action.

METER - can be switched to read input level, output level and gain reduction. A jumper on the PCB is used to set the peak level reference from +4dBu or +14dBu.

BYPASS - toggle switch used to hard wire bypass the Essence.

S.C. MON - allows you to hear the side chain signal (the side chain eq) and the side chain insert return signal.

S.C. HI EQ - applies 8dB at 10kHz of boost or cut to the side chain signal and therefore to the compression.

S.C. LO EQ - applies 8dB at 100Hz of boost or cut to the side chain signal and therefore to the compression.

LINK - using the 500 frame link system, two essences can be linked for stereo operation.

S.C. INS - this switch engages the side chain insert point which are the input/output connectors associated with the second slot the Essence uses.

This item requires a 500 series rack chassis to function

Shipping – For next day delivery you must order before 3.30pm

UK Mainland – Orders over £99 qualify for FREE standard shipping (1-3 working days) We also offer a range of chargeable express shipping options for next working day, pre 12pm, pre 10.30am, Saturday deliveries and deliveries on a specific date. Our main UK courier is DPD.

UK Non Mainland – Not eligible for free shipping. These areas include (but are not limited to) Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Isles of Scilly, Jersey, Guernsey, Northern Ireland, Orkney, Scottish Highlands and Shetland. Shipping costs for these ares will be calculated at checkout.

International/Export – Delivery charges will be calculated at checkout. All orders that are in stock we aim to dispatch from our warehouse within 48 hours. We ship all orders outside of the UK, NI, Isle of Man, Channel Islands via Fedex. All prices and delivery charges are exclusive of VAT for export. The customer is responsible to pay for any additional duties and charges.

Need to return an item? No problem.

If you have an SX Pro account:
Login, go to your Order History find the invoice for the item you want to return, click on the invoice then select “Request a return”, then select the item and quantity you want to return. This will take you to the returns form, simply fill it in and wait for our response.

No account, or orders prior to 31/03/2021
Simply fill out the returns form on this page and wait for our response.

Read more on our returns page