In this video I review the Buzz Audio Essence optical compressor. A compressor that feels as good as it looks.
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.
