Available currencies
American dollar     Canadian dollar     European Euro
Current settings :
American dollar
Site Web français
Start search
You are here : Homepage
For sale
List Price : 1350.00 US
Our Price : 1080.00 US
Free shipping in Canada *
Add to cart
Rental prices ($USD)
  / day Total
1 day 27.66 27.66
3 day 18.44 55.32
5 day 13.83 69.15
12 day 9.22 110.64
28 day 5.89 164.92
 
Buzz Audio
View all products from Buzz Audio available for sale

Buzz Audio essence



The Buzz Audio Essence is a True Class A Optical Compressor designed to fit the API 500 VPR Series rack frames offering a great feature set in a compact package. The essence will find application with those seeking a musically transparent compressor for all tracking and mixing tasks, and it sounds particulary outstanding when processing voice and bass tracks. The essence - the Heart 'n' Soul of your next recording!

The essence control circuit design is based on the Buzz Audio SOC-1.1 Stereo Optical Compressor but the main audio path utilises our BE40 and BE50 True Class A amplifiers along with high spec Lundahl* input and output transformers. The input transformer is directly coupled to the Buzz proprietary Opto gain reduction element (completely passive input), amplified and then balanced via the output transformer - a very simple but gutsy signal path!

The essence control circuitry utilizes the Differential Drive Side Chain (DDSC) topology that was developed for the SOC-1.1. This system, which processes positive and negative audio waveform in seperate paths, provides the incredibly musical characteristic you will hear with this unit. The DDSC design also provides for a much faster attack time compared to most other LDR based optical compressors.

Simple side chain equalizers have been provided to allow the user to adjust the sensitivity of the compressor at high and low frequencies. In addition, a side chain insert point is provided for more complex EQ and compressor "keying".

The essence consumes 2 slots within a 500 Series rack. The input/output (I/O) connectors associated with the first slot carry the main audio path. The I/O connectors associated with the second slot are used for a side chain insert point (send and return). The insert can be switched in/out of circuit and monitored via front panel switches.

Stereo Matching
We go to a lot of trouble to match up the LDR's used in our optical compressors but due to the inherent variances in these devices we now offer the essence in stereo matched pairs. Ask your dealer for more detail. For more information on linking two essence units, please read this.

Rack Compatibility
The essence power consumption of 120mA is higher than other 500 series modules, but because this demand is spread over two slots (60mA each) it should work fine in all available racks.

Buzz Audio essence's features

  • API 500VPR Series rack module format - plug in and play!
  • Advanced analogue technology - not a clone or copy of products from the past.
  • Powerful fully discrete hi-bias, wide bandwidth, differential Class A amplifiers.
  • Passive transformer coupled input, transformer coupled output
  • Side chain insert point
  • Side chain monitor selector
  • On board side chain EQ
  • Unique Differential Drive Side Chain design
  • May be linked to multiple essence units within one rack
  • Switchable 10 segment VU meter


  • Buzz Audio essence's specifications

    Frequency Response with no gain reduction
    14Hz to 107kHz, +/- 1.5dB
    Maximum Input Level
    +25dBu
    Maximum Output Level
    +27dBu
    Total Harmonic Distortion
    Measured at 0dBu input, no gain reduction, make up Gain 0dB
    100Hz = 0.1%
    1kHz = 0.015%
    10kHz = 0.002%
    Measured at +10dBu input, 20dB gain reduction, make up Gain +15dB, Attack AUTO, Release 16
    100Hz = 0.1%
    1kHz = 0.015%
    10kHz = 0.005%
    Residual Noise
    -95dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z, make up Gain 0dB
    Make up Gain Range
    0dB to +15dB
    Maximum Available Gain Reduction
    25dB
    S/C HI EQ Boost/Cut
    8dB @ 10kHz
    S/C LO EQ Boost/Cut
    8dB @ 100Hz
    Main Audio Input Impedance
    20k ohms, bal or unbal
    Main Output Impedance
    100 ohms bal or unbal
    Sidechain Send Output Impedance
    100 ohms unbal
    Sidechain Return Input Impedance
    44k ohms bal or unbal
    Sidechain Max Input/Output Levels
    +22dBu
    Size
    (3"Wx5.25"H). Fits 2 spaces in API* 500VPR Series rack format
    Power requirements
    120mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, as supplied by rack power supply.

    Studio Economik UA Apollo NEWS! We are placing the 1rst order for UA Apollo right now, available end February. Limited quantity available on first shipment. Pre-orders available. Please contact us to get yours!
    February 1 at 11:14am
    Studio Economik The new RME FIREFACE UCX, available now!
    RME Fireface UCX
    January 27 at 11:29am
    API 527
    Follow Studio Economik on Twitter
    Gyraf Audio
    * Shipping free for new equipment only
    Leasing
    available