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Product Description
DBC-20 with Black Face Plate
DBC-20
diode bridge compressor
design features
A new take on vintage audio compression with a gain reduction element of silicon diodes in a transformer coupled balanced bridge arrangement.
audio path color
The DBC-20 audio path uses our Class A discrete amplifier design in a balanced configuration from input to output, but for extra colour in this unit, we have a radio steel laminated transformer of our own design to couple into the diode bridge element. This overall combination produces a desirable compression character that can best be described as tight, colourful and rich with harmonics.
dynamic ratio power
In the style of compressors from the 60's, the DBC-20 incorporates a self-adjusting ratio whereby the compression ratio is progressively increased with deepening gain reduction. This feature allows for the control of very dynamic signals (such as vocals) in a seamless fashion and is also a very desirable characteristic when used on complex percussive material.
operational ease
This compressor is easy to get happening with six switched attack and release times covering a wide range, including an interesting auto release mode. Big knobs are provided for the amount of compression and the output gain control. The compressor can be switched to a Soft mode whereby dynamic peaks are partially retained. Another switch introduces a high pass filter to the side chain to lower compression sensitivity at low frequencies which is useful on the mix bus. The large knobs with pointers allow for accurate resetting of the compressor and the fast response 15 LED bar graph meter accurately displays gain reduction.
controls and functions
GAIN - variable pot that adds gain at the output to correct for lost level with 15dB range.
COMPRESSION - variable pot that sets the amount of compression.
ATTACK - rotary switch with 6 settings, FAST (less than 0.5mS)-5mS-10mS-15mS-25mS-50mS.
RELEASE - rotary switch with 6 recovery time settings, 50mS-100mS-200mS-400mS-600mS and AUTO.
HARD/SOFT - adds dynamics in soft mode for times when very light compression is required.
FLAT/BASS - reduces compression sensitivity at low frequencies for more bass punch.
BYPASS/ENGAGE - hard wire unit bypass to compare compressed and uncompressed signals.
There is also a handy power ON/OFF switch and the LINK A/B which provides for stereo tracking to prevent image shift when used on the mix buss.
Warranty Information
standard product warranty
Buzz Audio guarantees the Product to be free of defective materials and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of sale, and will replace defective parts and repair malfunctioning Products under this warranty when the defect occurs under normal installation and use - provided the unit is returned to our factory (or duly authorised service centre) via prepaid transportation with a copy of the proof of purchase, ie, sales receipt. This warranty provides that examination of the returned Product must indicate, in our judgement, a manufacturing defect. This warranty does not extend to any Product that has been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or where the date code has been removed or defaced. The standard warranty is not transferable to a new owner should the Product change hands during the 1 year period.
product warranty extension
The Standard Product Warranty may be extended to a period of 2 years (24 months) from date of sale provided the Product is registered with us within 4 weeks (28 days) from the purchase date. The extended warranty is transferable to a new owner should the product change hands within the 2 year period.