EQ Magazine - December 2008 - (Page 67)

BUZZ AUDIO ESSENCE PRICE: $1,150 STRENGTHS: Useful auto mode. Dedicated side chain. Clear metering. Gives tracks that million-dollar studio sound. LIMITATIONS: Takes up two spaces. Not necessarily the best on every source, but I wouldn’t kick it out of the rack for eating crackers. CONTACT: www.buzzaudio.com Occupying two spaces in the 500 chassis, the Essence is a differential opto compressor. But unlike some widebodies, the Buzz doesn’t waste the rear XLR jacks. The first set provides input and output, while the second can be used as a side chain. A pair of Essence units can be linked for stereo work. The unit is sturdy, with full-sized control knobs, excellent metering, and premium construction. The Essence handled anything we threw at it, but really stood out as a bus compressor. On rock drums it provided the good kind of glue, thwack, and round woody tone that makes vinyl aficionados drool. On bass it could clamp down on string noise, or help stretch out sweet sustain. I tend to dismiss any “auto” compression setting, but the auto attack and release modes on the essence seem to have an alien intelligence: For instance, auto can release fast transients while imposing a longer release time on more continuous signals. The overall fidelity of both Buzz compressors was among the best in the group. I would have no reservations using a pair of these on a mastering job, especially for a rock project. (CONTINUED) www.soniccircus.com serious studio infrastructure Toll Free: 1 - 8 8 8 - S C 4 - G E A R (724-4327) Representing the best in new analog and digital recording equipment, Sonic Circus has the world’s largest showroom of API, Neve and SSL consoles, as well as choice vintage outboard gear and microphones. We provide expert service, support, and integration to project studios and commercial facilities worldwide. The largest selection of new and used consoles anywhere. Full servicing / commisioning / integration packages available. Give us a call for a free consultation. NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS & NO INTEREST FOR 6 MONTHS. For qualiﬁed applicants.* Client Spotlight Th e S o n ic Ci rc u s Bu yer ’s G u i d e Is Now Avail ab l e! 500 Series Deals All Month Long Create A Palette Of Tonal Colors- The Rack Is On Us! Call or visit us online for details Apply Online And Get Fast Approval The Goo Goo Dolls Take delivery of an API Legacy Plus Console. For your copy visit: soniccircus.com/buyersguide EQ www.eqmag.com DECEMBER 2008 67 http://www.buzzaudio.com http://www.soniccircus.com http://www.soniccircus.com http://www.soniccircus.com/buyersguide http://www.eqmag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EQ Magazine - December 2008

EQ Magazine - December 2008 Contents Talk Box Sounding Board Punch In My Morning Jacket Guitar Trax Bass Management Key Issues Drum Heads Vocal Cords Mix Bus Cheat Sheet Cakewalk Sonar 8 Propellerhead Reason 4 Indie 500: Lunchbox Pres and Compressors 500 Series Preamps 500 Series Compressors Gadgets and Goodies Sounds Room with a Vu

EQ Magazine - December 2008

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