Buzz Audio soc-20 mid side optical compressor - Manual (Page 5)

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engaged which allows the SOC to release from fast transient signals quickly,
but maintain a slower release time with more continuous signals such as low
frequencies or bass.
RATIO
This switch sets the amount of gain reduction (or compression) for a given
change in input signal level. For example, in position 6, a 6dB increase in input
signal level will yield a 1dB increase in output signal level, being a Ratio of 6:1.
Because the SOC-20 has a soft knee characteristic, the Ratio value selected is
the ultimate achieved after approx 10dB of gain reduction, so the Ratio will be
softer with small amounts of gain reduction. This is the characteristic that
makes the SOC sound so unique.
BYPASS
In the up position, this switch provides a hard relay bypass of audio input to
audio output with no electronics in the signal path. This is useful in comparing
the compressed to un-compressed signal. When using the SOC with stereo
signals, both A and B channels’ bypass switches would be operated together
for a meaningful result.
I/P–G/R–O/P
This switch is used to monitor signals on the VU meter. At I/P position the VU
meter monitors the audio input signal as applied to the LINE input connector.
At G/R position the meter displays the amount of gain reduction or compression
applied to the audio input signal. Note that the meter provides an “indication”
of the amount of gain reduction and does not accurately display fast transient
attacks. At O/P position the VU meter monitors the LINE output signal post the
Output gain make up control. The operation of the meter is unaffected by the
Bypass switch.
S/C HPF
When this switch is down (IN) a 12dB per octave high pass filter at 170Hz is
placed into the SOC side chain path. This has the affect of reducing
compressor sensitivity at low frequencies and is useful when you wish to retain
bass information but still compress higher frequencies.