Buzz
Audio SSA-1.1 -- Extended range stereo mic/instrument preamp.
EQ; 11/1/2003; by Mitch Gallagher.
New Zealand's Buzz Audio generated
a fair amount of, well, buzz with the release of their first preamp,
the MA-2.2, which featured a discrete Class A design, amazing specs,
and unbalanced outputs (which Buzz says improves purity). The second
preamp from the company is the lower-priced SSA-1.1, a 2-channel hybrid
Class A/op amp design that offers both balanced and unbalanced outs.
The SSA has both XLR mic and 1/4" instrument/line level inputs; each
input has its own gain control. As mentioned, both balanced and unbalanced
outs are provided. The balanced outs use what Buzz calls "transformer
acting" line driver circuits; the unbalanced outs are a more direct
path, bypassing any unnecessary electronics between the preamp and
the output. As an option, you can order the SSA with Sowter output
transformers; bare transformers or a kit are available if you'd like
to add transformers to an existing unit.
Controls are kept to a minimum. In addition to the stepped mic and
instrument gain controls, there's a 15 dB mic gain boost - Buzz prefers
to provide extra gain, rather than pad the input - 50 Hz highpass
filter, phantom power, and a 3-position polarity switch that incorporates
a preamp "mute" function in its center setting. The only other feature
is a peak LED per channel.
The SSA-1.1 specs out extremely well - manufacturer's stated frequency
response, for example, is 4 Hz to 200,000 Hz.
IN USE
I tend to reach first for straight-ahead preamps, with few controls,
and little extra processing in the signal path. The Buzz certainly
qualifies. Aside from the usual required features (phantom power,
polarity reverse, etc.) there's not much here to get in the way of
the process. Plug in a mic or instrument, set the corresponding gain,
and go.
I started out using the SSA-1.1 on male vocals with a large-diaphragm
tube mic. My first impression was of big sound, with smooth midrange,
open top end, and solid bottom. The SSA-1.1 isn't quite as present
as some other preamps, but it has clarity and "naturalness" that let
the track sit perfectly in the mix. The open top end also handles
processing well. When compressing the vocal track during mixdown,
the top end remained clear and dynamic, with a nice liveliness.
Next up were crunchy electric guitar tracks for a rock tune. Again,
the SSA-1.1 didn't provide as much presence as some other preamps,
but the track sat perfectly in the mix. All the punch and thump of
the Marshall amp was there, with nice, smooth, highly detailed top
end and chewy mids - this is a big sounding preamp. I also tried the
SSA as a DI for guitar. While the SSA-1.1 works fine as a DI/instrument
preamp, it sounded a bit "flat" to me - subtly lacking in depth and
life compared to a great direct box.
Switching over to nylon string classical guitar, the SSA-1.1 quickly
emerged as my favorite preamp for this application. It has a natural,
unhyped sound, with tons of detail and clarity. Its dynamic response
was perfect, and the midrange of this particular guitar came across
as the richest I've ever heard it.
I had similar results on steel-string acoustic guitar: rich mids,
smooth, detailed highs, plenty of drive and punch. As with nylon string
guitar, the steel-string sounded real, with a nice sense of liveness.
This experience was repeated with virtually every source and mic.
THE BUZZ WORD
While I've been hearing about Buzz preamps for a while now, this is
the first chance I've had to plug a mic into one. To say that I'm
impressed would be an understatement. The SSA-1.1 immediately became
my favorite preamp on classical guitar and other delicate (and not-so-delicate)
acoustic sources, and it ranked among my top choices on just about
every source. It doesn't have the inherent presence of some preamps,
but it more than makes up for it with richness and clarity in the
midrange, always without a hint of harshness.
At $1,700, the SSA-1.1 is a great deal. If you're looking to step
up to your first "high-end" preamp, give the SSA-1.1 a hard look.
If you're looking to expand your preamp palette, the SSA-1.1 offers
outstanding quality at a reasonable price.
Strengths: - Rich midrange - Outstanding clarity, detail, and
depth - Excellent dynamic response - Instrument/DI input with separate
gain control adds versatility
Limitations: - DI input lacks depth and life http://www.eqmag.com
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