Q. What is an "Optical" compressor ?
A. In basic terms, a light source, modulated by the audio signal, controls a Light Dependant Resistor (LDR) arranged in a "pad" format to control the gain of an amplifer. In vintage compressors, the light source was a electro-luminencent element, similiar to a that used on LCD display backlights. These days, light emitting diodes (LEDs) provide a more reliable light source. Either way, the optical compressor traditionally has a "passive" gain reduction element. TOP


Q. Is the SOC-1.1 a copy of any vintage compressors ?
A. No. Although based on vintage topolgies, the SOC-1.1 is a totally new design and offers a lot more control over compressor parameters than past designs. Additionally, we manufacture our own Optical element for use in the SOC-1.1. TOP


Q. Some say optical compressors have slow attack, is this true of the SOC-1.1 ?
A. LDR's are inherently slow to respond (in audio terms) to changes in light. However, a unique piece of circuitry in the sidechain of the SOC-1.1 when fast attack is engaged coaxes the LDR into responding faster. We believe the SOC-1.1 attack time of less than 1mS is about as fast as mother nature will allow in any LDR based optical compressor. TOP


Q. Is the SOC-1.1 Class A like the MA-2.2 preamp ?
A. No, the SOC-1.1 uses high quality Analog Devices operational amplifiers. A Class A version may become available in the future. However, some say the sound of the SOC-1.1 out performs many tube designs costing a whole heap more ! TOP


Q. I record alot of acoustic instruments, can the SOC-1.1 be useful for this ?
A. Yes the SOC-1.1 is equally at home providing gentle compression for acoustic sources as well as full on squash for that "in yer face" vocal sound. We have many users who enjoy the musical nature of the SOC-1.1. TOP


Q. Can I use the SOC-1.1 as a mix buss (2 buss) or mastering limiter ?
A. For CD mixing or mastering, where accommodating short peaks without "overs" results in a low average level, there is no substitute for a "look ahead" digital DSP based Limiter. However, the combination of a SOC-1.1 with such a limiter will make a powerful mastering or mix buss compression system. The SOC-1.1 looks after the general "loudness" and the digital limiter pulls in any short duration peaks the SOC cannot handle. TOP


Q. Why do I need to adjust both channels of the SOC-1.1 when they are stereo linked ?
A. Due to the poor tolerance inherent in LDR's, it is impossible to get one sidechain circuit to drive both gain reduction elements with predictable and therefore reliable stereo matched results. VCA based compressors can use one sidechain to drive both channels as the VCA chips have much tighter tolerances. TOP


Q. What is a "Sidechain" ?
A. Sidechain refers to the circuitry used to process the audio signal into a suitable format to drive the gain reduction element, wether it be Optical or VCA. Parameters such as Attack, Release, Ratio etc.. are generally controlled within the sidechain circuit. TOP