Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box

Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box
Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box

Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box
Atlas Pro Audio Questions About This Item? ARC-1.1 complete channel strip Quite simply, there is no other channel strip made that has the versatility of the ARC-1.1. A sophisticated relay routing system allows you to separately access the mic preamp, optical compressor and the equalizer via rear panel connectors. For example, you could be using any band of the EQ and the compressor on a two separate tracks whilst still recording with the mic preamp. The compressor in the ARC-1.1 is the same design as our SOC1.1 and works really well on all sources and particulary impressive on bass and vocals. (The excellent sound of the compressor has lead to the ARC being a popular unit for lead vocals in live sound situations).

Add to this is the full featured 5 band parametric equaliser, the low noise Class A mic preamp and you have a no compromise power house channel strip. Overview of the Controls and Features Input Section First up is the all important mic preamp. The ARC utilises the Buzz Audio BE40 True Class A high speed amplifiers developed for the MA 2.2 mic preamp.

The BE40 amplifiers ensure accurate transient detail reproduction and very good noise performance. Another feature is the padless input circuit with a +15dB gain boost switch instead, providing a total mic gain range of +9 to +65dB. The mic load control adjusts the mic input impedance from 200 ohm thru to 5k ohms apprx. This control provides another means of varying the tonal quality of the connected microphone.

The 48V phantom power switch features a soft start circuit to avoid thumps and bangs. A direct output of the mic preamp stage is available on the rear panel allowing use of the mic pre section whilst using the ARC in line mode.

Next up is the line input stage which is either the rear panel balanced XLR input (with loop thru) or front panel unbalanced high impedance input. The line gain is variable from 0dB to +40dB. In addition, a -10dB pad can be switched into the balanced input to cater for those hot signals from D-A convertors. In addition to attenuating the input, the -10dB switch raises the input impedance from a nominal 20k ohms to 70k ohms which allows the driving device to freely deliver high level without undue distortion.

Output Section Here's where you select the mic or line input to feed the main output of the ARC. The output gain control provides +10dB of additional gain as well as acting as a fader. This control can be useful for setting the correct level into -10dBv devices such as computer sound cards.

Also available here is a polarity reverse switch with mute in the centre position. Another switch selects normal output or side chain monitor, which allows you to hear what is being fed into the sidechain of the compressor section and therefore any EQ being applied. Next up is the clean/tranny switch. In clean mode, the audio path is direct. In tranny mode, a steel transformer is switched into the signal path introducing low frequency harmonics and providing yet another tonal variation to the signal. The high pass filter (part of the equaliser section) features variable filtering of low frequency signals from 25Hz up to 450Hz.

The filter has a musical 12dB/oct slope and can be switched into the main signal path (IN), or into the sidechain (S/C) of the Opto Compressor, or when selected to EXT, the filter is available externally via the rear EQ in/out XLR's. Equaliser Section The four band parametric EQ features high and low shelving sections. The low shelf features two selectable turnover frequencies and utilises a true inductor (choke) resulting in a very tight sounding bottom end control.

The high shelf offers a broad or tight shelving curve. The tight curve allows you to boost or cut the very top end without much effect to the mid band. Each section can be individually switched in to the main path (IN) or into the sidechain (S/C) of the ARC Optical Compressor. When switched to EXT, the sections are available externally via the rear panel EQ in/out XLR's. Following that are two MID BAND sweepable equaliser sections with adjustable bandwidth (sometimes referred to as "Q").

The BW control features a tight notch setting when fully counterclockwise. The frequency range of mid band 1 is 30Hz to 700Hz or 300Hz to 7kHz when the x10 switch is engaged. Mid band 2 sweeps from 160Hz to 3.4kHz or 1600Hz to 34kHz when x10 is selected. Once again, each midband is selectable into the main path, the sidechain of the compressor of into the external EQ path.

Compressor and Peak Limiter Incorporated into the ARC is a single channel version of the Buzz Audio SOC Stereo Optical Compressor and a FET Peak Limiter. When selected to EXT, the Compressor is available for independant operation via the rear panel Comp in/out balanced XLR's. The comp drive control varies the amount of compression, similar to a threshold control on other compressors. Comp ratio is switched 2:1, 5:1, 10:1 or 20:1 but all ratio's feature a soft knee characteristic.

Compr release time is selectable from 100 milli-seconds to 1.6 seconds and also includes an auto position which is program dependant. Three attack time settings are available, with fast being very fast for an optical type compressor.

Finally, a link switch allows linking to another ARC for stereo operation. Compressor gain reduction is displayed with a 12 element bargraph display.

The fast attack peak limiter utilises a FET (field effect transistor) for the gain reduction element and the release time can be selected fast, medium or slow. The Limiter can be independantly switched into the ARC main signal path (Post EQ) or accessed via the rear Comp In/Out XLR's. It is always Post the compressor when used in combination. Although primarily designed to catch peak levels that would otherwise cause "overs" on digital recorders, the peak limiter can be used for some very heavy compression effects. Limiter action is displayed with a single LED. The combination of the Opto Compressor with EQ-able sidechain and the output Peak Limiter give the ARC a very powerful dynamics package indeed. The peak limiter (always post the Opto compressor) has the ability to catch transients missed by the slower opto action thereby providing a near zero attack time compressor system. Other Stuff Last but not least is the meter select switch which displays on the 12 segment bargraph the input level (ie post the mic/line gain stages), or output level (what is leaving the ARC main output). The meter can also be switched off. The over led is driven by a circuit that monitors audio level at critical points within the ARC-1.1 signal path and will light when levels exceed +20dBu. Finally a power on/off switch completes the picture. Not immediately apparent to the reader maybe the unique flexibility of the ARC. With all the connection options available, the ARC may be used as a seperate Mic Preamp, DI Box, Equaliser and Compressor (optionally with sidechain EQ), all at the same time.

ARC-1.1 Rear Panel Connections. Specifications are typical of a production unit and are subject to change without notice. 0dBu reference = 0.775 volts RMS. At Atlas Pro Audio it is our priority to have great customer service. We are dealers for over 80 lines of the best high-end pro audio gear available.

Ships directly from the factory. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited by law, subject to criminal prosecution. The item "Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box" is in sale since Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

This item is in the category "Musical Instruments & Gear\Pro Audio Equipment\Preamps & Channel Strips". The seller is "www-atlasproaudio-com" and is located in Brandon, Florida.

This item can be shipped to United States.
Buzz Audio ARC-1.1 Recording Channel Strip, Pre EQ Compressor Limiter Open Box