The Buzz Audio DBC-20 is a stereo diode bridge compressor designed to offer bold, characterful compression with a classic British flavour, enhanced by Buzz Audio’s proprietary Class A discrete circuitry. At its core is a diode bridge gain reduction cell inspired by vintage designs, delivering a warm, rich compression tone with enhanced harmonic content and fast transient response.
The Buzz Audio DBC-20 brings this classic circuit into the modern studio with increased headroom, ultra-low noise, and superior build quality.
Unlike typical VCA or optical designs, the diode bridge topology used in the Buzz Audio DBC-20 creates a distinctly coloured, musical compression curve that’s particularly effective on drums, bass, vocals, and mix buses.
The unit features fully discrete signal paths, high-voltage power rails for improved dynamics, and a wet/dry mix control for easy parallel compression from the front panel. Engineers can shape the compression character further with variable attack and release controls, and select between four ratio settings for varied dynamic behaviour.
The Buzz Audio DBC-20 includes a sidechain high-pass filter to maintain punch and low-end clarity during compression, along with sidechain insert points for more advanced control. It operates in true stereo and can be switched to dual mono for independent channel operation.
With its unique sonic imprint and robust design, the Buzz Audio DBC-20 is ideal for engineers and producers who want both the vibe of vintage compression and the clarity and flexibility of modern analogue hardware.
Features
- Class A discrete signal path
- Diode bridge compression cell for vintage tone
- Wet/dry mix control for onboard parallel compression
- High-pass filter in sidechain circuit
- Sidechain insert points for external processing
- Variable attack and release controls
- Four selectable ratio settings
- Stereo or dual mono operation
- Transformerless balanced I/O
- Handbuilt in New Zealand
