The Buzz Audio KICK brings the sound and attitude of classic diode bridge compression to the 500 series format. Inspired by vintage diode bridge designs, but built with Buzz Audio’s own modern circuit approach, the KICK delivers tight, colourful and harmonically rich compression for drums, vocals, bass, mix bus processing and creative sound shaping.
With a balanced audio path, custom transformer, diode bridge gain reduction, Class A discrete BE41 output amplifiers and a flexible sidechain, the KICK gives engineers the punch and character of vintage compression with the speed, control and reliability required in a modern studio.
Classic Diode Bridge Compression in a Compact 500 Series Module
The Buzz Audio KICK is a single slot 500 series compressor designed around diode bridge gain reduction. This style of compression is known for its punch, tone and musical movement, making it a favourite for drums, bass, vocals and mix bus duties.
While the design takes inspiration from legendary diode bridge compressors such as the Neve 2254, the KICK is not a clone. Instead, Buzz Audio has created its own 500 series compressor with a balanced audio path, custom transformer colour, discrete Class A output amplification and a flexible sidechain that makes the unit easy to shape around different sources.
Transformer Colour with Class A Discrete Output Stages
At the heart of the KICK is a custom radio steel transformer feeding the diode bridge gain reduction circuit. This gives the compressor its bold, harmonically rich character while keeping the sound tight and controlled.
The audio path is balanced from input to output for excellent headroom, with Buzz Audio BE60 buffer input amplifiers and ultra low noise BE41 Class A discrete amplifiers at the output. The result is a compressor that can add vintage inspired colour without becoming slow, muddy or difficult to control.
Dynamic Ratio Compression for Musical Control
The KICK uses a dynamic ratio sidechain design inspired by classic compressors from the 1960s. As gain reduction increases, the compression ratio progressively rises from gentle control up to stronger limiting behaviour.
This makes the KICK especially useful on sources with wide dynamic range. It can smooth vocals naturally, add control to bass instruments, and bring punch and movement to drum bus, parallel drum compression and loop processing.
Fast, Flexible and Easy to Use
The front panel gives direct access to all key compressor functions. Six attack settings, six release settings, including auto release, a compression amount control and output gain make the KICK quick to dial in.
The Soft mode helps retain more transient energy when lighter compression is needed, while the Bass function reduces low frequency sensitivity in the sidechain. This is especially useful when compressing bass heavy material, drum bus or mix bus signals where low end energy can otherwise trigger too much compression.
Two KICK compressors can also be linked for stereo operation, making them suitable for stereo drum bus, synth bus, backing vocals, stems and mix bus work.
Key Features
500 series diode bridge compressor
Vintage inspired compression character
Balanced audio path from input to output
Custom transformer for harmonic colour
Buzz Audio BE60 input buffer amplifiers
Buzz Audio BE41 Class A discrete output amplifiers
Dynamic ratio compression from gentle control to strong limiting
Six attack settings from fast to slow
Six release settings including auto release
Soft mode for lighter, more open compression
Bass sidechain filter for improved low frequency punch
15 LED gain reduction meter
Hardwire bypass via Engage switch
Stereo linking with a second KICK module
Suitable for drums, vocals, bass, drum bus, mix bus and creative compression
Controls and Functions
Gain
Adjusts the output makeup gain after compression.
Comp
Controls the amount of compression. Turning the control clockwise increases gain reduction.
Attack
Six switched attack times allow the compressor to react quickly or let more transient energy through.
Release
Six release settings provide a wide range of recovery times, including an auto release mode for smoother programme dependent compression.
Link
Allows two KICK compressors to be sidechain linked for stereo operation.
Soft
Retains more dynamic peak energy for lighter and more open compression.
Bass
Reduces compression sensitivity at low frequencies, helping preserve low end punch on drums, bass and mix bus material.
Engage
Switches the compressor in or out of the signal path.
Ideal Applications
The Buzz Audio KICK is a great choice for engineers looking for a 500 series compressor with real analogue colour and dynamic movement.
It works especially well on:
Drum bus compression
Parallel drum compression
Kick drum and snare shaping
Bass guitar and synth bass
Vocals and backing vocals
Percussion loops
Stereo synths
Mix bus colour
Creative compression effects
Specifications
Maximum input level: +27 dBu
Maximum output level: +27 dBu
Noise: -80 dBu, A weighted, no makeup gain applied
Gain: variable from 0 dB to +15 dB
Frequency response: 6 Hz to 400 kHz, measured with no gain reduction
Harmonic distortion at +10 dBu input, no gain reduction: 0.28% at 100 Hz, 0.25% at 1 kHz, 0.15% at 10 kHz
Harmonic distortion with 10 dB gain reduction, release set to 400 ms: 1.5% at 100 Hz, 0.5% at 1 kHz, 0.5% at 10 kHz
Standard operating level: +4 dBu
Format: single slot API 500 series compatible module
Size: 37 mm wide x 132 mm high
Power requirements: 100 mA, plus and minus 15 to 18 V DC from 500 series frame power supply
FAQ
Is the Buzz Audio KICK a Neve 2254 clone?
No. The KICK is inspired by classic diode bridge compressor designs, including the Neve 2254, but it is not a clone. Buzz Audio uses its own circuit design, custom transformer, balanced audio path and Class A discrete output amplifiers.
What is diode bridge compression good for?
Diode bridge compression is known for punch, character and harmonic colour. It is especially useful on drums, bass, vocals, drum bus, mix bus and material that benefits from strong analogue movement.
Can the Buzz Audio KICK be used in stereo?
Yes. Two KICK compressors can be sidechain linked for stereo operation.
What does the Bass switch do?
The Bass switch reduces compression sensitivity at low frequencies. This helps preserve low end punch and prevents bass heavy signals from over triggering the compressor.
What is Soft mode used for?
Soft mode allows more dynamic peaks to remain, making the compression feel lighter and more open.
Does the Buzz Audio KICK fit a standard 500 series rack?
Yes. The KICK is a single slot 500 series module and fits standard API 500 series compatible racks.
