From the point of view of the evolution of the BC1, though, the more important feature of the BC2 ME was the introduction of five selectable corner frequencies for its side-chain high-pass filter. As I mentioned, the original BC1 was more a thoughtful reworking of the SSL concept than a slavish clone, and the functionality it added opened up several mix and mastering applications that went well beyond the ‘magic sonic glue’ bus compression for which the G-Series compressor is rightly renowned. Feed-forward or [...], Three HPF frequencies. High Pass filter. The BC501 also featured the 6:1 compression ratio first seen on the BC2-ME, adding a slightly more aggressive option than offered by its rackmount predecessors. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The meter’s LED-illuminated, bright-white 0-20 dB scale contrasts beautifully with the matte-black background. Internal jumpers can be used to set the compressor for balanced or unbalanced operation. Once upon a time, if you wanted an SSL bus compressor you had to buy a G-Series SSL console! I love the sound and really like the blend control.” Terry Manning / Nassau, Bahamas (Shakira, Lenny Kravitz, Shania Twain, Norah Jones, Boz Scaggs…) You might have thought that, after 10 years of carefully crafted BC1 evolution, TK would already have reached the end of the BC1’s development path — but you’d be wrong. The original’s range of attack and release times was also expanded and, probably most importantly in my view, Kristiansson added both a dry/wet blend control and dry mute switch — it may seem a no-brainer now, given the number of compressors that feature such facilities, but at the time it was a rare feature; few hardware compressors had made parallel compression quite so quick and easy. On the other hand, if you’re actively searching for heavy pumping, you could send the bass drum’s close mic to the BC1 Ltd’s external side-chain inputs, to trigger compression on the drum bus. The front panel has been treated not only to a makeover but some new and updated controls, not least the Grab function, which hardens the knee at all ratio settings. The BC501’s side-chain frequencies (80Hz, 150Hz and 220 Hz) are selected via an ingenious combination of two buttons, rather than a conventional three-position switch. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. TK Audio’s BC1 Ltd 10th anniversary limited edition is, as far as I’m concerned, one of the very best of the current crop. All controls stepped for easy recall. Selectable germanium circuit for extra harmonics. All controls stepped for easy recall. Goldplated [...], Insert your unbalanced gear such as guitar pedals and old echo fx into your DAW or console. We added some of the “most asked for” functions over the years like the THD function and HPF frequency options from the BC501. All [...], Parallel processor for mono units. Ratio which increases with the signal level. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. High Pass filter on the sidechain with 5 [...], 3 Baxandall bands with low Q. Monitor output with separate level and mono select. The thoughtful 10-year evolution from the original BC1 of 2008 to the present-day BC1 Ltd has resulted in a compressor which not only delivers the fabled ‘magic glue’, but also — thanks to its side-chain HPF, knee-hardening Grab function, and on-board parallel-processing capability — boasts a versatility that means it can do service in a range of different studio applications. All [...]. PreSonus StudioLive 32SC Series III Mixing Console, How And When To Use Multiband Compression. Re: Why does Liam Gallagher's vocals sound shit? 3 Baxandall bands with low Q. This feature was also implemented in a reduced three-frequency format in the BC501, which was a 500-series repackaging of the BC1 introduced at the same time as the BC2-ME, and which was reviewed in SOS November 2015 (www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tk-audio-bc501). SSL’s XLogic G-Series Compressor is an obvious alternative but, like many of its imitators, it doesn’t offer the versatility of the BC1 Ltd. Other than TK Audio’s other products (discussed in the review), the closest competitor is probably the Serpent Audio SB4001, for which you’ll need a 500-series host chassis. Of course, in amongst its other tricks, any VCA bus compressor that takes its DNA from the SSL G-Series model must be able to deliver that ‘magic glue’ effect. When it comes down to it, the BC1 Ltd is wonderfully versatile and the decision to exchange its predecessor’s Hard ratio for the knee-hardening Grab function has contributed massively to that versatility. At a 10:1 ratio with Grab engaged and a very fast attack setting, you can squash a drum track assertively, and yet, by using the side-chain HPF, you can reduce the pumping induced by the bass drum. Some companies might have chosen to celebrate such an anniversary simply by refreshing a product’s aesthetics — but TK chose instead to continue to refine and improve their most popular product. High and low bands switchable between shelf or peak. That has changed in recent years, with a proliferation of products that pay homage to the SSL VCA-based design, but they’re not all created equal. And, like all of its ancestors, the BC1 Ltd does that with ease — start with a 2:1 compression ratio, the side-chain filter set at 150Hz, a 10ms attack time, an automatic release, the threshold set to give 2-3 dB of compression (or thereabouts), the blend control set to fully wet, and that will give you one glued-together mix. So the BC1 Ltd does combine various features of the different versions that preceded it, but its features aren’t all borrowed. To celebrate TK Audio’s 10 year anniversary we are releasing the BC1Ltd in a limited edition of 100 pieces. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. All controls [...], Parallel processor for stereo units. THD function that adds more even harmonics. Its performance level and additional functionality set it apart from most of its direct competition. Grab function that selects a harder threshold knee. Web site designed & maintained by PB Associates & SOS. Sweepable high-pass filter, 30-400Hz, 12dB/oct. Selectable germanium circuit for [...], Blend control for parallel compression. High Pass filter on the sidechain. The rotary controls are carried over from the BC1-S, so you’ll find detented threshold, make-up and blend potentiometers and ratio, attack and release switches. [...], Sweepable high pass and low pass filter. Away from its mix-bus duties, you’ll find that the BC1 Ltd is a useful studio tool more generally. High Pass filter on the sidechain with 3 [...], 3 band Baxandall styled EQ. High Pass filter. The product I’m reviewing here is a limited edition, 10th anniversary version of the BC1. Mastering Essentials Part 3 - How loud should I master? Hi-Z instrument [...], Three HPF frequencies THD function that adds more even harmonics Grab function that selects a harder threshold knee Blend [...], Blend control for parallel compression. Re: One Synth Challenge V - The Filter Strikes Back!