BURL Audio BC5000 BIGFOOT – Solid-State Optical Compressor w/ Limiting

OVERVIEW

Introducing the BC5000 BIGFOOT optical compressor with limiting. At long last, a solid-state optical compressor that you will want to use on absolutely everything you create, from individual tracks to mix bus and mastering. The BC5000 BIGFOOT breaks from the mould of compressors past, delivering everyday practical functionality with the absolute best, modern-day analog circuitry that has made everything BURL Audio does legendary.

Anyone who has used an optical compressor knows how musical and natural the optical elements sound. Most optical compressors that we know and love are based on classic designs from the 60s and 70s. There has not been a lot of evolution in solid-state optical compressors since that time. BURL Audio, with its years of analog expertise and real-world musical production prowess, has finally unleashed the BEAST, The BIGFOOT.

The BIGFOOT compressor uses an optical element for musical compression in conjunction with a uniquely BURL, fully balanced circuit path that is all class-A, discrete transistor with switchable input and output transformers. The input and output circuits are the same as our Mothership Mastering cards, the BAD4M and BDA4M.

The BIGFOOT employs switchable acclaimed BX1 and BX5 transformers with an additional fast limiter circuit. This combination makes the BC5000 ideal for taming large transients in a natural way that doesn’t “pump”. Mixing and Mastering engineers will love the ability to compress and limit in one box.

BIGFOOT loves bottom end. The BC5000 features a side chain low-cut to allow that soulful rhythm section to ring true for bass, vocals, main mix, whatever. You gotta feel that body.

For vocals, the BIGFOOT includes a de-esser circuit to clean up sibilance. One button, done.

Additionally, to bring to life slightly dull or dark tracks, the BIGFOOT employs a 10kHz, high boost for clarity.

We all love having the flexibility of various compressors and limiters, given that one type of compressor or limiter is good for certain things, like vocals and guitar, while other types are more applicable to mix bus and mastering. The main goal in the development of the BC5000 BIGFOOT was to create a compressor that works on everything. The BIGFOOT is musical for the body of the material, while great at taming high-level peaks, pre ADC. With its outstanding tone, extremely low noise floor and versatility, you will find the BIGFOOT an indispensable tool for all of your music production needs.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Optical Compression, Reimagined

BIGFOOT delivers the musical, natural feel optical compressors are famous for – but with a modern design that goes far beyond vintage limitations. It sounds smooth, controlled, and musical on any source.

Class-A BURL Audio Signal Path

Featuring the same input and output circuitry as BURL’s BAD4M and BDA4M mastering cards, BIGFOOT uses fully balanced, Class-A, discrete transistor circuits for unmatched depth, punch, and clarity.

Compression and Limiting in One Box

A fast FET limiter works alongside the optical compressor, making BIGFOOT ideal for taming transients without pumping – perfect for mixing, mastering, and protecting converters pre-ADC.

Shape the Low End Without Compromise

The sidechain low-cut keeps bass, kick, and full mixes powerful and open, letting low-frequency energy breathe while compression stays smooth and controlled.

Effortless Vocal Control

With a built-in de-esser and a switchable 10kHz high-frequency boost, BIGFOOT makes vocal shaping fast and musical – one button to tame sibilance, one switch to add clarity.

FEATURES

• Solid State Optical Compressor with Limiter
• State-of-the-art BURL Audio NextGen Analog
• All discrete transistor, class-A, direct coupled
• Fully balanced circuit path, end-to-end
• Switchable BX1 input transformer
• Switchable BX5 output transformer
• Switchable fast FET limit circuit
• Switchable side chain Low Cut
• Switchable De-esser
• Switchable High Frequency boost
• Stereo Link
• Input circuit same as BAD4M Mastering Analog
• Output circuit same as BDA4M Mastering Analog
• Audiophile stepped attenuators for Input, Output
• Stepped Threshold, Attack, Release and Ratio
• Hard By-Pass

TECHNICAL SPECS

Compression Type: Solid-state optical compressor with integrated limiter

Signal Path: Fully balanced, end-to-end

Circuit Design: All-discrete transistor, Class-A, direct-coupled

Input Transformer: Switchable BX1

Output Transformer: Switchable BX5

Limiter Circuit: Switchable fast FET limiter

Sidechain Filter: Low-cut filter

De-Esser: Integrated, switchable

High-Frequency Boost: Switchable 10 kHz boost

Stereo Linking: Stereo link capability

Input Circuit: Identical to BAD4M mastering analog

Output Circuit: Identical to BDA4M mastering analog

Input / Output Control: Audiophile stepped attenuators

Dynamics Controls: Stepped threshold, attack, release, and ratio

Bypass: Hard bypass