Buzz Velox Optical Comp

I don’t have a Velox but love my SOC-M and DBC-M, both are excellent.

Based off of the controls it looks like a stereo version of the Essence which would be awesome if that's what it is.

Buzz is awesome!!! love my soc 2.0 and DBC 20. and ma2.2 TX

Recently spoke with Tim Farrant as I’m in the market for a Velox as well and was wondering what kind of build I should opt for. The main takeaway would be as follows in my personal understanding.

Essence: Discrete with transformer coupled input and output, so in my mind it would be the most “colored.” I also have experience with this unit and can say that while it’s not a tone box by any means, there is indeed a noticeable color to the unit.

SOC-20: Similar to Essence, but only transformers on the output. Still discrete though.

Velox: As you all probably know it will depend on the build; however I was told that the basic IC version would be similar to the original SOC 1.1, and the DC version with the output transformer added would make it quite on par to the SOC-20, just with a different feature set.

I personally don’t have the budget to opt for both “upgrades,” so I’m debating between the following options:

1. My top choice would be basic IC version with the output transformer added as I feel that the transformer would provide a more substantial change to the sound than opting for the fully discrete path without the transformer output.

2. My second choice would be the full discrete without the output transformer if my thought process for my top pick happens to be wrong.

3. And lastly the base model IC variant as it’s the most budget conscious.

For reference my current vocal chain is as follows:
Soyuz 017 Tube —> Aurora GT500 —> Maag EQ4 —> TT CL1B

The CL1B was recently traded for a Trinnov hence my upcoming purchase of the Velox. I mainly track my own vocals for Hip-Hop & RnB, so this will be for personal use.

Long winded post, so thanks to those of you who took the time to read it!

I’ve got a Hendyamps Pollock solid-state on order right now. Magical optical device!

Thanks for the recommendation - I've never used a hardware LA3A.

I have the UAD LA3A plugin and I never reach for it as it seems so uninspiring - but that's probably says a lot about the plugin than an LA3A.

Aren't they known for being quite bright in tone?

I've read great things about the Serpent Audio Chimera but I've also read it has a bright basic colour and as I have a bright tenor voice
I deemed it might not be a good match when I want an opto for recording my vocals?

Which hardware LA3A do you use?