Burl BC5000 BIGFOOT Optical Compressor
The Burl BC5000 BIGFOOT is a modern solid-state optical compressor with integrated limiting, designed to deliver musical, natural dynamics control across virtually any source — from individual tracks to mix bus and mastering applications. Developed by [BURL Audio](chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0), BIGFOOT represents a new generation of optical compression, combining classic musical behavior with state-of-the-art analog circuit design.
While traditional optical compressors are revered for their smooth and natural sound, most designs trace their roots back to the 1960s and 70s. The BC5000 BIGFOOT breaks away from these limitations by pairing a musical optical element with a fully balanced, all-discrete Class-A signal path and modern control features. The result is a compressor that is equally effective for tracking, mixing, mastering, and peak control before conversion.
The BIGFOOT uses the same input and output circuitry found in Burl’s flagship mastering products, including the BAD4M and BDA4M. Switchable BX1 input and BX5 output transformers allow the engineer to tailor the tonal character, while a fast FET limiter provides transparent peak control without audible pumping. Compression and limiting can be used together, making BIGFOOT exceptionally powerful for dynamic control in a single unit.
Designed to preserve low-frequency energy, the BC5000 includes a side-chain low-cut filter that keeps bass content full and intact while controlling dynamics naturally. For vocal processing, a dedicated de-esser allows quick sibilance control with a single switch, while a 10 kHz high-frequency boost adds clarity and presence to darker or duller sources.
The development goal of the BC5000 BIGFOOT was simple: create a compressor that works on everything. With its outstanding tone, extremely low noise floor, and wide-ranging functionality, BIGFOOT has become an indispensable tool for engineers seeking musical compression, transparent limiting, and flexible tone shaping in one device.
Features
- Solid-state optical compressor with integrated limiter
- All-discrete, Class-A, direct-coupled signal path
- Fully balanced circuit path from input to output
- Switchable BX1 input transformer
- Switchable BX5 output transformer
- Switchable fast FET limiter circuit
- Switchable side-chain low-cut filter
- Integrated de-esser circuit
- Switchable 10 kHz high-frequency boost
- Stereo link capability
- Audiophile stepped attenuators for input and output
- Stepped threshold, attack, release, and ratio controls
- Hard bypass
Applications
- Vocal compression and de-essing
- Bass and low-frequency rich material
- Mix bus and stem compression
- Mastering and peak control before AD conversion
- Tracking, mixing, mastering, and sound design
Technical Overview
- Type: Solid-state optical compressor with limiter
- Topology: Fully balanced, Class-A, discrete transistor design
- Input Circuit: Same as BAD4M Mastering Analog
- Output Circuit: Same as BDA4M Mastering Analog
- Transformers: Switchable BX1 input, BX5 output
- Controls: Input, Output, Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio (stepped)
- Additional Processing: De-esser, HF boost, side-chain low cut
- Stereo Operation: Linkable