The Essentials to Know About the Empirical Labs Distressor Compressor/Limiter
- Legendary Colors, Modern Control: eight compression curves, from the "warming" 1:1 ratio to the "Explosive" mode for ultra-tight limiting.
- Programmable Harmonic Distortion: three modes to dial in even harmonics like tubes or odd harmonics like tape.
- Intelligent Sidechain: high-mid boost and low-cut in the sidechain to avoid harshness and pumping.
- Tour-Ready Reliability: closed 1U chassis, ultra-simple binary interface, large precise controls, factory calibration.
A Modern Classic in Dynamics
Born to combine the character of legendary compressors with the precision of a modern workflow, the Empirical Labs Distressor has established itself as a studio standard. It combines a hybrid architecture of discrete components/integrated circuits with robust digital control, offering the musicality of iconic machines and the consistency of a contemporary production tool.
Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?
Ideal for tracking and mixing, it excels on vocals, guitars, and drums, from room mics to close mics. Its palette ranges from simple transparent "warming" to aggressive control for disciplined transients, up to optical emulation for smooth, singing compressions on buses or bass.
Key Features and Highlights
Three Distortion Modes allow shaping the texture before or after gain reduction: even harmonics for a "tube-like" warmth, or odd harmonics for a more biting character, like tape saturation. Two dedicated LEDs indicate 1% and 3% thresholds for precise dosing without harsh clipping even a few dB beyond.
Advanced Detection EQ: high-mid boost softens guitars and vocals, while the sidechain low-cut prevents pumping from bass frequencies, resulting in more musical compression.
Eight Unique Curves: from 1:1 with no compression (just harmonic coloration) to ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, up to 10:1 in dedicated circuits for an "optical" response close to the great classics, plus an "Explosive" mode designed for drum room mics.
Ergonomics and Repeatability: binary-style interface to multiply combinations, large-throw potentiometers with fine graduations, fixed and calibrated output level for instant recall in studio or live settings.
Technical Specifications
Processing and Curves
- Eight dynamic curves: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1 ("optical" circuit), plus "Explosive" limiting mode.
- Programmable analog distortion: even harmonics (tube-type) and odd harmonics (tape-type).
- Distortion LEDs at 1% and 3% for harmonic saturation control.
- Sidechain with high-mid boost and low-cut anti-pumping filter.
Control and Interface
- Exclusive binary interface offering hundreds of possible combinations.
- Large-format rotary controls with high-precision graduations.
- True bypass for instant comparison of processing.
- Fixed and calibrated output level for quick recall.
Connections and Power Supply
- Transformerless balanced XLR inputs/outputs, hot on pin 2 (configurable to pin 3).
- Parallel 1/4" jacks and stereo link via 1/4" jack.
- Switchable 110/220 V power supply, internal spare fuse, oversized power supplies.
Construction
- Hybrid schematic of discrete components/integrated circuits, hand-selected and tested components.
- Roederstein metal-film resistors throughout the signal path, no internal audio connectors.
- Fully enclosed chassis, no heat buildup for increased reliability.
- Hand-wired and calibrated in the USA by Empirical Labs Inc.
Format, Dimensions, and Weight
- 1U rack format.
- Packaged weight: 6 kg.
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