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Description

Empirical Labs Distressor

 

FAQ

Where can I find the manual?

What are the features of the Distressor?

FEATURES

  • Classic knee sound - With modern noise specs and improved performance. Really grabs.
  •  Programmable analog distortion/warmth - helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world. Three audio modes providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tube-like, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape.
  • Distortion indicator lights - A 1% LED and a "Redline" (3%) LED. No hard clipping until a few dB past "Redline".
  • Advanced built-in sidechain EQ - High mid band emphasis prevents harsh, edgy guitars or vocals from hurting innocent ears. Low cut keeps the low "sum & difference" frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material.
  • Fool proof operation - Even though there are 384 possible settings (not counting knob settings), it's almost impossible to get a bad sound. Keep all knobs on 5 or 6 (around middle) with ratio at 6:1 and you won't go wrong.
  • Eight unique curves - From the 1:1 mode that simply warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the "Nuke" setting - a brick wall limiting curve that shines on live drum room mics. Each curve has its own personality, and release shape. Most exceptional is the 10:1 "Opto" ratio which uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) "light controlled" devices, such as the LA-2A etc. See manual to emulate other compressors of old.
  • Discrete and integrated combination - the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components.
  • Huge knobs with high resolution numbering - For easy readability and repeatable settings. They also go to 10 1/2 .
  • Locked, calibrated, output level - Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels.
  • Stereo Strappable
  • Switchable 115/230 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit.
  • Over designed power supplies - Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed - without heat vents. Long life components.
  • Single height and light weight - Classic sound in a small, extremely reliable package.
  • True bypass - Know what it's really doing. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability. No internal audio connectors.
  • XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs - XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot. Changeable by user to pin 3 hot!
  • All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path - top quality components. Many military spec. parts.
  • Interface and features found nowhere else.
  • Hand wired, calibrated in USA. Shipping weight 12 Lbs

What are the Specs for the Distressor?

  • Freq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).
  • Dynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.
  • Distortion ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.
  • DC coupled output - High quality input caps.
  • Time constants - Attack range 50uS - 30mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds. Release goes up to 20 seconds in 10:1 “Opto” mode.
  • Power Consumption – Typical is 10 Watts, maximum is 14 Watts.

Lets Talk "Distressors!" (How you like?)

Hello,

I have 2 Empirical Lab Distressors that I have owned since the spring.

Since Zythum Studios has been "under construction"
(alomost the entire year!), I have really not had the oppertunity to really tweak them thru the testing grill.

I would love to hear from you all on what your expierences have been with The Distressor.

Distressor or Gold Bundle

Maybe a bit of a silly question, but working in PT5/LAP 4,5 with TDM FX Drawmer Dynamics & TC Tools & a BBE Maximiser as enhancer & a Sherman FB as euh. next to some other stuff as Kaoss Pad, SRE 555...
`What would you guys/gals suggest as an investment the Distressor or the whole Waves Gold Bundle ?
I HAVE to make a choice

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