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.
- Read more about Lets Talk "Distressors!" (How you like?)
- 14 comments
- Log in or register to post comments
Variable MU, Distressor or LA-2A for tracking Vox
Which compressor would you prefer for tracking VOCALS to a DAW? If none of the above, what would be your first choice?
OneMan
Distressor
If I budget for a 1176 type (Purple or UA) and a LA2a type (UA or Manley el op) do I also need a Distressor and why?
Thanks,
Mike
- Read more about Distressor
- 3 comments
- Log in or register to post comments
distressor or FATSO?
hi all,
i have heard great things about the empirical labs stuff - the distressor and FATSO. i have budgeted some money for some new gear and was wondering...
if you had to choose one or the other, which would it be?
(i have a PT setup)
thanks
- neil
- Read more about distressor or FATSO?
- 5 comments
- Log in or register to post comments
Do Distressors link up for a good mix bus compressor?
Do they stay together well?
Distressor ?
ive decided to get a distressor (from mercenary of course)
question is with or without "british mod"?I currently record with a Yamaha Aw4416 ..mostly rock/power pop
i havent/won't get a chance to hear this mod
If /what makes it a must have.
thanks
- Read more about Distressor ?
- 12 comments
- Log in or register to post comments
Empirical Labs Distressor or FATSO?
Looking at getting a Distressor or FATSO for tracking on my DAW -- let me know what you think about either unit. .?
- Read more about Empirical Labs Distressor or FATSO?
- 6 comments
- Log in or register to post comments
Distressor Trick
If you want more bite to your distressor for electric guitar, bass, even vocal- do not plug anything into the stereo link on the back of the unit. Then set the front of the unit to DIS2 (which I'm told boosts even-ordered harmonics) & put it in LINK mode. It adds more distortion. Sometimes the DIS3 works better depending on the instrument.
- Read more about Distressor Trick
- 1 comment
- Log in or register to post comments
Compressors: Distressor or the Finalizer 96k ?
audiokid, Angelo,
been heavily thinking, so I put the Distressor on my future list .
In fact what i need now is a mastering tool, definitely before the end of the year .
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
-----
- Read more about Distressor or Gold Bundle
- 6 comments
- Log in or register to post comments