Empirical Labs DS Duo Features 2 ELDS-H DerrEsser's installed into a EL500 1U horizontal rack, effectively creating a stereo DeEsser/dynamics processor.
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The Empirical Labs EL500 features ultra quiet power supply, instrument line input, flush-mount front panel.
The Empirical Labs DerrEsser is a multi function dynamic
filtering device, in an API 500 series module format. In its basic “DS”
mode, the DerrEsser is an effective, level insensitive de-esser, which
is a device that will adjust the high frequency gain on overly trebly
or spiky vocal, or other source. By using a crossover technique, and
dividing the audio up into a high frequency range and a low frequency
range, the DerrEsser can use its Voltage Controlled Amp to turn down
comparatively high or harsh high frequencies in an extremely musical
manner. However, unlike other de-essers, the device is not limited to
just de-essing, and allows for multi use of its circuitry.
The Four Modes of Operation - Besides Bypass, there are essentially four modes of the DerrEsser:
DS Mode
– (Bypass Button IN, all other buttons OUT). As a de-esser in the DS
mode (HF Limit OFF), one can set the threshold to tame harsh S’s
(sibilants) that result from an overly bright singer or from EQ’ing to
make a vocal sound aggressive and clear. In this mode, the dyamic
action is “level insensitive”, as the detector circuitry compares the
High Frequency content to the low frequency content, Overall signal
level doesn’t matter at all. When there is enough HF compared to LF,
the threshold is exceeded and the DerrEsser starts to turn down the
frequencies above the crossover point set by the Frequency control on
the front panel. Again, great care was taken to ensure this DS section
meets the Empirical Labs reputation for originality and ease of use. We
use the latest technology VCA, specially selected for glitch free,
distortion free, and noise free performance. The time constants were
carefully selected and the corner frequency is user adjustable with a
high performance active crossover.
HF Limit – (Bypass
Button IN, HF LIM IN, all other buttons OUT). In this mode, the
DerrEsser looks at the general level of the High Frequencies only.
Think of it as a high frequency compressor. If there is enough high
frequency content to exceed the threshold, then gain reduction occurs.
It IS level sensitive, but responds much more to high frequencies. This
mode can also act as a de-esser but is more of a general high frequency
smoothing device.The HF limiter is probably the first carefully
tailored soft knee HF limiter in existence. We believe both the DS and
HF LIM modes offer the highest performance of any similar device.
Highpass
– (Bypass Button IN, Listen IN, HP/LP OUT, HF LIM doesn’t matter). By
using the “LISTEN” Function, the user can employ the superb filter
circuitry inside the DerrEsser to process their audio. With the LISTEN
button IN, and the HP/LP switch OUT, the user will be hearing the high
frequencies that are being controlled with the dynamic/compression
circuits. The corner frequency is adjustable by the Frequency knob.
Once the LISTEN switch is engaged, all bargraph LED’s should light as
indication.
Lowpass – (Bypass Button IN, Listen IN,
HP/LP IN, HF LIM doesn’t matter). With the LISTEN button IN, and the
HP/LP button IN, the user is now listening to the low frequencies,
those not affected by the VCA and dynamic/compression circuits. This is
a 12 dB per octave filter whose corner frequency can again, be adjusted
by the Frequency knob.
Using for the first time The
DerrEsser is not only a high frequency problem solver, but can be used
as a super-quality HP or LP filter, AND as a coloring device to give a
more analog sound to digital sources. Use the DerrEsser when you have a
vocalist with prominent unnatural “S’s. The standard DS Mode is usually
used, with the Frequency set to 2 – 6K. Adjust the threshold till the
S’es are tamed and not much else is affected. The HF Limit will more
generally smooth the high frequencies, gently subduing high frequencies
that exceed the user adjusted threshold. Great on so many sources.
The
DS Mode can also help difficult problems like high hat bleed in the
snare mike, or occasional SQUEEKS on an acoustic guitar or other
instrument. See example settings. The HF Limit Mode is a general high
frequency smoothing setting. Use it to soften the high end on zillions
of sources, not just vocals. If you have a track that has high
frequency spikes, or plucks, or edges, this can let you keep the air of
the high end except when it really piles up.
