Classic Knee Sound Helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world. Three audio modes provide 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 (similar to tape).
The Empirical Labs Distressor is an automatic gain (or volume) control device (AGC in engineering terms) designed for pro audio (music) applications. Basically, it electronically controls the volume of just about any source in a very pleasing, and "musical" manner - adding fullness, intelligibility, and especially in the Distressor's case - excitement. This type of device is often called a "limiter" or "compressor" by audio industry people. Its most probable uses will be in recording studios, live sound situations, movie sound production, and radio broadcast production.
Unlike most analog compressor/limiters the Distressor is a digitally controlled audio device and actually incorporates several products into one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally different circuits in and out. Years of beta testing and redesign went into the Distressor as will be the case with all Empirical Labs products.
Besides offering a wide range of control and unique features, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This "warmth" or vintage sound has become an important issue in the last 15 years, as the super clear and linear digital technology does very little (or nothing) to soften "harsh" sounds nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment on the other hand, could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people have now realized that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and "musical".The current digital technology is often referred to as "cold" and "brittle" among other terms, although we prefer the term "unforgiving" to describe the negative side of the "linearity". The Distressor offers several modes that color the signal, even without compression (or gain control). These extended modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and some very expensive vintage gain control units (compressors & limiters) and deliver a classic "knee" sound all its own.
Specifications:
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.
Input impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is < 75 ohms
Time constants - Attack range 50uS - 50mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode.
Time constants are dependant on ratio.
Metal Chassis - single height 1.75" high, 10" deep, 19" wide.
Original Manufacturers Description
Technical Documents
Specifications
Brochure
Product Manual
Recall Sheet
User Testimonials
"It's been several years since David Derr came out with his flagship compressor. It makes it to #1 because it is the most versatile of all the compressors I've ever used. I often use them across my drums and vocals. I can make the vocal extra present using the opto setting with the British mod or I can make a weak vocal sound urgent with the quicker 1:1 setting w/ British mod and get the orange led's lit nice and bright. David was an engineer and a designer for Eventide before he went out on his own to start Empirical Labs. He loved 1176's, La2a's, DBX 160's, Neve and Fairchilds so he designed something that had the spirit of each unit all in one box. It was a brilliant idea that worked. Many compressors are "one-trick ponies" because they have only one use in which they shine. Distressors are like chameleons blending into their surroundings. There is the "nuke" setting which does just that or the gentle warm opto mode that simply strokes the sound. I think it's the greatest compressor to come out in the last twenty years and will in time be as legendary as the classics of years past." Michael Brauer
Michael Brauer is an established A-list mixing engineer known for his eclectic, highly acclaimed discography. Michael has worked with The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Coldplay, My Morning Jacket, Ben Folds and John Mayer to name an incredibly select few. www.mbrauer.com
"A must have compressor. I havent found anything that this doesnt work on. (thank you empirical labs for inventing the "nuke button")." Chris Manning
Chris Manning is a former original member of the early '90s pop band Jellyfish and is a highly talented Bay Area producer / writer and multi-instrumentalist. Credits include: Santana (Supernatural), Metallica (Garage inc.), Huey Lewis and The News (Live DVD), Third Eye Blind (Blue) and Jellyfish (Bellybutton), just to name a few.
Read more about Chris's and other industry professionals favorite gear in our Producers Corner
"Versatility. If I could only ever have one compressor this would surely be it ." John O'Mahony
John O’Mahony is a Grammy Nominated mixer and producer known for his indie-rock sensibilities, having worked with such acclaimed artists as Coldplay, Metric, Alberta Cross, Kaiser Chiefs and The Cribs. Find out more about John and his favorite gear in our Producers Corner.
