Maker
Empirical Labs
American studio dynamics processor maker
Empirical Labs is an American manufacturer of professional audio dynamics processors, founded by Dave Derr. The company is best known for the Distressor, a variable-topology compressor released in the mid-1990s that became a widely adopted studio tool for its versatility across a broad range of compression styles. The Distressor remains in active production.
Models
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Empirical Labs Distressor
Recording equipment · United States
The Empirical Labs Distressor (model EL8) is a rackmount VCA-based studio compressor designed by Dave Derr and introduced in 1996. It offers multiple detector and distortion modes that allow the unit to emulate characteristics of optical, FET, and tube-style compression as well as its own distinctive sound. The Distressor became a widely adopted studio tool valued for its versatility on vocals, drums, and a broad range of sources.
Categories
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Studio Processors
Outboard compressors, limiters, equalizers, and related recording processors.
Representative model
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Empirical Labs Distressor
Recording equipment · United States
The Empirical Labs Distressor (model EL8) is a rackmount VCA-based studio compressor designed by Dave Derr and introduced in 1996. It offers multiple detector and distortion modes that allow the unit to emulate characteristics of optical, FET, and tube-style compression as well as its own distinctive sound. The Distressor became a widely adopted studio tool valued for its versatility on vocals, drums, and a broad range of sources.