The Empirical Labs Distressor is an automatic gain control device designed for pro audio 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.
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 LA2A 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 110/220 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit.
Over design 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 in. 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 mil spec. parts.
Interface and features found nowhere else.
Hand wired, calibrated in USA.
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 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. These extended modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and some very expensive vintage compressors & limiters and deliver a classic "knee" sound all its own.
Technical Info
Frequency Response: 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 maximum output to minimum output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.
Distortion Range: .02% to 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.
DC Coupled Output High quality input caps.
Input Impedance: 20K Ohms
Output Impedance: < 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.
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.75 x 19 x 10 in.
Shipping Weight: 11.25 lbs. 
