Empirical Labs EL-Rx - Manual (Page 13)

Features
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Super low noise line input, or instrument preamp, with famous Empirical Labs
compression. Six digitally controlled analog sections of processing. Incredibly dense
processing module available for the API 500 series format.
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Four sections of Equalization – One High Pass and 3 parametric bands.
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Empirical Labs first compressor for the API 500 format. It is an aggressive
compressor that follows the EQ, tailored to acoustic instruments, and plucked
attacks, but good on just about anything. A must try on vocals and bass!
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Complex compressor envelope generator. Fast, yet musically saturates at high gain
reduction. Program dependant release.
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Saturation circuitry that scrunches the highs and allows hotter levels like tape. Uses
filtering combined with germanium clip circuitry to soften loud high frequencies.
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Mix control to allow user to blend an un-compressed EQ’d signal back in with the
compressed saturated signal. When on 0, only the EQ’d signal is put out.
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Adapter is provided for free, allowing a guitar, bass, etc to be plugged straight into
the rear of your API powered rack.
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DC Coupled Input and Outputs.
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Selectable single ended or differential output. Differential out adds 6dB gain.
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Traditional and digitally controlled analog combined in new topology.
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A “BAD!” Hard Clip Indicator lights – A “Bad” Clip LED that lets user know he is within
1dB of hard clipping. It monitors most every section for internal clipping.
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Highest quality Components. All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio
path - top quality components, most being high temperature military spec parts.
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NOTE: With all the processing, the DocDerr draws slightly more current than the API
500 spec, but has worked perfectly in all racks tested. Six have been tested in the
API Lunchbox and other racks, without overloading the power supply.
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User modifiable elements, including the Compressor. Lots of future options!
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Three year unlimited warranty. Built and calibrated in USA.
Specs
♦ Frequency Response is 3 Hz to 180 kHz on eq section (-3dB points).
♦ Dynamic Range - 120 dB from maximum output (.5%THD soft clipping) to
minimum output. Noise floor with Mix on 0 is typically – 91dBu.
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Distortion Ranges between .0006% and 12% at 1KHz, depending on mode
and settings.
♦ DC coupled Input and Outputs, - High quality audio caps used internally.
♦ Input Impedance is 120K Ohm, Instrument In Mode . 20K input impedance
in balanced Line in mode.
♦ Maximum Input before hard clipping - +22dBm, “ Line In” mode.
♦ Maximum Output - +28dBm (Mix = 0) . Output impedance is 75 ohms.
♦ Compressor Dynamics Time Constants - Attack time is about 1mS. Release
.2 sec, program dependant, fixed internally.
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Power Consumption – 4 Watts max. 2 Watts typical with 16Volt power supplies.
♦ Shipping Weight - 1.3lbs.
Empirical Labs -
Something Old, Something New
1
Our Valued Customer Comments
Comments About the DISTRESSOR
"Every once in a while a product comes along with "classic" written all over it. And in a
certain sense of the word, this product actually is a classic already." Mix Magazine
“Dear Empirical, I’m an LA based producer and an owner of a Distressor. The unit is
really awesome! I've used it on guitars, bass, room mics, vocals it works great on
everything. I've used it on records I've made with Beck, U2, Etta James, Hole and lots of
others. All The Best, Joe Chicarelli”
“Distressors: I can't get over HOW GREAT they sound. On everything. It's truly the best
compressor made today.” Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Pink, Jesse McCartney, Natasha
Bedingfield)
“After buying a Distressor I had an epiphany. Having used software plug-ins for years I
often didn’t hear or understand the affects of various controls. After getting my Distressor,
and using it and hearing the obvious affects of the attack and release controls, I was able
to go back and use the Plug-ins with a new understanding.” (Email)
"One piece of gear I definitely recommend is a compressor called the Distressor. It's
really great for just about everything and if you had to use just one compressor you could
probably get away with just using that." Mitchell Froom
“I sold a couple of 1176's and have replaced them with the Distressors, which do a great
job of emulating the 1176's. Michael Wagener “(Ozzy Osbourne, Extreme, Metallica)
“In General, I really like where Dave Derr’s ear leads him; one of pro audios truly
independent thinkers, I’m a huge fan of the box (the Distressor), I use it for bringing up
the “goosh” on ambient sources, and for saturating snares, toms, and kicks.” George
Massenburg
“For those who have come to love and depend on the sound of the Distressor, the new
British Mode turns it into a new fun loving animal. At the flick of a switch, the Distressor
becomes more aggressive and stressful on any instrument you desire. Dave Derr should
win the "(explicative)" award for coming up with such a nice but nasty box.” Michael
Brauer (Cold Play, John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, Paul McCartney)
Comments About the FATSO Jr
“In a word, the FATSO is a very good answer to what a lot of people loathe about digital
recording. It smoothes out the sharp, brittle edges to exactly the extent you choose, and
fills in the hairline cracks just right. I use one on almost every mix I do. I could easily use
one and possibly two more.” George Massenburg
“People used to have to hunt for old, expensive gear to get the kind of sounds that the
FATSO gives me.” Ed Cherney (Lenny Kravitz, Dave Mathews, Eric Clapton, The
Wallflowers, Goo Goo Dolls, Jackson Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Stones, etc.)
Best new Signal Processor-EQ AES Awards - "Empirical Labs Fatso took this category,
despite the introduction of a variety of cool new processors. Who can resist the best
aspects of analog tape combined with great compression" EQ Magazine
"The winner of the highly -coveted, "I'm going to write you a check right after the show
award was picked up by Empirical Labs for its FATSO processor." Craig Anderton
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Rev 3.33
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