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Compressor

Empirical Labs Distressor

Universal Audio

The Empirical Labs Distressor is an authentic emulation of the world's most sought-after modern compressor, offering eight distinct compression ratios with creative color options. It combines precise gain reduction with Dist 2 and Dist 3 harmonic distortion modes, detector-based sidechain filtering, and plug-in-only features like Dry/Wet parallel processing and Headroom control for customizable operating levels.

Key Features

01Eight compression ratios from 1:1 to Nuke setting
02Dist 2 and Dist 3 harmonic distortion modes
03Sidechain detector filter for low-frequency control
04Dry/Wet parallel processing (plug-in only)
05Headroom control for operating level adjustment (plug-in only)
06Ultra-fast attack response matching hardware
07Band Emphasis for sidechain frequency shaping

Things to Try

  • 01Use the 1:1 ratio to warm up synths or strings without dynamic compression while adding musical harmonics
  • 02Engage the sidechain detector filter on drum bus processing to eliminate low-frequency pumping from kick hits
  • 03Blend the Nuke setting with Dry/Wet mix control for density and sustain without flattening transient attack
  • 04Apply Dist 2 mode for even-order harmonic warmth on vocals and bass, or Dist 3 mode for odd-order driven texture on guitars and drums
Formats
VST3AUAAX

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