Empirical Labs
Introduction
Empirical Labs is a company that is well-known and deeply respected throughout the professional music recording industry. In the beginning, the company was almost always associated with its fabulous and famed compressor/limiter— the EL-8 Distressor, which became an instant classic that can now be found in the racks of fabulous recording studios across the globe. Since the introduction of their iconic compressor/limiter, the company has created a robust line-up of excellent products that are available wherever professional music recording products are sold. With their navy blue faceplates, retro white knobs and well-lit buttons for both versatility and functionality, each of the products in the Empirical Labs line-up are instantly recognizable. Do not let the uniformity fool you, the products from Empirical Labs are versatile, easy to use and sound incredible on any source.
Which products from Empirical Labs that were used by the great engineers and recording studio facilities of the past would be a great fit for the educational space?
If you walk into any serious recording studio facility control room, you will find Empirical Labs EL-8 Distressors being used for both tracking and mixing. I have never been in a recording studio that did not have at least two Distressors in constant use. Despite the fact that the Distressor is such an iconic piece of gear, the company also makes a pair of amazing 500-series modules— the DocDerr, which is a channel strip and the DerrEsser, which is one of the few hardward-based dessers that you can find on the market today. The company makes other rackmount processors as well, including the FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer), the Lil FrEQ (a parametric equalization unit with filters) and the Mike-E (featuring a digitally-controlled mic preamp and a compressor section). It is safe to say that each of the products made by Empirical Labs would be a great fit for the educational space.
Image: The Empirical Labs- EL 8 Distressor
Image courtesy-- Empirical Labs
Empirical Labs— EL-8 Distressor
It is safe to say that this compressor/limiter is an iconic product. It has been used on countless hit songs and is perhaps one of the most versatile pieces of gear that can be found in any recording studio equipment rack. The Distressor is easy to use and while I have seen it used mostly on electric guitar and drum tracks, it is such a versatile piece of gear that it could be used (in the hands of a legendary recording studio engineer) on just about any source. It can give you the sound of the great compressor/limiters of the past in a product that has been engineered to stand the test of time— and it has.
Image: The Empirical Labs- EL 8XS Distressor
Image courtesy-- Empirical Labs
Image: The Empirical Labs DocDerr
Image courtesy-- Empirical Labs
Image: The Empirical Labs DerrEsser
Image courtesy-- Empirical Labs
Empirical Labs— EL-8XS Distressor
Just think of the EL-8XS Distressor as a stereo version of the iconic compressor/limiter unit from Empirical Labs. This unit would be extremely useful for stereo sources such as drum room or drum overhead tracks. Keep in mind that this unit is extremely versatile and would make an excellent teaching tool for your students in the educational space.
Empirical Labs— DocDerr
If there is a 500-series module that is a true Swiss Army knife in the world of professional music recording, it would be the DocDerr from Empirical Labs. It features an instrument preamp, four sections of equalization and a compressor. It truly is a versatile unit that is also incredibly easy to use. Keep in mind, it is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Empirical Labs— DerrEsser
This module represents one of the very few de-essers available on the market today. The DerrEsser is incredibly easy to use and is an excellent tool for taming sibilant vocal tracks. It is also unique—even for a de-esser-- in that it also has both high and low-pass filters. Keep in mind, it is a 500-series unit and will require the use of a compatible 500-series chassis.
Why should an educational institution invest in products from Empirical Labs?
Empirical Labs has been a company that has made iconic products since its inception. The company has been known for creating products that sound fantastic, are easy to use and extremely versatile. Their products are extremely well-engineered and designed. Also, the company is easily accessible and provides excellent service for their products. However, it should be noted that though I am highlighting four of their products, each of their offerings are truly fantastic and would be a great fit for the educational space.
If you would like more information about Empirical Labs and the amazing products that were discussed in this article, please use the following links which are listed below.
Empirical Labs— EL-8 Distressor
Empirical Labs— EL-8XS Distressor
The following link will take you to the Empirical Labs website where you can learn more about this legendary corporation and also, find an authorized dealer for their fabulous products in your area.
Special Note: Each of the images in this article appear through the courtesy and generosity of the wonderful people at Empirical Labs.
Special Thanks— At The Recording Session Vault Educational Website Project, we would like to take a moment to express our thanks and appreciation to Willie Kunstadter at Empirical Labs for his time and assistance with this article.