| Content | Proven reverberation classic for the future
With the VSR 3.2, we happily rely on the proven old mechanical way to create reverberation. Rightly, because the used reverberation spring by AccuBell (formerly Accutronics) creates that magic 60's reverb which is slightly metallic and dense at the same time.
Just like it predecessors, VSR 3.2 has a straight-forward and honest approach: signal in - spring reverb - vintage sound out.
VSR 3.2 is equipped with an equalizer that is exactly adapted to the springs' frequency response. In addition, there are controls to mix the dry and effect signal as well as controls for the input and output level. This way, VSR 3.2 simply exactly does what it was designed to do.
Designed for every situation
Although using a large spring (type 9), VSR 3.2 fits in a 19" housing with one rack unit – minimal space requirements. Thanks to its extremely solid chassis, VSR 3.2 is a reliable vintage-effect that cannot only be used in a controlled studio environment. On the contrary, it also serves fine when being used in straining live situations.
VSR 3.2 grants your sound an elegant touch of "good old times". Its simplicity makes it an unbelievable versatile companion.
Inputs
- 1/4"-jack input front
- unbalanced
- max. input sensitivity: –40 dBu
- impedance: 1 MΩ
- 1/4"-jack input rear (1)
- unbalanced
- max. input sensitivity: 0 dBu
- impedance: 100 kΩ
- 1/4"-jack input rear (2)
- unbalanced
- max. input sensitivity: –20 dBu
- impedance: 10 kΩ
Outputs
- 1/4"-jack output (1)
- unbalanced
- max. output level: 0 dBu
- 1/4"-jack output (2)
- unbalanced
- max. output level: - 20 dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- direct: > 80 dBu
- effect: > 70 dBu
THD + Noise
Miscellaneous
- power supply: external DC-adapter with 12 V/1000 mA
- dimensions: 19“, 1 HE, ca. 190 mm deep
- weight: 2.5 kg
| The product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics of these, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers all over the world. With over 28,000 units in the field, it’s safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best selling high end compressors of all time… if not THE best selling. A prominent recording engineer recently wagered that there probably was not a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn’t have at least one Distressor on it.
Besides providing a wide range of control and a unique feature set, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This “warmth” or “vintage sound” has become a major issue in the last few decades, as the super clear and linear digital technology does next to nothing to soften “harsh” sounds, nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Conversely, older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as “cold” and “brittle” among other terms (although we prefer “unforgiving”).
Unique Compression Curves
All eight of the Distressor’s curves are unique and distinctive, 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 several actually use different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. Most exceptional is the 10:1 “Opto” ratio which uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) “light controlled” devices, such as the LA-2A.
Distortion (Color) Modes
Another large part of the Distressor’s personality and power derive from three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and expensive vintage compressors & limiters, and let the Distressor deliver a classic “knee” sound all its own by providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters – one in the audio path, one in the detector path – are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.
- 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 max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.
- Distortion – ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.
- I/O – DC Coupled input and outputs.
- 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 dependent on ratio.
- Power Consumption – 15 Watts Max.
- Metal Chassis – single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
- Shipping info – 12.1 lbs mono. Mono box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″.
| FEATURES
- 12-way precision rotary switch controls gain from 0 to 66 dB in 6 dB steps
- Continuously variable +/-6 dB level control
- Silk circuit, reduces negative feedback, adding harmonic content as needed
- Red Silk accentuates the saturation in the mid and high frequencies
- Same presence and sweetness found in standard Portico Series modules
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Number of Channels |
Single |
|
Inputs |
1x XLR, balanced |
|
Output |
1x XLR, transformer-balanced |
|
Maximum Output Level |
+23dBu |
|
Meter |
8 segment LED meter |
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Power Requirements |
Power Requirements @ +/-16VDC 100mA |
|
Dimensions |
Not specified by manufacturer |
|
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
10.2 x 7.8 x 2" |
| Arguably the coolest and most unique device in the Empirical Labs arsenal, the FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer) is a digitally controlled analog device that gives musicians and engineers easy access to many of the desirable characteristics exhibited by older tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums. This two channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels.
With the FATSO, recording studios and audio production facilities can enhance and soften the sound of Hardware Digital Recorders (HDRs) and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Mix engineers will have the option not to have to use bulky, expensive analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high end they’ve come to rely on for so many decades. Owners of DAWs and HDRs can finally put a stop to complaints about the coldness and brittle edge of their mixes and instruments. Even audiophiles can benefit from the FATSO, bringing back the warmth and ambience of LP’s and tapes to their CD players and other digital reproduction mediums.
The FATSO Goes to Eleven
ELEVEN is a new compressor for the FATSO, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1, with the slowest attack, and fastest release. This 1176 setting has been used on countless hit records through the decades. With the slower “1176” attack, the transients keep the dynamics present, while the high ratio, can radically limit the dynamic range of any source, making it present and sitting in a nice little place in your mix. One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression. You will find it great on Vocals, Bass, acoustic guitars, drum room mikes, pianos etc. Click here to find out how to upgrade your EL7 to an EL7X.
Four Types of Processing
- Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation) – this class A circuit gently rounds the peaks like saturated tubes or tape.
- High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) – a one-of-a-kind dynamic low pass filter which softens high frequencies when they “pile up” on a source.
- Transformer & Tape Head Emulation – a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers of older devices, which adds the low frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape..
- Classic Knee Compression – your typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on the overall buss, done Empirical Labs compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!
Universal Audio's FATSO Emulation
Endorsed and scrutinized for accuracy by designer Dave Derr of Empirical Labs, Universal Audio has painstakingly recreated the FATSO Jr. in this highly anticipated UAD Powered Plugin, capturing the sonic nuances of the original hardware. As part of the FATSO Powered Plugin, UA has also worked closely with Dave Derr to model the original concept of the FATSO, the FATSO Sr., with attack, release, and threshold compressor controls, among other features not available elsewhere.
Frequency Response: 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB).
Dynamic Range: 110 dB from maximum output (20 %THD soft clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise.
Distortion: Ranges between .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings.
I/O: DC Coupled input and outputs.
Compressor Time Constants: Attack range 1ms – 60ms. Release range .05sec – 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide. | As with ELI’s other signal processors, the Lil FrEQ Equalizer takes a somewhat unique approach to its job. Instead of daisy chaining several equalizers and frequency processors, we combined most of the sound sculpting tools an engineer needs into a compact single rack space box, while still offering the highest performance of any design in its class.
Eight Sections of Processing
There are eight sections of processing – what other EQ offers that? Even better – in addition to a master bypass, each of the Lil FrEQ’s sections features its own dedicated bypass switch, letting you instantly A/B the effect of each section as you adjust and fine-tune them.
HIGH PASS – The High Pass section is a really easy to use sharp filter that cuts all content below one of eight preset frequencies from 30-330 Hz. This filter is very steep and has a special shape that prevents frequencies from thinning out just above the cutoff point. The corner frequency is selected using up/down buttons, and indicated by LEDs that glow softly when the section is bypassed, and brightly when the section is engaged.
HIGH & LOW SHELVING – These two knobs function similarly to the familiar “bass and treble” tone controls found on many consumer audio playback systems; however, these are designed to a much higher performance standard, providing exceptionally smooth and musical boost and cut on the high and low frequencies.
PARAMETRIC EQ – The Lil FrEQ has four sections of fully parametric EQ (LF, Lo Mid, Hi Mid and HF), with each section featuring individual gain, bandwidth (Q) and frequency controls. It may be the cleanest parametric EQ section ever produced, operating below .0007% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) even at extremely high audio levels. Try finding those specs anywhere else!
DS (DYNAMIC EQ) – The DS section provides the highest performance, easiest to use, and possibly most natural sounding “De-esser” ever built. This powerful tool combines tunable filters with a compressor-like circuit that can help contain and control excessive high frequency content such as sibilants or other sharp transients, especially in the absence of other lower frequency content. It can also function as a one of a kind soft knee High Frequency limiter, which is one of the main things responsible for the Lil FrEQ becoming the go-to vocal EQ for engineers everywhere. It has been used on many acclaimed albums and major live performances all over the world, becoming the “go to” EQ for key tracks like lead vocals, snares, and bass. There are now dozens of hit record vocals that were processed thru the Lil FrEQ.
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 140 kHz on transformerless inputs and outputs. Transformer output 10Hz to 110 kHz.
Dynamic Range: 120 dB from maximum output (.1% clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 110 dB signal to noise.
Distortion: Ranges between .00056% and .005% depending on mode and settings. DS section has THD < .005%.
I/O: DC coupled inputs and outputs and one transformer coupled output.
Dynamic Time Constraints: Attack is approximately .5 ms. Release .04 sec fixed internally.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide. |
- FAST – Fast Attack (750us), Fast Release (130ms)
- MF – Medium Attack (2.25ms), Fast Release (130ms)
- MED – Medium Attack (2.25ms), Medium Release (400ms)
- MS – Medium Attack (4ms), Slow Release (725ms)
- SLOW – Slow Attack (10ms), Slow Release (1S)
- AUTO – Medium Attack (5ms), Dual Decay Release (T1 500ms, T2 1s)The LINK switch allows the compressor to be linked to another 535 compressor module via a sidechain control voltage. In link mode, the compressor generating the greater sidechain voltage (resulting in higher amounts of compression) will control the compression of both audio signal paths to maintain proper stereo center image while compressing. Note: it is advisable to always audition the unlinked sound as well, to decide if the benefit of a constant stereo center image is worth the potential trade-off of reduced left / right independence in the stereo field.
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SIDECHAIN HPF
- The S/C HPF switch allows the user to insert a 12dB/octave 150Hz high-pass filter in the compressor sidechain. When this filter is engaged, the compressor will be considerably less responsive to information below 150Hz. For example: if used on a drum kit, the low end of the kick drum would have less proportional effect on the compression than a snare drum or cymbals, since a significant portion of the kick drum’s dynamic energy is focused below 150Hz.
LEVEL AND GAIN REDUCTION METERING
- These two LED meters provide accurate representations of both the output level of the compressor and the amount of gain reduction being applied to the input signal.
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