Analog Newb? You should BUY this FIRST...

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Thinking about diving into the world of analog gear? It can be a bit tricky knowing where to start, right? No worries, I'm here to help. In this video, I'm chatting about the first piece of outboard gear you need in your studio: the Empirical Labs Distressor.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, the Distressor is a real must-have. It's versatile, reliable, and seriously cool.
And hey, if you're thinking about snagging a Distressor for yourself, we've got an affiliate link at the top of the description. Clicking on that link to make your purchase really helps us keep these videos coming, and we appreciate it big time. So go ahead, check out the video, and let's chat about why the Empirical Labs Distressor should be your first step into analog. Let's make some killer music!
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[@KC-bi9jw]

I worked at a major studio that had all the compressors you could think of, but the Distressor is the one that really "taught" me how to properly use compression. It's the one that flustered me and I messed up using the most, then it all just clicked one day. Then years later I found the manual, I highly recommend everyone reads it, its only 2 pages lol.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Yeah i got that same learned experience form this little guy.

[@colourbasscolourbassweapon2135]

​@@RecordingStudioLoser fr i know it not the same thing but my analog gear is the moog grandmother and sometimes i use that mixer as a Analog Clipper for my Drums and 808s and Basses stuff ngl

[@jonathanwingmusic]

Agree, the distressor is actually an excellent way to learn how compression works and hear what happens as you shape transients.

[@belligerentamateur]

"There is no BEST". THANK YOU. The world of audio/musicians need to hear this more often

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Amen my dude!

[@MuayThaiDreadlock]

i actually really like it alot, from a creative pov. there might be "better" or "not as-good" but there really is no "BEST" unless your talking equipment, hardware and technology. well put, my brotha

[@thadirtyabbott33]

Always liked the Distressor. But I want 2. Would you get 2 of these, or 1 Fatso?

[@MrWyld89]

this is an important video for recording artist who are trying to "Upgrade" or "Level up" thier studio/workflow. Great job. its the video ive been looking for.

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

Ya man! I don't have a Distressor however I do have one of the new Empirical Labs Pump compressors! It's basically a distressor in 500 series. I LOVE IT! Was well worth the 6 month wait.

[@jonathanwingmusic]

After I got my fist distressor I immediately sent it back the next day... because I loved it so much I wanted the EL8-X version and two of them haha. It's so useable all around, from basic simple compression tasks and leveling, to special effects/tone/saturation&distortion. Freakin' love these things.

[@shooten1st]

My first compressor was the Fatso in 2002. SN 437. It is great for giving life to digital guitar on my tracking. Digital recording in the old days could be lifeless and the fatso just added so much. I sent back to EL last year and they updated it to the latest and greatest. Still awesome. You’ve got me motivated to use my AudioScape buss compressor now.

[@G-O-N-x]

Just bought a paired Distressor EL8-X as my first hardware equipment along with a neve 1073 DPX, didn't really have time to test it but my dad did and loved it

[@audiolego]

You're living the dream ❤❤❤❤❤. Well done.

[@mattgaunitzmusic]

Great video! I’ve really been enjoying your content. I actually just received the Audio Scape G comp 2 days ago for exactly the purpose you described. It’s probably going to live on my mix buss. So far I really like it. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!

[@DanPerezSax]

The audioscape Buss Comp is my only hardware compressor right now and I'm very happy with it! Looking forward to your review of it, I bet I'll learn something new!

[@SwedeStudios]

100% Love my Distressor...I REALLY need to buy another.

[@CreativeMindsAudio]

Distressor is the most versatile compressor out there. it's very tough to get to sound bad. the distortion sounds great. and you can hit it REALLY REALLY hard without much pumping/breathing. it just works. Love mine! note that the plugin versions work great too! get like 95% of the way there. just some stuff with distortion is a bit different, but the KEY to buying hardware these days is "0" latency and instant feedback while recording vs mixing. Ideally with 'limitless' tracks i'd record raw and processed tracks with a full band live.

[@BassFunMusic]

I have this device - Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor as hardware and as a vst plugin on uad 2. I use both. They are great on drums, snare, guitars, bass, vocal. Massive powerful sound. I love such devices. They do with sound what I love the most... big greetings.♥

[@PawelZawiejaTwoboys]

BRO☺♥♪ Distressor - fire ♥

[@sivutietuote]

Have you tried Arouser? It is great too...

[@NoCoverCharge]

I agree one of my first purchases for home studio that and Stam audio compression.. warm audio eq .. so much good stuff out there !

[@antcall6779]

Great as always Jeremy 🤘

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Thanks!

[@TheBassMountain]

Linus needs to send my guy that LTT Screwdriver 😂

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Right?!

[@MANdrewMusic]

I must say, I'm very pleased with my LTT Screwdriver :)

[@ernestbuckley8671]

Great video. Every compressor is different and brings its on tone and attitude. If I had to get just 3 compressors, my list would be: 1) Distressor... the swiss army knife of compressors. 2) CL-1B... its butter... it makes everything sound better 3) RND MBP... as mentioned in the video... you can use it to track, mix, & master. And the Stereo Field Editor on it is quite amazing.

[@billyhughes9776]

After a lot of research for my use case a Distressor was my first real analog compressor purchase, and I couldn't be happier. On vocals it's changed everything for me. I also have a GA Comp 3a that is cool, especially on bass guitar. I have a Stam Audio SA-76D+ Tube inbound (got it used for a great price) and look forward to the combo'ing that with the Comp 3a for different flavor on vox.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

My distressor stays on my vocals almost 95% of the time.

[@TzoHill]

Hey man, interesting. I have a Comp 3a also, but was looking to upgrade to a Distressor.. for Vox only. based on your experience would you recommend this?

[@billyhughes9776]

@@TzoHill The Distressor can sort of do what the Comp 3a does if you set it a certain way, but so much more. I hate to use the cliche but it is a "swiss army knife" of compressors. I love it. So, if you can afford and only have one, it's the one to keep IMO. I have the Comp 3a, Stam SA-76D and the Distressor -- gets used 90% of the time.

[@TzoHill]

@@billyhughes9776 thank you for the reply. I'll keep that in mind 😄

[@somedood6621]

Would love to hear you demo it soon

[@Kharrari]

Awesome Video!

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Thanks!

[@spenserwilliams5592]

I LOVE the distressor

[@Rhuggins]

Love distressors. I need a good parametric mix buss eq first, but id love a pair

[@michaels8607]

Sweetwater listens to what I NEED and will work within my budget..I got my Polyend Tracker and it's been a great journey..I was not ushered into the MPC drama, and I thank them for that...

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

It’s a different vibe for sure

[@michaels8607]

@@RecordingStudioLoser I LOVE gear that has NOTHING to do with sameness...Hartmann,Yamaha VL1. Vsynth, PolyBrute..analog .Subharmonicon...Matriarch..Edge..Pulsar23...RNC compressor...open source software is all up in my computers..

[@FromTheHipp]

funny that thsi video pops up now. i just bought a distressor and have my very first vocal chain as im working on an album. I'm an artist/producer and have always recorded myself but never invested in outboard gear. well, i upgraded my mic(telefunken tf51) and decided that because im taking this album so seriously, that i should upgrade my chain and now i have a 737 into a distressor. a good friend of mine is Glen Ballard's engineer and he told me right away how to use it and im so happy he was willing to help me. Im going to have SO much fun tracking this album and really learning this process.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Push it hard. It opens up

[@FromTheHipp]

@@RecordingStudioLoser will do.

[@FromTheHipp]

@@RecordingStudioLoser just saw the new video with andrew masters. nice man. hope it brings more business your way.

[@Reggi_Sample]

That UBK being stereo has a lot of appeal over the distressor for a first, if your limited to one

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Great compressor. Different use case for sure. And way more expensive.

[@ianmcgranaghan-zd4bq]

I agree but make sure if your gonna have one that it has the British mode toggle switch on it cause that is killer

[@wyattstevens7789]

I need those D&D monitors!!!!

[@drumsbyjones]

subbed!

[@joshguthriemusic8090]

“Dad-Noises” 😂😂😂✊🏻

[@dannydaniel8975]

If there's no such thing as "best" then I'll trade my alesis 3630 for your distressor

[@bouniinc1309]

Do more Shorts please ❤

[@thebroadcastuk]

@RecordingStudioLoser That little wheelie table behind you in the video... I need a table like this for my studio, please can you tell me what brand that it?... It looks perfect!

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I got you amzn.to/3zmGOmE

[@troynorth3851]

Is that the Tree Of Life with the green light on your wall?

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Yeah

[@BENJAMIN-nz6nd]

Good video! Felt honest def bout to watch more 🫡

[@CLaw-tb5gg]

Honestly, the main reason I like Distressors so much is I'm kind of stupid and can't really wrap my head around compressors and they are so brainlessly simple to use. With other compressors I always find myself going "argh what the hell am I doing" and making weird noises but Distressors always seem to do what I want them to.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Which is weird, because on the face of it,the distressor is one of the more complicated compressors to operate.

[@BassFunMusic]

Amazing video BRo☺♥♪

[@PawelZawiejaTwoboys]

☺♥

[@dougleydorite]

The vertical directivity of those speakers must be a nightmare to deal with in that work flow style. You would benefit from some coincident/coax drivers

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

No word than having a rack of gear behind me. Or reaching over a console.

[@izzajoker]

You implied a few times that a mono comp could be used on a mix bus. Is that possible with my Distressor? I always thought I'd need 2...

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

You can chain these together and chain the detectors to link them. So you do need two yes. Sorry if that was confusing.

[@SoYBrownSugga]

What is your opinion on your Kush audio (UBK) fasto. What do you use it for mostly? Please and thank you🙏🏽

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

That thing rally leaves the glue setting for me. It is really good at taking anything harsh. Or pinning bass instruments. It really is one of those boxes that doesn’t sound bad on anything. IF you like the color. Of which this thing has a TON of.

[@wokeupinapanic]

Any recommendations for a more modestly priced rack mount compressor? 😅 I’m in my mid-30s, and have only ever dabbled in home studio recordings of my solo stuff. And now I own a house and I’m turning one of the rooms into a music space for recording and practicing and stuff for fun in my spare time. Dropping $1500 on even a *used* one is way WAY out of my price range. But every recording engineer I’ve seen on YT talks about this thing like I 100% need it lol. I just bought a cheap ART SCL2 for $189 off Amazon a couple days ago. My setup is going to take a long time before I’ll be able to actually use it, but if there’s any kind of similar gear to this thing that’s more in the $350-500 range, I’m all ears!!

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

(talk to text incoming sorry for the mistakes ) I mean, I don’t think you “need” anything. If we’re talking about outboard gear I think this is a good one because resale values pretty good, and the amount of things that can do relative to its cost is pretty good. I think the whole outboard verses in the box thing is a little blown out of proportion sometimes. That said, if cost of ownership is lower owning an actual piece of them purchasing a plug-in I say go that route. But if you start getting into the really really cheap stuff… I’m not saying it’s not worth it… I just wonder if at that point a plug-in would be better because of the other costs involved to make outboard work.

[@wokeupinapanic]

@@RecordingStudioLoser that’s all fair points, and really, I do most of my work with plugins and “in-the-box” workflow, but I start hitting a wall. Having the option of “everything” makes me not able to choose anything, if that makes sense? Basically, option paralysis 🤷🏻‍♂️ On top of that, if I head to KZbin to try to find *any* quality information on recording and mixing, there’s pretty limited info out there for purely digital everything that doesn’t come with its own list of caveats and naysayers. Everybody talks about amp sims and drum vst’s as being “too fizzy” and not quite the same as the real deal… but instead of teaching you how to identify and work around those limitations, they just pull out the real hardware instead. I like to try to inject my recordings with as much legitimate sound capture as I can, and having outboard gear that I can sorta set and forget for my own demos is a goal because again, having the option to fiddle with 100% of everything in post means nothing is ever done-done. But, end of the day, I’m a hobbyist at best. Having actual hardware isn’t going to make or break anything. Just always chasing that next level, ya know? Lastly, plugins come with their own set of bullshit. I’m about to transfer my setup from a 2011 27” iMac to an M2 mini, and I’m expecting about 20% of my plugins and stuff to actually transfer smoothly. And then I’m at the whim of licensing, and whether I bought the thing outright or rented it for a year or paid the sub fee or whatever. Real hardware just works 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@artofstorytelling9406]

Would this be good for electronic music ? To beef up kick, bass, snare, hihat s etc ?

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Oh yeah

[@nj1255]

I actually found that the FATSO is more versatile than the Distressor, and probably easier for beginners to work with, but it's also a very subjective thing whether you like the Distressor or FATSO more. You definitely learn how to properly use a compressor better with the Distressor though.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I have one. I’ve never liked it for a vocal though. It’s a killer comp. Again. Super personal thing.

[@pisotrade8066]

Hello! I'm wondering what the optimal method is for compressing the output from the FOH mixer before sending it to my computer for Facebook live streaming to achieve high-quality sound. Any recommendations? Because I consistently experience distorted sound when it goes to my PC for live streaming, even though the FOH sounds good.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Depends on a lot of factors. The calibration of the da or AD chips involved in every in and out from mix -> broadcast should be taken into account. But all things equal. And your going into an AD with good headroom and a relatively balanced mix, mixes that are relatively loud (ie -12lufs to -9 or even higher) can do quite well over broadcast when you keep your ceiling low enough for the encoders to do their job without adding noise or Artifacts. I tend to stay -10LUFS at very loud musical sections with a ceiling of -1.0db. It’s more limited by your taste in loudness than any technical factors.

[@g3cd]

Isn't there like a "first" that doesn't cost an arm, a leg and my firstborn ... like the Empress Compressor Pedal MK2 which costs $224, not $1549 (European price more like $1969 for mono, $4375 for stereo)?

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

The thing is I dont want to recommend something like outboard with a poor resale... the true cost of a distressor through its life time will most likely cost less than a plugin clone of the same thing. And they are depreciable assets. I realize its alot of money... I could look at super cheap units but I think ultimately some of those choices wouldn't be good in the long run.

[@krakulandia]

Distressors also work wonders on electronic drums / sampled drums: smash the drum bus and it sounds like a record.

[@darrylweller6143]

What is your favorite equipment and mics for recording electric guitar amps?

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Right now the Lauten ls208 sweetwater.sjv.io/75G77y into a 1073 style pre.

[@amalgami]

buddy, i have ZERO analog gear. All ITB, using UAD plugs. If i were to get the first and only analog gear, what would that be? Sorry for asking recommendations.. ;)

[@RealHomeRecording]

That answer can be found in the video.

[@epiphonium]

Didn't hear you mention BUDGET. I have under 1k invested over the last decade.

[@jeramym9506]

I'm too broke for this thing for sure. Whats a good plugin that could do this lol?

[@Allious131]

Slate digital or Uad

[@DanPerezSax]

Softube and UA have distressor plugins that are good. Haven't had the pleasure of comparing to the real thing, but the UA one is very useful! A hardware unit or two are on my shopping list for down the road, though.

[@judsonsnell]

Move the UBK down??? NOOOOO!!!! Nobody puts that baby in a corner. But in all seriousness, yes - a solid E/G-hardware comp is always money well spent. I prefer the Stam SA-4000 mk2 with the 202 VCA personally, but that's me. Audioscape's amazing kit tho - I won't mix drums without my D-Comp.

[@MuayThaiDreadlock]

health is key. as essential as all the notes in a scale... it should take that much effort to lift the compressor! lollll jk @0:28 (dont lie, you know that was you actually being exhausted form all the movement) CAL-iSS-THeN-iCKS .... liked and subscribed, thanks for sharing!

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

Don’t go for back a squat AMPRAP on a day where your squatjng a lot naturally. Lol

[@poweredbyWatts]

Those shorts are so tasty.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

I’m glad somebody noticed. 😉

[@brownhooque]

I really do hate that I pay for YT Premium (seemingly ad-less) and still get a fat Sweetwater commercial in the middle of the video.

[@ivan.bofinger]

Gets a brand new compressor from a brand to review. Recommends a different compressor from another brand with full transparency. Yes. I like.

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

No shade at Audioscape at all. I just had t played with it. I’ve had the distressor for like a decade. (Even though I described the distrortion circuits backwards)

[@ivan.bofinger]

@@RecordingStudioLoser Yeah Audioscape been doing some truly great stuff, stil kinda funny tho LOL

[@Corsair1458]

The LTT plug is just 🤌