UA - Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor - Mixing With Mike Plugin of the Week

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[@c3r1c38]

Yeah, the moment UA released it I knew you were gonna cover it.

[@CahlajWasHere]

I always love your videos. I learn a lot. Keep doing your thing.

[@mixingwithmike]

Cheers!

[@Zifahrimas]

thanks for this rundown. i was confused about what some of the controls did. its all clear now! cheers

[@datamasked623]

I find myself using my UAD DSP for their reverb and effects emulations, which are HEAVY on DSP...but sound soooooooooo good. Pretty much everything else I use native since you can instantiate more instances of them. I mean, everything UAD has sounds incredible really, but you don't really need it all. The Ocean Way rooms are amazing and their model of the Lexicon 224 are just stunning.

[@efsedita]

Was eagerly awaiting your demonstration on this one, thanks Mike! The Distressor is more transparent to my ears than SSL G or Chandler Zener Limiter, for example, so I find myself scratching my head more often with it like, "...Is this good?" Still learning.

[@albertwangny]

I like most your explanation and demonstration of all the plugins! Your tutorial is much better than the UAD official videos!

[@ManCalledMif]

brilliant insights into the distressor. thank you for sharing this. have you ever used one on a moog? (specifically DFAM beats, but any synth would do)

[@peakAV]

An excellent and thorough demonstration, thank you! Curious, did you have “analog” settings turned on? There was an audible hiss throughout the entire video.

[@CahlajWasHere]

Do you recommend purchases the UAD Distressor? I just purchased the UAD AMS RMX16 and I am happy with it. It had been on my purchase list for a long time and I finally broke down and got it. Your video using the UAD AMS RMX16 Expanded on Rap vocals really help me make the decision.

[@pabloaldunatecardenas6880]

Great video! Demo some some Goodhertz plugins they sound awesome.

[@shaner36]

Best review of the plug in. Do u think its worth buying the real analog version? Or just use the plug in. I just got the plug in.

[@mixingwithmike]

If you got the cash, and it makes sense in your studio setup then yes, it is a good purchase.

[@gietube]

Since you tested several Distressor plugins now; can you tell us wich one you like most? And why Thanks in advance!

[@mixingwithmike]

I think this is the best emulation of the Distressor hardware unit by far. I like the Empirical Labs Arouser next because the Attack Modification and extended Saturation control. The Slate Digital is a step behind the UA version IMO but still very good.

[@lifewhyz]

_Now_ I know why Dave Derr decided not to call the Arousor a Distressor. He was saving that for UA. I have to admit though, it feels a bit dishonest on his part, the way he built up a massive buzz on the forums by using his Distressor credit to market a new product that everyone fairly assumed _was_ going to be the Distressor. Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'm just second guessing myself on whether or not I should purchase the Arousor, after all.

[@thiagopinheiromusic]

Actually the a Arousor has features that are coming up on the next Distressor, It is sort of a Distressor of the future.

[@AstroKnoto]

Question for you mike! For rock guitars using a fair amount of distortion, would you say compressing is a "must" or a "case by case" situation? If you would use a compressor which would you usually gravitate to? I only ask because I want to learn how to properly mix my rock guitars and I see a lot of people on forums saying, "Use a Distressor, 1776, or an LA3A" But some say, "Don't use a compressor on Guitars, let them breathe. The amp is already doing a majority of the work." However, I really trust your opinion much more! sorry to bother!

[@mixingwithmike]

It is definitely a case-by-case basis. that said I compress guitars most of the time, the difference is the approach. If I need more body in the guitar I'll use V-Comp or PIE Compressor. Distressor or 1176 works well to help make the guitar pump and breathe if it needs a little life added to it. Black face for warmth, Blue stripe for punch. LA3A also can act as a nice glue for the guitar sound. There's no single answer to this question as so much depends on the quality of the recording. Cheers!

[@AstroKnoto]

@@mixingwithmike that makes sense! Thanks so much I appreciate you!!

[@mixingwithmike]

@@AstroKnoto Cheers!

[@rotemshoshani424]

Bear in mind distortion is compressed by nature. If you do decide to compress distorted guitar, go light.

[@trollface1994]

god u like to talk a lot, dont you?

[@mixingwithmike]

Yup!

[@starletmusicvideo]

It adds a lot of context, so keep it up :)