Invented in 1995, the Empirical Labs EL-8 Distressor is not old enough to be considered a “vintage” compressor. That said, there’s no doubt it’s a classic. Go into any commercial studio or high-end personal studio, and you’re most likely going to see at least one if not more Distressors in the rack.
In this excerpt from “Rich Keller - Mixing Hip Hop Vocals,” Rich, who’s been using a Distressor as his primary vocal compressor for years, shows his favorite setting. Although Rich owns a hardware Distressor, he’s using the UAD plug-in version (the UAD Empirical Labs EL-8 Distressor) here, which provides an accurate emulation. Learn more about the UAD Distressor here.
Watch the whole video See how Rich Keller:
Creates a harmony of the lead track to enhance the hook and add dimension
Enhances a two track beat from the producer
Breaks down his classic vocal setting for the Distressor he used on classic records from Nas, DMX, and many more
Makes the vocal shine with subtle moves on an SSL eq
Uses the dynamics section of an SSL channel strip plugin to make the vocal sit in the track, adding a glue between the vocal and the mix
Adds dynamic ambience to the vocal using Valhalla Shimmer and the Boz Imperial Delay in series
Explains his approach to the mix bus, using the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Fabfilter's Saturn saturation and Pro-L2.
Teaches how to use the latest version of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
Uses the Fabfilter Saturn across the mix bus to add harmonic excitement and top end sheen
Dials in the Pro-L2 to control peaks
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