One of the newer members of the Empirical Labs family is the DocDerr, a 500 series multi-purpose tone enhancement module that houses six different sections of digitally controlled analog processing. With over two years of meticulous development and testing behind it, the DocDerr provides an unprecedented combination of power and musicality in a compact, easy to use format.
An extremely low-noise preamp capable of line or 16 dB of instrument gain is followed by four sections of EQ combining a two position high pass filter with three parametric bands, each with its own set of carefully tuned frequency presets.
The versatile EQ is followed by a unique dynamics section, which offers renowned Empirical Labs compression at an unprecedented price, combined with an extremely musical tape emulation circuit that softens and tames high frequencies and transient spikes. We believe it’s the best single knob “knee†compression available in this format.
One of the pivotal features of the DocDerr is the “Mix†knob, which allows the user to blend the uncompressed EQ’s signal with the compressed and saturated signal. This parallel compression technique, used by top recording and mixing engineers for many years unlocks a whole world of sonic possibilities.
Like all ELI 500 series modules, the EL-Rx is available with either horizontal or vertically oriented front panel configurations.
The DocDerr is ideal for tracking, perfect for fine-tuning tracks during mixing, and a killer solution for the gigging musician in search of studio quality tone control.
Whether in use as a tracking tool, or something to tame problematic high frequencies and transient spikes during mixdown or at live venues, the DerrEsser is an extremely valuable and versatile addition to any 500 series lunchbox.
