pro audio search

Empirical Labs

Empirical Labs DocDerr EL-Rx

500-series multi-purpose tone module (preamp + EQ + compressor + tape saturation)

Channel Strip

$889Manufacturer list price

Specifications

Type
Channel Strip
Description
500-series multi-purpose tone module (preamp + EQ + compressor + tape saturation)
Topology
FET, Class-A, discrete
Signal path
Analog (recallable / digitally controlled)
Channels
1
Channel format
mono (stereo-linkable via EL500 rack)
Form factor
500-series module
Connection
API 500-series rail
Powered
no (powered via 500-series rack/lunchbox)
Frequency response
3 Hz - 180 kHz on EQ section (-3 dB points)
Impedance (Ω)
input 120k (instrument), 20k (line); output <75
Country of manufacture
USA

Details

Controls: Low-noise preamp gain, 2-position high-pass filter, 3-band parametric EQ (preset frequency steps), Compressor (~5:1, 5 dB knee), tape emulation saturation, Mix (dry EQ vs compressed/saturated blend), compressor link switch, 48V phantom engage switch

I/O: Balanced line input, 1/4" instrument input (selectable, 16 dB gain instrument mode); requires API 500-series lunchbox/rack for power and I/O

Notable use: 2012 Pro Audio Review Excellence Award; used by producer/mixer Jacquire King (Arctic Monkeys, James Bay, Modest Mouse)

Notes: FLAGGED: multi-function device (preamp/EQ/compressor/saturation) classified as Channel Strip per task guidance. Also sold in Horizontal (ELRX-H) and Vertical (ELRX-V) panel orientations and as a factory Duo pair - treated as one row (orientation/pairing is a packaging variant, not a distinct circuit). Phantom power is supplied by the EL500 host rack, not generated on the module itself. Price is Sweetwater street price.

Where to buy

Similar channel strip