Every aspect of the Distressor has been modeled, which is no simple task due to the Distressor's unique topology, where each ratio is essentially a different compressor! Just like the hardware it models on, the FG-Stress can mimic the tone of some of the industry's most famous compressors, like punchy VCAs, fat tube compressors, and even vintage opto units.
After two years of development, we are very proud of how precisely the software can match the hardware.
Slate's long-awaited distressor emulation
After years of testing and teasing, the Digital Slate FG-Stress is finally here. This plugin can bring the legendary Empirical Labs EL8-X compressor into your digital workflow. This incredible studio equipment, gathered from the characteristics of various distressing in nature. Squash microphones in pulp. Smooth and exciting vocal performances. Infuse guitars with distortion of everything. Even if you already own and love EL8-X hardware, the Slate FG-Stress offers unlimited channels of this distinctive Distressor character and lets you stay completely in the box while tracking and mixing.
The Last Word on Rock/Pop Compression
1,001 mix uses
From crushing drums to smoothing vocals and bass, the Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X has earned a place among classic stand-by compressors. Eight compression curves and a wide selection of harmonic enhancements enable this unit to be the only compressor needed to form a rock or pop mix.
User tested and specified
FG-Stress is not based on a single Distressor sitting in a laboratory. It was carefully modeled using calibrated customer Distressors – including units from producers Andy Sneap and Rob Ruccia – to take advantage of the platonic ideal of this incredible piece of hardware.
Faithful compression and distortion curves:
Eight compressors in one
The Empiric Labs EL8-X Distressor is notoriously difficult to model. From 1:1 warm-up mode to the all-button Nuke setting, each of the EL8-X's proportions, curves, and characters is distinct. Steven Slate and his team carefully analyzed each setting and incorporated it into FG-Stress – effectively providing eight different compressors in a single plug-in.
Smooth harmonic distortion
The Slate FG-Stress faithfully injects the EL8-X's distortion generators and detection filters into each curve. Now users can implement their favorite Distractor tricks into their digital workflow: like high-frequency bass in 10:1 circuitry, with a fast release time for a thick bottom end.
Packed with professional presets
Despite its complexity, FG-Stress is remarkably simple to use. Even if you're new to compression, you can start with one of the many presets created by the best mixers in the industry and use your ears to adjust to taste.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU
Compatibility: Mac OS X 10.7-10.12; Windows 7-10
Minimum requirements: Intel Quad Core i5, 4GB RAM
iLok 2 or higher required; not included
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