Empirical Labs EL-P PUMP (Horizontal)

The PUMP is the 500 series compressor from Empirical Labs and carries the same handwriting as the Distressor, Arousor and Mike-E. In a single slot it packs an unusually complete set of dynamics controls: eight compression ratios from 2:1 to 20:1, digitally stepped attack and release times, a switchable high pass filter in the detector path and a saturation stage. This version has a horizontal faceplate and is intended for landscape format chassis and power supplies.

Its distinguishing feature is called AtMod. The control delays the onset of the attack phase so that the first peak of a signal passes through intact while everything after it is compressed. Drums and bass keep their punch even under firm compression.

Attack and release are digitally stepped. Every setting can be recalled exactly from session to session and matched between two units. The stereo link lets two PUMP modules work as a pair. The saturation soft clipper comes from the CompSat circuit of the Mike-E and audibly rounds off peaks instead of clipping them hard.

Features

• Single channel 500 series VCA compressor, horizontal faceplate

• Eight compression ratios from 2:1 to 20:1

• AtMod: adjustable delay of the attack onset to preserve transients

• Digitally stepped attack time from 200 µs to 40 ms

• Digitally stepped release time from 50 ms to 500 ms, plus opto style curve

• Switchable 110 Hz high pass filter in the detector path

• Saturation soft clipper from the CompSat circuit of the Mike-E

• Input level control with clip indicator (BAD)

• Large gain reduction bargraph meter

• Stereo link for operation as a pair

• Bypass switch

• Designed and built in the USA

Technical data

• Frequency response: 5 Hz to 175 kHz (-3 dB)

• Dynamic range: 125 dB from maximum to minimum output

• Noise floor: typically -101 dBu

• Distortion: 0.0035 % to 15 % at 1 kHz, depending on mode and setting

• Maximum input level: +22 dBm (line input)

• Maximum output level: +28.5 dBm

• Input impedance: 120 kOhm (instrument), 20 kOhm (balanced line)

• Output impedance: below 75 Ohm

• Detector high pass filter: 110 Hz, fixed

• Format: 500 series, single slot, horizontal faceplate

Scope of delivery

• Empirical Labs PUMP, 500 series module with horizontal faceplate

• User manual

Manufacturer's note: a 500 series chassis or power supply is not included and is required for operation. The horizontal faceplate is intended for landscape format chassis; for vertical chassis such as the API Lunchbox there is the vertical version.