Available for download, the EMPIRICAL LABS Arouser is a compressor that explicitly emulates the company's own venerated Distressor hardware. Empirical Labs modeled the highly versatile Distressor on a component basis to get this emulation to sound as close to the real thing as possible. However, they've gone further than the limits of the hardware unit to add features only available in this digital product.

These features include the ability to bypass any component of the plug-ins signal path, should you not need it. Another useful feature is the Expert Blend panel, which allows you to fine tune the output stages while dialing in parallel compression. Many engineers don't think a simple blend knob goes far enough-they'd rather tune the dry output and processed output levels indepdendently; this feature lets you do exactly that.

Dial in specific amounts of saturation with the Soft Clipping section. Modify the attack curve to allow more transients to pass through the compressor, thereby preserving the crack of a snare or the attack of a bass. With an Advanced Detector Sidechain EQ, you can tune the signal triggering compression, filtering out high, low, or midrange frequencies that activate the compression effect too quickly. Conversely, you can also boost frequencies in the sidechain detector to tie the clamping-down of the compressor to a particular frequency range. You can use this feature to turn the Arouser into a de-esser or de-harsher.

This plug-in is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It will work in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats. So long as your computer meets the minimum OS requirements, it will also operate in VST formats. An iLok 2 or iLok 3, as well as a PACE iLok account, is required to operate the Arouser.

Emulation of Distressor Compressor    Add Saturation with Soft Clipper    Modify Attack Curves for More Transients    Expert Blend Panel for Fine Tuning Blend    Bypass Each Component of the Signal Path    Advanced Sidechain Detector EQ    Mac and Windows    AU, VST, VST2, VST3, and AAX    Requires iLok 2 or 3

Arouser 2 lets you bypass any parameter to closely monitor the changes you are making, or

to achieve a higher level of transparency.

Modeled after the Distressor's Nuke Ratio, Rivet provides the steepest compression ratio a compressor plugin can provide to slam room mics and more.

The attack modification knob slows down the initial slope of the attack envelope to add just a little bit more of the transient back into the track. Whether it's to get a little bit more snap on the snare track or more thump on the electric bass, the AtMod control will let the transients through without losing your desired amount of compression.

Add some vintage-style harmonic distortion to any track with the soft clipper. Whether you are looking for subtle or extreme amounts of total harmonic distortion, the soft clipper knob merges both of the distortion settings on the Distressor to grant the user complete control of total harmonic distortion without having to adjust the input level of the Arousor.

Dial in exactly where you want the compression to trigger with 2 bands of sidechain EQ. This advanced detector sidechain EQ expands both of the preset detection filter circuits on the Distressor into a controllable high-pass and parametric sidechain. Control the exact point on the frequency spectrum where you want compression to be triggered without losing any low end.

Sometimes, you need just the right amount of parallel processing. Many engineers prefer to dial in dry and effected signal independently, rather than the tradiotional blend knob. Arousor 2 gives you this ability. Simply click the Expert button in the Blend section of the Arousor to open the Expert Panel where you can precisely match the dry level to the processed signal level.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this be used to clean sticky residue from tapes on the lavs?

A: The Goby Labs Sanitizer Spray for Microphones would not be recommended to remove adhesive residue from lavaliers or other audio cables, as it is designed primarily for sanitization. Products such as "Goo Gone", which are typically found in hardware stores, can serve the purpose of adhesive removal well.

Q: 2. does this include 2 or 1 speakers?

A: The Creative Labs Creative Pebble USB 2.0 Desktop Speakers (Black) BH #CRCP2UB comes with two speakers.

Q: 3. Does it include jack for connect my headphones?

A: These only work to connect 1/8" / 3.5 mm Input or USB Type-A, not headphones into the speakers.

Q: 4. Does it include the cabling or do you have to buy it separately?

A: As shown in the second picture, the device comes with analog audio and USB cables attached.

Q: 5. I'm not able to get enough volume. I've got everything related to audio maxed out. Any suggestions?

A: You can try amplifying via the mixer application associated with your sound drivers.

Q: 6. Can I use the Belden BL-1694ABHD1 connector with the Belden 1694F (Flexible)HD/SDI Cable?

A: Beldin actually recommends using the 1694ABHD3 connector instead, BH #BE1694ABH3. They suggest this because of the stranded center conductor. The 1694ABHD1 is more difficult to terminate on a stranded center conductor cable https://bhpho.to/2kh9Emf

Q: 7. Once plugged in, can I switch sound to my external monitor and use them?

A: Yes, you can do that in your computers sound settings.

Q: 8. Does it have a power brick?

A: No, the Creative Labs Creative Pebble USB 2.0 Desktop Speakers (White) are bus powered.

Q: 9. Would this fit a Samsung Galaxy S8+?

A: The Moondog Labs Smartphone Hood (XL) BH #MOSHXL is made for phones that are more than 6" in height.

Q: 10. Can I connect it to my phone's audio output (the same output I plug in my headphones)?

A: As long as you have the Creative Labs Creative Pebble USB 2.0 Desktop Speakers (Black) powered by a USB power source, you can connect the 3.5mm audio input jack to a phone's audio output and use them.