Distressor

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banjo71

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What exactly is a distressor, other than being a special type of compressor/limiter? Does anyone know of a CD mastered using one so I know what it sounds like?
 
They're really flexible "color" comps. Can't say I've actually found a really good reason for them in a mastering situation (although I know a few engineers that use them).

You're not going to know "the sound" by listening to a recording with one in the chain... Unless you can A/B back and forth with the exact same recording done without one.
 
Aren't they used mostly for vocals?

Are they simliar to teh Fatso's?
 
GREAT on vocals... Drums, bass... Heck, just about anything you'd throw a LA2A *or* an 1176 on.

FATSO is more of an "extreme tape simulation" (although it's definitely a compressor with a very LA2A sort of feel) - Nowhere near the features / flexibility of the Distressor (although it's a pretty cool and unique unit on its own).

It actually stands for something -- "Freaky Awesome Tape Saturation Object" or something like that.

(EDIT) Full Analog Tape Simulation Optimizer
 
I have one mostly used on vocals because of the tone variation..would never want tone variation in my mastering chain. Not used in mastering used in vocal front end chains or vocals period.
 
banjo71 said:
Does anyone know of a CD mastered using one
Click to expand...

You'd need 2 since they're mono. I think you'd be better off staying in the box or maybe looking at something stereo and reasonable like the API 2500 or Foote P3s.
 
Hey thanks guys, I didn't realize it was popular on vocals. I've got a friend who is wondering about this stuff too, she's recording in Nashville for a bluegrass type of CD, and it will be helpful for her to know this
 
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