DS MODE – (Bypass Button IN, all other buttons OUT). As a de-esser in DS (HF Limit OFF) mode, the limit can be set to tame harsh S's (hissing) that result from an overly bright singer, or EQ to make a vocal sound aggressive and clear. The DS limit is not level-dependent and compares the amount of high-frequency content to low-frequency content, so adjusting the overall level does NOT affect the limit. Easy to set and forget. Great care was taken to ensure that this section of the DS lived up to Empirical Labs' reputation for originality and ease of use. We use the latest VCA technology, specially selected for flawless performance, distortion and noise. The time constants have been carefully selected and the corner frequency is user adjustable with a high-performance active crossover.
HF LIMIT – (Bypass IN button, HF LIM IN, all other OUT buttons). In this mode, the DerrEsser essentially acts as a high-frequency compressor. If there is enough high frequency content to exceed the threshold, gain reduction occurs. It is level sensitive, but responds much more to high frequencies. This mode is more of a general high frequency smoothing device and is probably the first carefully tailored soft knee HF limiter in existence.
HIGHPASS – (Bypass Button IN, Listen IN, HP/LP OUT, HF LIM does not matter). By using the “LISTEN” function, the user can employ the excellent filter circuitry within the DerrEsser to process their audio. With the LISTEN IN button and HP/LP OUT switch, the user will hear the high frequencies that are being controlled with the dynamics/compression circuits. The singing frequency is adjustable by the Frequency knob.
LOWPASS – (Bypass Button IN, Listen IN, HP/LP IN, HF LIM does not matter). With the LISTEN IN button and the HP/LP IN button, the user is now hearing the low frequencies, those not affected by the VCA and dynamics/compression circuits. This is a 12 dB per octave filter whose corner frequency can again be adjusted by the Frequency knob.