Description

Sibilant S’s and harsh cymbal wash can ruin an otherwise great take, and the DerrEsser ELDS-V from Empirical Labs is built to fix that problem cleanly. Rather than a static filter, it works dynamically across the audible spectrum (20 Hz to 20 kHz) to catch and control problem frequencies as they happen, leaving the rest of the signal untouched.

The blend knob is the heart of the unit’s flexibility — dial in a light touch for subtle smoothing or push it further for aggressive control, without ever making a vocal sound processed or dull. A sidechain input lets you key the de-essing off a different source or frequency range entirely, which comes in handy on busy tracks like layered drums or dense guitar parts where you need surgical targeting rather than a broad cut.

Technically, it’s built to the same standard as the rest of Empirical Labs’ lineup: low distortion (THD under 0.05%), a dynamic range over 110dB, and high input impedance paired with low output impedance for clean gain staging in any 500-series rack. It runs on standard +16V to +24V DC rail power and draws up to 80 mA.

Single-channel 500 series module
Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
THD: less than 0.05%
Dynamic range: greater than 110dB
Input impedance: greater than 1M Ohms
Output impedance: less than 100 Ohms
Power: +16V to +24V DC, up to 80 mA
Sidechain input, blend control, and switchable high-pass filter
Rugged build for daily studio use

Whether you’re cleaning up a lead vocal or reining in a hot drum overhead, the ELDS-V gives you precise, musical control without extra fuss.