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Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 Series Compressor EQ Preamp Module

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Description

Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 Series Compressor EQ Preamp Module

Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 series compressor EQ preamp

Extremely Low-Noise Preamp and Versatile EQ

The DocDerr features an extremely low-noise preamp capable of working with line level or instrument level signals, with a noise floor typically at -91 dBu when Mix is set to zero. An internal jumper can transform the DocDerr into an unparalleled instrument preamp with 16 dB of gain, making it ideal for acoustic guitar, bass, synths, and exotic plucked instruments.

The EQ section combines a two-position high-pass filter with three parametric bands, each featuring carefully tuned frequency presets. With a frequency response of 3 Hz to 180 kHz on the EQ section (-3 dB points), the DocDerr provides exceptional tonal control across the entire spectrum. Input impedance is 120 kΩ in Instrument In mode and 20 kΩ in balanced Line In mode, with output impedance less than 75 Ω.

 Empirical Labs DocDerr single knob knee compression

Best-in-Class Single Knob Compression

The DocDerr's unique dynamics section offers renowned Empirical Labs compression at an unprecedented price point for the 500 series format. Empirical Labs believes it delivers the best single-knob knee compression available in this format, making it incredibly easy to dial in musical compression without extensive parameter tweaking.

Combined with an extremely musical tape emulation circuit that softens and tames high frequencies and transient spikes, the compression section provides natural-sounding dynamics control that sits perfectly in a mix. Distortion ranges between 0.0006% and 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings, allowing everything from pristine transparency to warm analog saturation.

 Empirical Labs DocDerr parallel compression Mix control

Parallel Compression With Mix Control

One of the pivotal features of the DocDerr is the Mix knob, which allows you to blend the uncompressed EQ signal with the compressed and saturated signal. This parallel compression technique has been used by top recording and mixing engineers for many years and unlocks a whole world of sonic possibilities.

By blending dry and processed signals, you can maintain the natural dynamics and transients of your source while adding thickness, sustain, and harmonic richness. This approach is particularly powerful on drums, bass, vocals, and full mixes where you want both impact and control without sacrificing musicality.

Highlights

  • Empirical Labs' first compressor in API 500 series format
  • Extremely low-noise preamp for line or instrument level signals
  • Internal jumper for 16 dB instrument preamp mode
  • Four-section EQ: two-position HPF plus three parametric bands with tuned presets
  • Frequency response: 3 Hz – 180 kHz on EQ section (-3 dB points)
  • Best-in-class single-knob knee compression
  • Musical tape emulation circuit for softening HF and transient spikes
  • Parallel compression Mix control for blending dry and processed signals
  • 120 dB dynamic range with -91 dBu typical noise floor
  • Distortion: 0.0006% to 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings
  • Input impedance: 120 kΩ (instrument), 20 kΩ (balanced line)
  • Output impedance: <75 Ω
  • Maximum input: +22 dBm (Line In mode)
  • Maximum output: +28.5 dBm (Mix at 0)

Empirical Labs DocDerr Specifications

Specification Details
Format API 500 series
Module Type Multi-purpose tone module (preamp, EQ, compressor, saturation)
Preamp Type Extremely low-noise, line or instrument level capable
Instrument Preamp Mode 16 dB gain (via internal jumper)
EQ Sections Two-position high-pass filter, three parametric bands with tuned frequency presets
Frequency Response 3 Hz – 180 kHz on EQ section (-3 dB points)
Dynamic Range 120 dB (max output at 0.5% THD soft clipping to min output)
Noise Floor Typically -91 dBu (with Mix at 0)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.0006% to 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings
Compression Type Single-knob knee compression with tape emulation circuit
Parallel Mix Control Blends uncompressed EQ signal with compressed/saturated signal
Maximum Input +22 dBm before hard clipping (Line In mode)
Maximum Output +28.5 dBm (Mix at 0)
Input Impedance 120 kΩ (Instrument In mode), 20 kΩ (balanced Line In mode)
Output Impedance Less than 75 Ω

What's in the Box

Included Items
Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 Series Module
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews

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Description

Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 Series Compressor EQ Preamp Module

Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 series compressor EQ preamp

Extremely Low-Noise Preamp and Versatile EQ

The DocDerr features an extremely low-noise preamp capable of working with line level or instrument level signals, with a noise floor typically at -91 dBu when Mix is set to zero. An internal jumper can transform the DocDerr into an unparalleled instrument preamp with 16 dB of gain, making it ideal for acoustic guitar, bass, synths, and exotic plucked instruments.

The EQ section combines a two-position high-pass filter with three parametric bands, each featuring carefully tuned frequency presets. With a frequency response of 3 Hz to 180 kHz on the EQ section (-3 dB points), the DocDerr provides exceptional tonal control across the entire spectrum. Input impedance is 120 kΩ in Instrument In mode and 20 kΩ in balanced Line In mode, with output impedance less than 75 Ω.

 Empirical Labs DocDerr single knob knee compression

Best-in-Class Single Knob Compression

The DocDerr's unique dynamics section offers renowned Empirical Labs compression at an unprecedented price point for the 500 series format. Empirical Labs believes it delivers the best single-knob knee compression available in this format, making it incredibly easy to dial in musical compression without extensive parameter tweaking.

Combined with an extremely musical tape emulation circuit that softens and tames high frequencies and transient spikes, the compression section provides natural-sounding dynamics control that sits perfectly in a mix. Distortion ranges between 0.0006% and 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings, allowing everything from pristine transparency to warm analog saturation.

 Empirical Labs DocDerr parallel compression Mix control

Parallel Compression With Mix Control

One of the pivotal features of the DocDerr is the Mix knob, which allows you to blend the uncompressed EQ signal with the compressed and saturated signal. This parallel compression technique has been used by top recording and mixing engineers for many years and unlocks a whole world of sonic possibilities.

By blending dry and processed signals, you can maintain the natural dynamics and transients of your source while adding thickness, sustain, and harmonic richness. This approach is particularly powerful on drums, bass, vocals, and full mixes where you want both impact and control without sacrificing musicality.

Highlights

  • Empirical Labs' first compressor in API 500 series format
  • Extremely low-noise preamp for line or instrument level signals
  • Internal jumper for 16 dB instrument preamp mode
  • Four-section EQ: two-position HPF plus three parametric bands with tuned presets
  • Frequency response: 3 Hz – 180 kHz on EQ section (-3 dB points)
  • Best-in-class single-knob knee compression
  • Musical tape emulation circuit for softening HF and transient spikes
  • Parallel compression Mix control for blending dry and processed signals
  • 120 dB dynamic range with -91 dBu typical noise floor
  • Distortion: 0.0006% to 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings
  • Input impedance: 120 kΩ (instrument), 20 kΩ (balanced line)
  • Output impedance: <75 Ω
  • Maximum input: +22 dBm (Line In mode)
  • Maximum output: +28.5 dBm (Mix at 0)

Empirical Labs DocDerr Specifications

Specification Details
Format API 500 series
Module Type Multi-purpose tone module (preamp, EQ, compressor, saturation)
Preamp Type Extremely low-noise, line or instrument level capable
Instrument Preamp Mode 16 dB gain (via internal jumper)
EQ Sections Two-position high-pass filter, three parametric bands with tuned frequency presets
Frequency Response 3 Hz – 180 kHz on EQ section (-3 dB points)
Dynamic Range 120 dB (max output at 0.5% THD soft clipping to min output)
Noise Floor Typically -91 dBu (with Mix at 0)
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.0006% to 10% at 1 kHz depending on mode and settings
Compression Type Single-knob knee compression with tape emulation circuit
Parallel Mix Control Blends uncompressed EQ signal with compressed/saturated signal
Maximum Input +22 dBm before hard clipping (Line In mode)
Maximum Output +28.5 dBm (Mix at 0)
Input Impedance 120 kΩ (Instrument In mode), 20 kΩ (balanced Line In mode)
Output Impedance Less than 75 Ω

What's in the Box

Included Items
Empirical Labs DocDerr 500 Series Module
User Documentation
Shipping

Shipping & Returns

  • We deliver all US orders in 3–5 business days
  • Free cancellations
  • Returns accepted within 30 days (unused items)

Order Confirmation

Once your order is placed, you will receive an order confirmation email. This confirms that we have received your order and have pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. After confirming availability with our suppliers, we will proceed accordingly:

  • If your item is available and ready to ship within 1–2 business days, we will process the charge and arrange for shipment.

  • If your item is on backorder or unavailable, the pre-authorization will be voided and you will be notified by email.

  • Please note: While most items ship out within 1–2 business days, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location and carrier handling.

Order Shipment

If your item is in stock and your payment has been processed, your order will typically ship within 1–2 business days. Total delivery time is approximately 3–5 business days from the date of order. Once shipped, you will receive tracking information at the email address provided during checkout within 24 hours of dispatch.

If you have not received tracking information within 3–5 business days of placing your order, please contact us at support@proaudioreserve.com.

The Distributor-Direct Advantage

To ensure you receive the most recent hardware revisions and 100% factory-sealed units, Pro Audio Reserve utilizes a Distributor-Direct fulfillment model. Unlike big-box retailers that may ship "floor models" or gear that has been sitting in general-purpose warehouses, your equipment is pulled directly from the primary manufacturer hub, serialized, and dispatched. This process ensures the highest level of quality control for professional-grade recording equipment.

Shipping Policy

We currently offer free shipping within the United States only. If the checkout process on our website allows you to enter a shipping address and complete your order, your location is eligible to receive delivery.

Changing Shipping Address

If you need to change your shipping address after your order has been processed or shipped, we will do our best to accommodate the request. Please note that address changes may result in delivery delays. Any additional costs incurred due to address changes, including carrier fees or rerouting charges will be the responsibility of the customer. No exceptions.

Shipping Times

All shipping times provided are estimates and should not be considered guarantees. Most orders ship out within 1–2 business days from the time payment is processed. However, total delivery time is typically 3–5 business days, depending on your location, carrier performance, and supplier fulfillment timelines.

We work closely with our vendors to ensure timely deliveries, but please note that supply chain disruptions, high-demand periods, or weather events may occasionally cause delays beyond our control.

  • To avoid misunderstandings: The “shipping time” refers to the total time from order placement to final delivery, not just when the item leaves the warehouse.

  • Cancellations: If you choose to cancel your order because it has not arrived within the estimated delivery window, you may be responsible for applicable shipping charges, restocking fees, warehouse handling costs, and other related fees.

  • Chargebacks: Customers who initiate chargebacks due to shipping delays without contacting us first may be held legally responsible for losses. We strongly encourage open communication so we can resolve any delivery concerns directly and efficiently via our Atlanta-based support team.

Delivery Options

  • Threshold Shipping: Your item will be delivered to your front door, porch, garage, or a covered entryway.

 

Why Buy From Us

We get it. You've got a lot of choice when it comes to online retailers.
Here's why we think you should shop with us at ProAudioReserve.

  • Free Shipping USA wide. 
  • 30 Day Easy Returns. Not happy with your product, we'll take it back noquestions asked.
  • Great Service. We pride ourselves on the best service, anywhere.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)