Add ELI Character to Your Console 1 Workflow
How'd you like to own an Empirical Labs console? Thanks to the magic of analog-modeled software, now you can! Created in collaboration with Dave Derr of Empirical Labs, the Softube Empirical Labs Trak Pak includes spot-on emulations of two popular ELI hardware units: the Lil FrEQ parametric equalizer and the Mike-E preamp/compressor. This channel strip expansion plug-in contains four sections: an Input section, a Shape section, an Equalizer section, and a Compressor/Drive section, supplying you with all the sound shaping tools you could ask for. From subtle sonic massaging to all-out analog-style distressing, the Softube Empirical Labs Trak Pak adds the one-of-a-kind character of ELI hardware to your Console 1 workflow.
Note: This product requires that you have an iLok account for authorization, although it does not require a physical iLok key. It also requires the Softube Console 1 control surface. Please call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer if you have questions.
Related Videos: Empirical Labs Trak Pak for Console 1
Input section
The Input section of the Empirical Labs Trak Pak culls the highpass filter from the Lil FrEQ, while also providing a lowpass filter derived from the highpass circuit. Both filters boast a flexible +/-18dB-per-octave slope. At Sweetwater, we've found that these filters elicit a sweet-sounding bump that really cuts through a mix.
Shape section
The Empirical Labs Trak Pak's Shape section is gleaned from the Lil FrEQ's DS (dynamic EQ) section. It can function as a high-frequency limiter that tames hard transients in an analog tape-like manner, or as a level-independent de-esser that attenuates harsh frequencies in an extremely musical way.
Equalizer section
Jam-packed with a 4-band parametric EQ, the Empirical Labs Trak Pak's Equalizer section offers an amazing level of sound sculpting power, with +/-14dB of gain per band. Its low- and high-frequency bands boast the same fixed-frequency shelving filters as the Lil FrEQ, along with a non-stepped high-cut filter and a low-cut filter — also plucked from the circuitry in the Lil FrEQ.
Compressor/Drive section
Based on the Distressor-derived Mike-E, the Empirical Labs Trak Pak's Compressor/Drive section offers continuous attack and release times, as well as a classic Threshold control. The compressor's ratios include bypass, 1:1, 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and — of course — the world-famous NUKE mode. You also get a Drive control that mimics the multistage soft-clipping circuit found in the Mike-E's Saturator, plus a Character knob that offers brighten-or-darken functionality like the Console 1 SSL SL 4000E channel strip.
Softube Empirical Labs Trak Pak for Console 1 Features:
- Created in collaboration with Dave Derr of Empirical Labs
- Includes spot-on emulations of ELI's Lil FrEQ and Mike-E hardware units
- Delivers everything from subtle sonic massaging to all-out analog-style distressing
- Input section contains Lil FrEQ-style highpass and lowpass filters with a flexible +/-18dB-per-octave slope
- Shape section can function as a high-frequency limiter or as a level-independent de-esser
- Equalizer section includes a 4-band EQ with +/-14dB of gain per band
- Mike-E-derived Compressor section offers Distressor-style dynamics control with NUKE function
- Drive section mimics the multi-stage soft-clipping circuit found in the Mike-E's Saturator
- Character knob offers brighten-or-darken functionality like the Console 1 SSL SL 4000E channel strip
