Empirical Labs Pump (Vertical) – Dynamic 500-Series VCA Compressor with AtMod
The Empirical Labs Pump (Vertical) is a versatile, single-channel VCA compressor packed inside a 500-series vertical slot. With its Distressor-inspired design, soft-knee character, and exclusive Attack Modification (AtMod), it delivers powerful, musical compression with precise recall—crafted for professionals and curated by Soundium.
Key Features
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Heritage design: Captures the sonic DNA of Distressor, Arousor, and Mike-E models
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Eight compression ratios: Choose from 2:1 up to 20:1, each with unique knee shaping
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Attack Modification (AtMod): Preserves transient impact while maintaining control
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Digitally-stepped attack/release: Recall fast attack from 200 µs to 40 ms and release from 50 ms up to 500 ms or Opto mode
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High-pass sidechain: Switchable 70 Hz filter keeps low-end energy from over-triggering compression
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Soft-clip saturation: Adds harmonic warmth inspired by Mike-E
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LED metering: Real-time gain reduction display
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Bypass and make-up gain: Accurate level control for transparent or colored compression
Customer Benefits
Pump (Vertical) provides tight control over dynamics with musical character. Whether adding weight to drums, punch to bass, or refined glue to buss mixes, its flexible controls and AtMod deliver both precision and vibe. The stepping and recall-friendly layout makes it perfect for both studio mixing and live tracking.
Quick Specs
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Frequency response: 5 Hz – 175 kHz (–3 dB)
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Dynamic range: 125 dB
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Noise floor: –101 dBu
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Distortion: 0.0035%–15% @ 1 kHz depending on mode
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Max input/output: +22 dBm input, +28.5 dBm output
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Attack: 200 µs to 40 ms
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Release: 50 ms to 500 ms plus Opto mode
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High-pass filter: 70 Hz, switchable
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Compressor type: VCA
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Chassis: Single-slot 500-series module
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Power: ±16 V, ~100 mA
What’s in the Box
- Empirical Labs Pump (Vertical) 500-series compressor module
Use Cases / Ideal For
Ideal for audio engineers, producers, and mixing professionals who need dynamic punch and warmth. Great for drum busses, vocals, instrument subgroups, and mastering contexts—especially when you need recall-friendly operation and expressive transient shaping.
Compatibility
Designed for API-style 500-series racks. Easily integrates into studio workflows with recallable settings and compact vertical format.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Legendary analog sound with modern recall precision
- Unique AtMod transient shaping
- Compact 500-series format
⚠️ Cons:
- Single-channel—requires two units for stereo
- Needs a powered 500-series chassis (not included)
The Empirical Labs Pump (Vertical) brings classic dynamic control with state-of-the-art performance and recall—an essential studio tool, refined by Soundium.
