Pump

The Empirical Labs Pump is a high-performance, single-slot 500 Series compressor that packs the sonic punch and versatility the brand is famous for into a compact and accessible format. Designed by the legendary Dave Derr, the Pump is engineered to be a go-to dynamics processor for any tracking or mixing task. Whether you need to gently level a vocal, add aggressive punch to a snare drum, or glue together a stereo bus, the Pump delivers with character and precision. It combines a powerful VCA-based compression circuit with several unique features drawn from its iconic siblings like the Distressor, providing a wide palette of dynamic control options that can range from clean and transparent to saturated and harmonically rich. The Pump is built to the exacting standards of Empirical Labs, ensuring robust performance and reliable operation for years of professional use.

The front panel of the Pump offers a deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful set of controls. A single large knob governs the amount of compression, while an 8-position switch selects the compression ratio, offering a broad spectrum of curves from a gentle 2:1 to a hard-limiting 20:1, and even includes an "Opto" setting that emulates the soft-knee, program-dependent release of classic optical compressors. A standout feature is the Attack Modification (AtMod) switch, which introduces a slower initial slope to the attack envelope, allowing crucial transients to pass through before the compression kicks in—perfect for preserving the snap of drums and percussive instruments. For adding vintage color, a dedicated Saturation switch engages a soft-clipping circuit to introduce musical, tape-like harmonics. The sidechain features a built-in 70Hz high-pass filter to prevent low-frequency content from unduly influencing the compression, resulting in tighter and more focused dynamics. With its comprehensive feature set, the Pump is a true dynamic toolkit in a single 500 Series slot.

Features

• Single-slot 500 Series VCA compressor.
• Eight selectable compression ratios including a classic Opto setting.
• Attack Modification (AtMod) feature to preserve initial transients.
• Switchable soft-clipping saturation circuit for added harmonics.
• Sidechain with a built-in 70Hz high-pass filter.
• True bypass switch for easy A/B comparison.
• Clear 10-segment LED gain reduction meter.
• Available in both vertical and horizontal faceplate orientations.