The threshold is actually set internally based upon not only the selected compression ratio but also the Attack and Release settings. There’s no Threshold control, so the amount of compression is dictated by the Input level and other factors.

The four main knobs are Input, Attack, Release and Output.

I highly recommend reading it, even for those just auditioning Comprexxor.Īs to usage, the operation is fairly straightforward. Fortunately, the Distressor manual is easily downloadable here and it provides much insight into getting the most out of this processor. The page and a half doesn’t even tell you whether turning the Attack knob clockwise gives your faster or longer attack times, let alone what the range of those times is. While the software is splendid, IKM did themselves no favors with the paltry documentation they’ve provided. A new dual Distressor configured for stereo and having the British factory modification (explained momentarily) will set you back about $3300 USD. In the hardware world where compressors command a four-figure price, this kind of flexibility is a compelling feature.

As is their normal practice, IKM doesn’t name the hardware inspiration for Comprexxor, probably due to trademark infringement concerns, but the UI of Comprexxor leaves no doubt here.ĭistressor is called a Swiss Army knife of compressors in that it is said to do a credible imitation of several well-regarded hardware compressors of very different types, ranging from the 1176 FET compressor to the LA2A optical compressor. Comprexxor is modeled on the Distressor box from Empirical Labs. IK Multimedia has added a new hardware compressor emulation to the T-Racks collection, which already had six excellent processors in this category (and that number does not include non-emulation dynamics modules or channel strips offering compression).

Ik comprexxor