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Empirical Labs EL-500

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Page last updated Aug 13, 2025

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The Empirical Labs EL-500 is a must-have for any audio engineer seeking to optimize their studio setup with precision and efficiency. This sleek 1U rack unit is engineered to house two 500 Series modules, offering a compact solution for integrating your favorite gear into your production workflow. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the EL-500 promises to deliver performance and reliability without the fuss.

What sets the EL-500 apart is its quiet power supply, ensuring that your recordings remain pristine and free from unwanted noise. This thoughtful design feature makes it ideal for critical listening environments where every detail matters. Additionally, the unit includes an instrument line input, providing flexibility and convenience for musicians who need quick access to recording and processing their instruments with 500 Series modules.

Crafted with the modern studio in mind, the EL-500 is both robust and intuitive, allowing you to focus on what you do best: creating music. Its seamless integration into any rack setup means you can expand your sonic palette with ease, using the modules that best suit your style and needs.

Whether you're looking to add warmth with a preamp or sculpt your sound with an EQ, the Empirical Labs EL-500 provides the perfect foundation to build your ultimate audio chain. Join the community of musicians and engineers who have discovered the transformative potential of this versatile and essential studio accessory.

Key Features:

1U rack unit designed for two 500 Series modules
Quiet power supply for noise-free operation
Instrument line input for direct connection
Robust build quality for studio reliability
Easy integration into existing setups

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empirical Labs EL-500.

Features and functionality

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The PUMP offers AtMod control, a feature from the Arousor plugin, allowing more control over attack modification than the Distressor.
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Unlike the Distressor, the PUMP uses stepped digital controls for Attack and Release, offering a different user experience.
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The Saturator in PUMP aligns more with Mike-E or DocDerr, offering a different saturation flavor than the Distressor's Dist 2 and Dist 3 settings.
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Comparisons

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PUMP does not include the Distressor's NUKE mode or British Mode, missing some of its aggressive compression styles.
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While inspired by the Distressor, the PUMP won't be an exact copy due to different circuit designs, but can closely mimic certain Distressor sounds.
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Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

Verified via Photo

"Another view of Zedd’s studio, showing the large Augspurger monitors that are his main playback system. The outboard rack to the left of the studio desk contains, from top: two Furman power conditioners, Tube-Tech CL1b compressor, Empirical Labs EL500 chassis with AMS Neve preamp and EQ modules, Rolls headphone amp, Antelope Audio Orion audio interface and Dangerous Music Monitor-ST monitor controller. The curved control unit for the latter is visible on top of the desk in front of the left KRK monitor."

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

Verified via reverb.com

Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.

This Empirical Labs EL500 500 Series Rack is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode

SN: 0093. Empty 2 module 500 series rack unit. IEC included.

All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.

Kiasmos

Music Producer

Verified via Headphone Commute

No explanation, you can see the EL-500 beneath the WSW Studioverstarker.

Tim Pierce

Guitarist

Bon Jovi

Verified via YouTube

At the 34:51 mark in the "Tim Pierce Rig Rundown Guitar Gear & Studio Tour" video by Premier Guitar on YouTube, the Empirical Labs EL-500 is clearly visible in Tim Pierce's rack setup.