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Empirical Labs Arousor Rev 3.0 Plug-in

Compression Plug-in with Broadband Saturator, AtMod Attack Modification Control, Highpass and Bandpass Sidechain EQ, Rivet Brick Wall Ratio, and Blend Control - Mac/PC AAX, VST, AU
$199.00

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Compatible with:

Mac
Windows
AAX
VST
AU
iLok Required

Software Compatibility

You'll need an iLok copy protection device in order to use this software. If you already have one, you're good to go. If you don't, you can buy one here. An iLok is a small USB gadget (about the size of a thumb drive) that plugs into your computer. It "unlocks" the software, allowing you to use it.

Most software is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, but check to make sure.

If you're using Pro Tools, AAX plug-ins (or RTAS for older versions) are what you need. Most other Mac DAWs support AU plug-ins. VST is compatible with a number of Mac and Windows programs. Be sure you choose plug-ins that work with your DAW!

To learn more about software compatibility, check out our buying guide.

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This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

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What's in a Name?

Arousor is the first compressor plug-in from Empirical Labs, coming two decades after the release of the company's legendary Distressor hardware unit. As digital technology has improved over the years, Empirical has been inundated with requests for a compression plug-in that delivers the company's signature Classic Knee compression. The wait is over. We at Sweetwater are well aware that Empirical Labs' analog hardware will pass 150kHz without flinching. No software can do that — not yet. But Arousor gets close, delivering much of the tasty non-linearity and character we associate with the best analog gear. As Arousor exhibits all kinds of non-linear behavior, Empirical Labs deployed techniques to minimize common digital artifacts found in many dynamics processing plug-ins. The result is an innovative, user-friendly compression plug-in you'll find yourself using every day.

Note: iLok authorization required, either with USB key or iLok Cloud.

Empirical Labs Arousor Compression Plug-in Features:

  • A plug-in that delivers Empirical Labs' Classic Knee compression
  • Proprietary high-resolution Detector modeling
  • Broadband Saturator provides impressive control over peaks
  • AtMod Attack Modification Control changes shape of initial attack, lengthens attack times differently from Attack control
  • Iconic Empirical Labs White Knobs, with parameter readout and direct entry
  • Highpass and bandpass sidechain EQ
  • Rivet brick wall ratio — ideal for room mics and skimming peaks
  • Linkable with stereo version
  • Blend Control lets you mix dry and effected signals for parallel compression
  • Includes finely tuned Lock 'n' Load Presets
  • iLok2 or iLok3 required, or authorize via iLok Cloud

Additional Media

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Tech Specs

  • Software Type: Compressor
  • Platform: Mac, PC
  • Upgrade/Full: Full
  • Download/Boxed: Download
  • Bit Depth: 64-bit
  • Format: AAX, VST2, VST3, AU
  • Authorization Type: iLok 2/3 or iLok Cloud
  • OS Requirements - Mac: OS X 10.8.5 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Manufacturer Part Number: Arousor

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Empirical Labs Arousor - So good! Why did I wait so long!

Let's get this out of the way first: The hardware version sounds better. Depending on the program source, a little to a little more, but I'd say you get 95%-99% with the software version, and as many as your hardware will support. Not only does it sound amazing, but you can have a ridiculous number of instances running at the same time.

It is a compressor, but...the character it can add, the way it can modify the attack, it's really much more than a compressor. The side chain and blend further extend what you can do with it.


I was under the impression this was great on drums and that was it. I was wrong! With so many options, it takes a while to get your head around what it can do, so take the time to learn it. It can be the Magic Button. But most times you need something more subtle. The Arousor does both. You can make a snare scream, or a whispered vocal clearer.

I've used it on vocals, guitars, bass, drums, organs, synths, and some foley (working on a steam train right now).

And with Sweetwater, it's simple. They have taken care of me every time.

Also want to give Bart 5 starts too. Great insight, shares what he knows (which is considerable) and honest about what he doesn't! The best.
Music background: Bands for 30 years, Home studio for 10, Project Studio
Rated 5/5

The missing piece!

I record hip hop vocals and a couple artists I work with have a low mids frequency issue. Although there's many ways to tame that problem nothing sounds as good as this not only did it take the problem away but it added some positive shine to the sound of their vocals
Rated 5/5

Empirical Labs Arouser Plug-in

Get it, you won't regret it. I haven't had Arouser very long, but I find myself wanting to put it on every track and tweaking controls all night long!
Music background: Keyboards, vocals, accordion, studio engineer, live sound
Rated 5/5

Amazing Arousor Software.....

I'm a believer after using this software for the last few days/nights in the recording studio. I have at my disposal an actual hardware version EL8-X Distressor and although Eli state "The Arousor is built around the Distressor" they have a wonderful similarity in sound, and the Arousor 3.0 is so smooth and in my situation works "Amazingly" with Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocal and most other studio instruments.

I've been working for the last decade more "In-the-Box" and I was looking for a "Special Compressor" like most engineers I have a number of great software based compressors: FabFilter, Waves, MJUC, SSL, Melda, iZotope etc. The ease of operation with the Arousor, the low-CPU usages is another plus, though I do have an highly-efficient Processors and so on.

Sweetwater as always are "Top Notch" Professionals and Mark M. is one of the best!
Music background: Musician/Producer/Engineer
Rated 5/5

Great, even if you have a diiferent Distressor plugin

I use my UAD Distressor a lot, so I wasn't going to get this, but I heard good things. I got it and man, I love it! It has finer tuning than the Distressor, so I was able use it tracking vocals and the tweaking eliminated the need for any other de-essing. This was on three different singers and a rapper. Sure, your experience may vary, but color me impressed. I actually like it better on vocals and bass than the UAD Distressor plugin. Give it a try!
Music background: 30 years in recording, mixing, mastering and performing
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