The highest degree of ELI saturation.

Also available as a part of Flow^® Mixing Suite, Flow^® Complete Suite, and Empirical Labs Complete Collection 2.

If you make a short list of once-in-a-decade modern classics, Empirical Labs Distressor is sure to be on it. The combination of Dave Derr’s clever compressor design and the unique, colorful saturation circuits make it a must-have for every recording studio. The Distressor circuit has made its way into other ELI products, such as the versatile preamp/compressor Mike-E. Our Empirical Labs Professor Punch-Knuckles plug-in – created in collaboration with Empirical Labs and Dave Derr – is the brilliant but unruly lovechild of Mike-E and the Distressor.  

But don’t let the refined and analytical side of Professor Punch-Knuckles fool you; it can crush your audio to pieces. Smooth, warm, and musical, Professor Punch-Knuckles delivers the highest degree of ELI saturation like a sophisticated punch in the gut. 

Designed by Experts, Built on Legacy 

Our history of modeling professional gear is long. For over two decades, we've collaborated with premium pro audio brands like Empirical Labs, Tube-Tech, Solid State Logic, Chandler Limited^®, Weiss Engineering, and others. In doing so, we've solidified our track record of recreating indisputable classics in software form that sound precisely like their hardware counterparts. 

Empirical Labs Professor Punch-Knuckles is built on this legacy. We took the same approach we are known for – one with creativity, passion, and attention to detail. To create tools that innovate, you have to have heart, soul, and Rock & Roll Science. 

Three classic ELI saturation flavors 

There’s more to the Professor than brute force. With the easy-to-use interface and three distinct types of modeled distortion/saturation – Toasty, Crunchy, and Distress – you can quickly take your sound from warm vintage tones, through gentle breakup, all the way to the classic distortion/compression sound of the Empirical Labs Distressor. Toasty and Crunchy are based on the saturation and preamp distortion of Mike-E. Distress originates from the compressor circuit of the Distressor and Mike-E.  

Tone shaping 

To deliver a sonic punch in the gut, not a slap to the face, the Professor is equipped with extra tools to shape the sound. These include the unique Mode switch, which utilizes Empirical Labs’ emphasis filters on the sound. With this mode, you can easily add the recognizable sound of transformer and tape, making the rough punch smoother and more refined. 

This product supports Extended Features

We love VU meters, Bakelite knobs, and analog quirks. But we want modern precision and workflow. The answer? Softube Extended Features. Easy-access panels with the innovations you need close at hand. 

In the corner with ELI 

Empirical Labs, under the leadership of the pro audio icon Dave Derr, is on a mission to make innovative, long-lasting equipment that’s a blast to use. With greatest hits like Fatso, DerrEsser, and the Distressor, it’s safe to say they’re succeeding. Part of that success is due to ELI's dedication to real-world testing and results. As well as the conviction to go past good enough. ELI insists on refining its products. It’s an ethos we at Softube subscribe to as well. 

After two decades of friendship, we could not be prouder to be part of the Dave Derr and Empirical Labs legacy with our authentic emulations of their modern analog classics: Mike-E, Lil FrEQ, Trak Pak, and now Professor Punch-Knuckles and the Empirical Labs Complete Collection 2. 

In short: 

• Three classic saturation flavors

• The distortion sound of the Distressor

• Tone shaping options including emphasis filters

• Easy-to-use and instantly gratifying

• Available in Flow^® Mixing & Complete Suites, the new Empirical Labs Complete Collection 2, and as standalone plug-in

• Console 1-ready

• Manual