A Distressor is a portmanteau of Distortion and Compressor. A digital Distressor is an automatic volume or gain VST/AU plugin that was intrinsically designed for use with modern DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). Distressors are used for their pleasing gain reduction and dialling in a warm vintage sound. Originally created by Empirical Labs' Dave Derr as a hardware unit, Distressors are nowadays also available in VST/AU plugin formats for music producers of all hues. A modern Distressor plugin can add excitement and fullness to your mix or channel instrument tracks.