The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is a highly versatile compressor/limiter, with multiple curves, a multiple mode harmonic distortion generator, and overall smooth and natural sound that has made it an industry standard - especially for vocal processing and enhancement.
The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is the product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics of these, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers all over the world. With over 28,000 units in the field, it’s safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best selling high end compressors of all time... if not THE best selling. A prominent recording engineer recently wagered that there probably was not a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn’t have at least one Distressor on it.
Besides providing a wide range of control and a unique feature set, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This “warmth” or “vintage sound” has become a major issue in the last few decades, as the super clear and linear digital technology does next to nothing to soften “harsh” sounds, nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Conversely, older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as “cold” and “brittle” among other terms (although we prefer “unforgiving”).
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Features
- Eight unique and distinctive curves
- Three distortion modes
- Stereo Linking
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Specifications
- Freq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).
- Dynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.
- Distortion ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.
- DC coupled output - High quality input caps.
- Input impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is < 75 ohms
- Time constants - Attack range 50uS - 50mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode. Time constants are dependant on ratio.
- Metal Chassis - single height 1.75" high, 10" deep, 19" wide.
- Shipping info - 12.1 lbs mono, 24.2 lbs Stereo pair. Mono box dimensions 22.5" x 18.5" x 3 1/4".
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Includes
- EL8 Distressor
- Power Cable
- Manual
- 2 Year Warranty
2 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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EL8
Jul 16th 2024This is a versatile compressor I ever have. I can use Opto for vocal analog warmth set at 10. The sound is warm and huge in any setting. I give this 5-star because of its flexible functionality that it can do to any instruments especially the vocal.
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Do everything compressor
Jan 27th 2022I’ve been using the Distressor on guitar, mixes, and even vocals (sparingly) for 15 years. Every studio must own 1, or 3. I highly recommend, especially for the opto setting.
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