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Empirical Labs

collapse expand iconDescription

The EL8 Distressor audio compressor is an automatic gain (or volume) control device (AGC in engineering terms) designed for pro audio (music) applications. Basically, it electronically controls the volume of just about any source in a very pleasing, and "musical" manner—adding fullness, intelligibility, and especially in the EL8 Distressor's case—excitement. This type of device is often called a "limiter" or "compressor" by audio industry people. Its most probable uses will be in recording studios, live sound situations, movie sound production, and radio broadcast production.

Unlike most analog compressor/limiters the EL8 Distressor is a digitally controlled audio device and actually incorporates several products into one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally different circuits in and out. Years of beta testing and redesign went into the EL8 Distressor as will be the case with all Empirical Labs products.

Besides offering a wide range of control and unique features, the EL8 Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This "warmth" or vintage sound has become an important issue in the last 15 years, as the super clear and linear digital technology does very little (or nothing) to soften "harsh" sounds nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment on the other hand, could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people have now realized that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and "musical." The current digital technology is often referred to as "cold" and "brittle" among other terms, although Empirical Labs prefers the term "unforgiving" to describe the negative side of the "linearity." The EL8 Distressor offers several modes that color the signal, even without compression (or gain control). These extended modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and some very expensive vintage gain control units (compressors & limiters) and deliver a classic "knee" sound all its own.
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Audio Compressor

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Classic knee sound with modern noise specs and improved performance really grabs
  • Programmable analog distortion/warmth
  • Three audio modes providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion
  • Emphasized tube-like, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode
  • In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape
  • Distortion indicator lights: 1% LED and a "Redline" (3%) LED. no hard clipping until a few dB past "Redline"
  • Advanced built-in sidechain EQ: High mid-band emphasis prevents harsh, edgy guitars or vocals from hurting innocent ears; low cut keeps the low "sum & difference" frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material
  • Even though there are 384 possible settings (not counting knob settings), it's almost impossible to get a bad sound; keep all knobs on 5 or 6 (around middle) with ratio at 6:1, and you won't go wrong
  • Eight unique curves: From the 1:1 mode that simply warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression to the "Nuke" setting, a brick wall limiting curve that shines on live drum room mics, each curve has its own personality and release shape 10:1 "Opto" ratio uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) "light controlled" devices, such as the LA2A etc.
  • Discrete and integrated combination for the best of speed/linearity with repeatability
  • Hand tested & selected components
  • Huge knobs with high resolution numbering for easy readability and repeatable settings; they also go to 10-1/2"
  • Locked, calibrated, output level allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels
  • Stereo strappable
  • Switchable 110/220V operation with an extra fuse provided inside unit
  • Over design power supplies run cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents
  • Long life components
  • Single height and lightweight for classic sound in a small, extremely reliable package
  • True bypass: All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability with no internal audio connectors
  • XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs: XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot; changeable by user to pin 3 hot
  • All-metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
  • Top quality components with many mil spec. parts
  • Interface and features found nowhere else
  • Handwired, calibrated in USA

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Freq. response: 2Hz to 160kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3dB)
  • Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).
  • Dynamic range 110dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode
  • Greater than 100dB 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 for high-quality input caps
  • Input impedance: 20 kohms
  • Output impedance: < 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 dependent on ratio
  • Metal Chassis: Single height 1.75" high, 10" deep, 19" wide
  • Shipping info: Weight - 12.1 lb., box dimensions 22.5" x 18.5" x 3-1/4"

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5

2 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Reviewed by 2 customers

  • Perfect

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    bysmalltownjunkies

    fromohio

    I use my El8 Distressor on my vocals and it really brings them to life in a strong and powerful way. There are options to bring warmth or cut out some nasty ear piercing. brings up the soft stuff to a loud level the way it should be in a professional mix.

  • Emperical Labs EL-8 Distressor

    5

    submitted11 years ago

    byRICHARD ORDOUBEGIAN

    fromMonterey Park, CA

    This is by far one of the most versatile compressors I've owned. Amazing sonic quality & control on whatever you throw at it, so far using it on bass & love the results! This will be my go to compressor for just about anything.

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