$56.29
$90.06
The EMPIRICAL LABS EL8 DISTRESSOR Overview Empirical Labs’ Distressor EL8 is a professional compressor with a variety of parameters and features suitable for studio or live applications. The Distressor’s custom-designed gain control circuit produces a warm, vintage tone. The Distressor has eight unique curves, ranging from the 1:1 mode, which just warms up the audio with low-order harmonics without purposeful compression, to the Nuke setting, which is a brick wall limiting curve that works well with live drum room microphones. Some curves have distinct circuits, resulting in various compressors. The 10:1 Opto ratio emulates the oldest light-controlled devices, such as the LA-2A, by utilizing separate detector circuitry. The Distressor has three settings that color the signal even when not compressed. These expanded audio modes were created to let the Distressor emulate some extremely ancient antique compressors and limiters while also delivering a classic knee sound of its own through user-programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 accentuates tube-like second-order harmonics, while Distort 3 focuses on 3rd harmonics, more closely approaching tape. Two HP filters, one in the audio path and one in the detection path, are also available to assist with low frequencies that might induce pumping and breathing. Hundreds of choices with only a few control settings. The Distressor allows you to apply 2nd- or 3rd-order harmonic distortion to the audio, simulating tape saturation and the classic tube compressor sound of the 1960s and 1970s. It also has complex sidechain EQ, eight distinct curves, and Empirical Labs’ distinctive “Binary Stepped Interface,” which enables hundreds of choices with only a few control settings. Beyond its extensive control and feature set, the Distressor’s custom-designed gain control circuit produces a warm, vintage-flavored sound that is ideal for the harsh realities of current digital recording. When you consider that tube equipment, analog tape, and vinyl records of the past could not help but color sound (much to the consternation of recording professionals), the Distressor provides the best of both worlds: selected, adjustable coloring. It’s like having many dynamics processors in one. From the pleasantly warming 1:1 setting with low-order harmonics but no compression to the severe brick-wall limiting of Nuke mode, the Distressor’s eight curves provide a plethora of sound-shaping possibilities. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard Nuke mode through live drum room microphones. Explosive! Each curve has its own distinct aural characteristics, and some even employ separate circuits, resulting in functionally different compressors. Most notably, the 10:1 Opto setting uses additional detector circuitry to simulate traditional “light-controlled” compressors. Power and Personality The Distressor’s three color modes, which function independently of compression, contribute significantly to its strength and individuality. These modes, designed to replicate prized antique compressors and limiters, enable the Distressor to provide a unique “knee” sound by generating warm-sounding, user-programmable harmonic distortion. In addition to the EL8’s basic distortion mode, Distort 2 accentuates tube-like class A 2nd-order harmonics, while Distort 3 distortion is dominated by 3rd-order harmonics that gradually flatten the top and bottom of the waveform, which is akin to magnetic tape recording. Two highpass filters — one in the audio path and one in the detector path — are also planned to reduce low frequencies that might trigger breathing and pumping further up the spectrum. Desert island contender The Distressor is arguably most commonly used to amp up bass lines, snares, and kick drums; nevertheless, it’s a fiendishly competent beast that can add aggressive, in-your-face energy and excitement to synthesizers, guitars, vocals, or pretty much anything else you choose to give it. Its stereo linking capabilities make it ideal for use in the mastering lab or strapped across a drum bus. It is almost hard to make this stuff sound awful. Don’t be daunted by the fact that there are 384 possible options (not including the knobs); putting the ratio to 6:1 and all four knobs to 5 or 6 will have you up and running quickly. With its extensive sound-sculpting power and adaptability, the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is a modern classic compressor that should be on your desert island gear list. Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor’s Features: Combines traditional “knee” compression with current specifications and performance. Programmable analog distortion improves digital recordings. Three audio modes, including user-programmable and vintage-style harmonic distortion. Clean and distort two modes: tube-like and second-order harmonics. Third-order harmonics, akin to tape, dominate three forms of distortion. The distortion indicator illuminates at 1%. LED, “redline” (3%) LED; heavy clipping begins a few decibels beyond “redline.” Advanced sidechain EQ: a high-mid band focus reduces harshness, while a highpass prevents low-sum/difference frequencies from overpowering the source material’s upper frequencies. Eight distinct curves, beginning with 1:1 with low-order harmonics and no compression. The “Nuke” option provides a strong limiting curve, ideal for drum room microphones. The 10:1 Opto option uses additional detector circuitry to simulate vintage “light-controlled” compressors. Utilize discrete and integrated circuits for optimal speed, linearity, and reproducibility. Selected and tested long-lasting components, such as all-metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio route. Large knobs with high-resolution numbering for easy readability and consistent settings. Calibrated output level for fast and reliable installations. Switchable 115/230-volt operation with an additional fuse kept within the device. The over-designed power supply keeps the cabinet cool and eliminates the need for heat vents. Ensures accurate A/B comparisons using true bypass. Stereo linkable, with XLR and 1/4″ inputs. Hand-wired and calibrated in the USA.
Signal Processing
