Empirical Labs EL8-XS Distressor with British Mode and Image Link – Stereo Pair

Empirical Labs EL8-XS Stereo Pair Overview The Empirical Labs Distressor EL8XS combines two EL8X analog compressors that are coupled for real stereo operation and includes the iconic British mode “All Buttons In,” which recreates the harsh sound achieved by the legendary 1176LN. Empirical’s renowned Distressor features conventional knee compression as well as user-programmable warm harmonic distortion, making it excellent for treating harsh, unforgiving digital timbres and making them more pleasant to the ear. Classic knee sound, programmable analog distortion, sophisticated built-in sidechain EQ, and eight distinct curves. The Empirical Labs Distressor EL8XS is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to switch between the EL8’s gentle and transparent compression and the more aggressive and characterful “British” sound via the on-board British mode switch. This setting modifies the compressor’s knee characteristics, making it considerably more aggressive. The Distressor EL8XS can add the aggressive nature of the British Mode to any of the compressor’s ratios, making it considerably more versatile than the original 1176 it was attempting to replicate. With a faster attack release time, the THD level rises, and the compressor sounds considerably more distorted, making compression significantly less smooth. Originally intended as an analog compressor, the Distressor EL8XS now includes 2nd and 3rd order harmonics to simulate tape saturation and classic old valve compression. Extensive side-chain EQ curves are included, providing a wide range of options, while the Binary Stepped Interface transforms it into an extraordinarily flexible and powerful compressor. Vintage Sound Aside from a broad range of control and unique features, the Distressor produces a warm, vintage sound with a custom-designed gain control circuit. This “warmth” or vintage sound has been a crucial concern during the last 15 years, as extremely clear and linear digital technology does very little (if anything) to soften “harsh” sounds or highlight bottom frequencies in music sources. Older analog tape, vinyl records, and tube equipment, on the other hand, could not be stopped from colorizing the sound, much to the chagrin of recording engineers. However, many individuals have discovered that this coloration may be incredibly pleasant and “musical.” The current digital technology is sometimes referred to as “cold” and “brittle,” among other names, but we prefer the phrase “unforgiving” to express the negative side of “linearity.” Included British Mode Upgrade The notion of the “British Mode” originated from an odd setting on the famous UREI LN1176 limiter. The machine was planned to contain only four ratios, which were activated by selecting one of four buttons. However, as early as 1980 (or earlier), rogue recording engineers, always on the lookout for something a bit more “over the top,” discovered that if you hit all four buttons exactly so, they would stay “in.” The end product was a very aggressive sound, having parts of the unit’s 20:1 ratio but with a unique knee and new envelope shape. Someone coined the term “British Mode” at some point, and it stuck. It is also known as “all buttons in” and other descriptive titles. The Distressor has the benefit of being able to apply its “aggressive” character not just to the new British ratio (1:1) but also to all ratios since a separate switch is placed that can be turned on with any ratio. However, an attack of fewer than 3 or 4 is necessary to preserve the LN1176 character. If you exceed an attack level of 3, you will notice an increase in grunge (distortion), and the THD warning lights will appear much more frequently. Empirical Labs EL8-XS Distressor with British Mode and Image Link – Stereo Pair Features:  All buttons in British mode switch with the LED.  Clean audio mode provides a frequency response of 2 Hz to 160 kHz ( 0, -3 dB). The response is formed in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).  In 1:1 mode, the dynamic range is 110 dB between maximum and minimum output.  Distortion ranges from 0.02% to 20% based on distortion mode and release timings selected on the front panel.  DC-linked output with high-quality input caps.  Input impedance: 20K ohms.  Output impedance is < 75 ohms.  Time constants: Attack range: 50 µs-50 ms.  Normal modes have a release range of.05 to 3.5 seconds, whereas 10:1 opto mode allows for up to 20 seconds. Time constants rely on ratios.  Metal chassis.