SKU: 94050035432

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)

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Description

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)Stereo Configuration British Mod with Image Link Classic Knee Sound Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth 384 Possible Settings Eight Compression Curves Advanced Side Chain EQ True Bypass Includes Stereo Link Cable Hand Wired in the USA The Distressor EL8X S from Empirical Labs is a pair of professional compressors that feature a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by

  • Stereo Configuration
  • British Mod with Image Link
  • Classic Knee Sound
  • Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth
  • 384 Possible Settings
  • Eight Compression Curves
  • Advanced Side-Chain EQ
  • True Bypass
  • Includes Stereo Link Cable
  • Hand-Wired in the USA

The Distressor EL8X-S from Empirical Labs is a pair of professional compressors that feature a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. All eight of the Distressor's curves are distinctive, 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. Some curves have different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A.

The Distressor features three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old vintage compressors and limiters, and let the Distressor deliver a classic knee sound all its own by providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in the Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, with one in the audio path, one in the detector path, are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.

British Mode delivers a very aggressive sound that has some elements of the unit's 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and new envelope shape. The EL8X-S has the advantage of being able to selectively apply this characteristic, not just to the British ratio (1:1), but also to any of the ratios, simply by engaging the dedicated British Mode switch.

The original Distressor stereo link function used a summing and phase detection method, which allowed slight stereo image shifting. Although frequently desirable for its phase correction, and its thickening on open room mics and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem on stereo program material where the producer/engineers want to maintain absolute left/right balance at all times. With the Stereo Image Link option, the EL8X-S now has three link options including the original phase link, the Image Link, and the combination of the two, phase and image linking.

This stereo pair of Distressors are matched at the factory, and come with the cables you need to lock them together.

Classic Knee Sound
Improved noise specs and performance
Programmable Analog Distortion/Warmth
Three audio modes provide user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tubelike, 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
A 1% LED and a Redline (3%) LED providing no hard clipping until a few dB past Redline
Advanced Built-In Sidechain EQ
High mid-band emphasis and low-cut keeps the low sum and difference frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material
Eight Unique Curves
From the 1:1 mode that warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the Nuke setting, each curve has its own personality, and release shape. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A
Large Knobs with High Resolution Numbering
They're large for easy readability and repeatable settings, and go to 10.5
Locked, Calibrated, Output Level
Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels
Switchable 115/230 Volt Operation
Extra fuse provided inside unit
Over Designed Power Supplies
Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents and features long life components
True Bypass
All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability with no internal audio connectors
XLR and 1/4" Phone Inputs and Outputs
The XLRs are fully balanced with a transformerless design (pin 2 hot, changeable by user to pin 3 hot)
All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
Stereo strappable
UPC: 854682006030
In the Box
EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)
  • Stereo Connector Cables
  • 2 x Power Cords
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty
Frequency Response 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 maximum output to minimum output in 1:1 mode
Signal to Noise > 100 dB in distortion 3
Distortion Range 0.02 and 20%
Outputs DC coupled
Attack Time 50 uS to 30 mS
Release Time 0.05 to 3.5 seconds, release goes up to 20 seconds in 10:1 Opto mode
Power Consumption Typical: 10 W
Maximum: 14 W
Packaging Info
Package Weight 24.7 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 22.8 x 18.6 x 5.0"
All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 94050035432

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Larry P.
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
This is really a great read for individuals wanting to increase their knowledge of ...
There was so much information in this book that has never been bought to light. This is really a great read for individuals wanting to increase their knowledge of the Black Power Movement.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2016
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Malcolm Farmer III
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Review of Deacons for Defense
Format: Paperback
I found this book to be extremely informative about the Deacons. I was in Monroe ,LA in 1965 as a staff lawyer for the Lawyers Constitutional Defense Committee. We represented Deacons in various instances. This history filled in innumerable gaps in my knowledge of the Deacons. To the extent of my recollection the facts and analysis seemed accurate to me. This book is recommended for anyone with an interest in acquiring a full understanding of important civil rights organizations which contributed to the Movement in the '60's'
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014
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Chevonda Leonard
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
I love this book
Format: Paperback
I love this book. Some of the incidents took place in my home town of Jonesboro, LA. I knew many of the men (and women) who risked their lives to take a stand for racial equality. CORE's Jonesboro Freedom House (although it is vacant) still stands today, and its structure has not changed. This house, along with many of the pictures of individuals, are shown between pages 107 & 108 of the book. I shared this information with some of my students. They were quite surprised that our small town was a part of History!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2017
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Kerri Morales
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Funny, Interesting, Informative!
Format: Paperback
I hiked the PCT in 2016 and I wish this had been available then. There are a lot of misconceptions about the desert section of the PCT (first 700ish miles) being flat, monotonous, and unpleasant. Even once you are out on the trail hiking through varied terrain, it is hard to shake off the "desert mentality" that comes from listening to those misconceptions. One of the reasons I love this book is because of how well the author paints an accurate picture of the beauty and constantly changing scenery the desert has to offer. All the information you would expect from a guide book is here, including mileage, water sources, elevation, etc. There are also a TON of photos that will make you question why you spend anytime indoors. I mean this literally. This book is worth buying for pictures of the Sierra sections alone. The damn near turn by turn navigation descriptions of each section are also a good reason for your purchase. The author is funny. I wanted to say that in a funny way but she's funny enough so if you want to chuckle, wait for the book. Her passion for the PCT seeps through her writing and it is impossible not to feel equally enthusiastic. On a multi-day (or multi-month) hike, that enthusiasm is almost as important as your next water source...except not..but ALMOST.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2017
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Cinthia
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Anyone Can Do It!
Format: Paperback
My husband and I are hiking the PCT and this book has come in very helpful. We especially appreciate the areas we can park at the beginning and end of each section. It is making the trail very doable for two older people who could never make it otherwise. I tear out the section, make a copy and highlight some of the details for example a gate at 4.5 miles. It helps encourage us to continue when we know about how far we have left to go. Also the little map showing elevation gain and lost. The last 17 mile trip we did last week was predominantly up hill. Knowing that ahead of time prepares us mentally for a difficult hike. Our next section is 10 miles downhill so we will do that as a day hike and bring the dog. For anyone who thinks they can't do the PCT this is the perfect book. If I can do it Anyone Can Do It!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022

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