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SKU

765

Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X-S Distressor Pair

Matched pair of Distressors with British Mode and image link features
MFR# EL8X-S Stereo Pair

Product Description

Classic Knee Sound
Helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world.  Three audio modes provide 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 (similar to tape).

The Empirical Labs Distressor 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 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 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 Distressor as will be the case with all Empirical Labs products.

Besides offering a wide range of control and unique features, the 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 we prefer the term "unforgiving" to describe the negative side of the "linearity".  The 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.

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

Product Specifications

Condition New
Tube or Solid State Solid State
Channels Dual-Channel
Chassis 19-inch Rack-mount
Rack Spaces 2U
Digital I/O No

Product Reviews

5 out of 5 stars.
Review Count (3)

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What can I say? It's the most flexible compressor made. Get one or two!

By MarkNeihart on February 19, 2022

I call them my MVPs (most versatile pieces)…I’ve been able to utilize them on various things from drums, bass, to vocals like I’ve always heard. I’ve wanted a pair for years…glad I finally bought them. Not only do I hear the difference, I feel it too.

By Marlon P on November 16, 2021

If you are having a hard time picking a specific compresor; Fet vs. Opto vs. VCA.. grab a Distressor - this is the Swiss Army knife of compressors, a literal Chamelean that can give you all of the above. From Gentle to Agressive this compressor gives you it all and that is why it has become a staple in studios today. (Don't for get the harmonics and the NUKE button - fun for days!!!!)

By Matthew F on June 20, 2017

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I would like to thank VK for the wonderful sales assistance, service and prices. This was my first purchase with you and it won't be my last. I only wish I'd discovered you years ago!
Matthew R.
I had two Grammy wins this year - Ray LaMontagne & Carolina Chocolate Drops. Both made with help from Vintage King!
Ryan F.
In almost 20 years in Pro audio buying, never did I receive a unit so well packed and exactly as described. Works flawlessly. The whole process has been so smooth. I will never hesitate to do business with you guys in the future and will recommend you to everyone I know.
Martin C.
This was my first experience buying something from Vintage King (although I surf the "used" categories on the website frequently!), and, despite being on the other side of the world, I had absolutely no trouble and everything went very smoothly.
Phil T.
The speed of delivery exceeded my expectations! I was VERY pleased that my shipment arrived in time for a scheduled vocal tracking session. The packing insured that my order arrived safely. And the sales staff responded quickly to questions regarding the product.
James P.
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From the minute I placed my order I was kept well-informed through each step in your process. Even though I was buying a comparatively modest piece of gear, your attention to detail made me feel like I was purchasing a six-figure mixing desk.
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