{"product_id":"empirical-labs-distressor-el8x-42599-used","title":"Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X #42599 (Used)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Labs Distressor EL8X\u003c\/strong\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eUnlike 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. \u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eBesides 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 \u0026amp; limiters) and deliver a classic \"knee\" sound all its own.\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003ch3 id=\"toc_0\"\u003eSPECIFICATIONS:\u003c\/h3\u003e  \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eFreq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB) \u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eResponse is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGreater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDistortion ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDC coupled output - high-quality input caps\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInput impedance is 20K Ohms, output impedance is \u0026lt; 75 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTime constants - Attack range 50uS - 50mS\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eRelease range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTime constants are dependent on ratio\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMetal Chassis - single height 1.75\" high, 10\" deep, 19\" wide\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Empirical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44451319251047,"sku":"489838","price":1569.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/8848\/5479\/files\/empirical-labs-distressor-el8x-42599-used_489838_1.jpg?v=1787096768","url":"https:\/\/vintageking.com\/products\/empirical-labs-distressor-el8x-42599-used","provider":"Vintage King","version":"1.0","type":"link"}