Empirical Labs Distressor Model EL8-XXX
Limited 30th Anniversary Edition
Item number:10024303
MPN:ELI-EL8-XXX
MPN:ELI-EL8-XXX
The Distressor is the product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics of these, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers all over the world. With over 22,000 units in the field, it’s safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best selling high end compressors of all time….if not THE best selling. A prominent recording engineer recently wagered that there probably was not a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn’t have at least one Distressor on it.
Features
In celebration of Empirical Labs' 30th Anniversary, they released a limited edition of the famous EL8 Distressor. It includes all of the upgraded features found on the EL8X (Stereo Image Link, Brit Mode), now coupled with the famous Triad HS-56 transformer at the input stage, known for its ability to add clarity and "size" to sub content. In addition to saturation and color, this transformer also greatly reduces input impedance to 600 ohms. These changes, plus some new discrete parts, allow for the XXX model to saturate and color earlier than the classic EL8 - it'll make a mix's low-end sparkle like no other!
Features
- Digitally controlled analog knee compression
- 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 50 µs - 50 ms. 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
