Empirical Labs EL8X-S Distressor

Digitally controlled analog compressor with British Mode - stereo matched pair

The product that started the history of Empirical Labs. Born out of founder Dave Derr's love of classic compressors such as the 1176, LA-2A, and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics of these models, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a benchmark for sound engineers around the world.

With more than 38,000 units on the market, it is safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best-selling high-end compressors of all time... if not the best-selling compressor of all time. A leading sound engineer recently wagered that there is probably not a record in the top 40 best-sellers in the last five years that has not used at least one Distressor.

In addition to providing a wide range of controls and a number of unique features, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound through the use of a custom-designed gain control circuit. This "warmth" or "vintage sound" has become an important issue in recent decades, as super-clear and linear digital technology does almost nothing to soften "harsh" sounds or emphasize low frequencies in music sources.

In contrast, old analog tapes, vinyl records and tube equipment could not avoid coloring the sound, often to the great frustration of sound engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often called "cold" and "brittle," among other terms (although we prefer "ruthless").

Unique compression curves

All eight of the Distressor's curves are unique and distinctive, from the 1:1 mode that simply warms up the signal with low-order harmonics without intentional compression, to the "Nuke" setting, a brick wall limiting curve that excels on live microphones in the drum room.

Each curve has its own personality and many use different circuits, effectively resulting in different compressors. The most outstanding is the 10:1 "Opto" ratio, which uses separate sensing circuits to emulate the oldest (and most appreciated) opto compressors such as the LA-2A.

Distortion mode (color)

Another important part of the Distressor's personality and power comes from the three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and expensive vintage compressors and limiters, and allow the Distressor to offer a classic "knee" sound all its own, providing warm, user-programmable harmonic distortion.

In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like second-order harmonics, while in the Distort 3 setting the distortion is dominated by third-order harmonics, more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, one in the audio path and one in the detector path, are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping.

Switch to stereo

For many Distressor owners, one is never enough: in fact, one highly successful engineer owns as many as twelve! For those who want (at least) a stereo pair, ELI offers the EL8-S, a factory matched pair of Distressors with the necessary cables to connect them together. If you want the Brit Mod and Image Link options, the EL8X-S package is also available.

British Mode

The British Mode concept comes from an unusual setting of the classic UREI LN1176 limiter. The unit was designed to have only four ratios, each of which was activated by selecting one of four buttons. However, back in 1980 (or even earlier), some rebellious sound engineers, always looking for something a little more "over-the-top," discovered that it was possible to keep all four buttons active by pressing them the right way. The result was a very aggressive sound that featured some elements of the unit's 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and a new envelope shape. At one point, someone called it "British Mode," and the name stuck.

The EL8-X has the advantage of being able to selectively apply this aggressive feature-not just to the new "British" (1:1) ratio-to any ratio, simply by activating the appropriate "British Mode" switch.

Image Link

The Distressor's original stereo link feature used a summing and phase detection method that allowed a slight shift in the stereo image. Although often desirable for its phase correction and "thickening" on open-chamber microphones and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem on stereo material where the producer/sound engineer wishes to maintain absolute balance between left and right at all times.

With the new "Stereo Image Link" option, the EL8-X now has three link options: the original "phase" link, the new Image Link, and the combination of the two, phase and image link, something that has never before been offered on any compressor or limiter.

Technical Specifications.

• 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 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.
• I/O - DC Coupled input and outputs.
• Time Constants - Attack range 50uS to 50mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode. Time constants are dependent on ratio.
• Power Consumption - 15 Watts Max.
• Metal Chassis - single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
• Shipping info - 12.1 lbs mono, 24.2 lbs Stereo pair. Mono box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″. Stereo Pair box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 6 1/4