Empirical Labs EL8-S Distressor

Empirical Labs EL8-S Distressor
is a two channel analog compressor/limiter; a staple of most pro recording studios that incorporates several products into one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally different circuits in and out.

The Distressor is the product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derrs 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 is 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 didnt have at least one Distressor on it.

Besides providing a wide range of control and a unique feature set, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This warmth or vintage sound has become a major issue in the last few decades, as the super clear and linear digital technology does next to nothing to soften harsh sounds, nor emphasize the bass frequencies in music sources. Conversely, older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as cold and brittle; among other terms (although we prefer unforgiving).

All eight of the Distressors curves are unique and 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. Each curve has its own personality and several actually use different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. Most exceptional is the 10:1 Opto ratio which uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A.

Another large part of the Distressors personality and power derive from 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 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 Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, one in the audio path, one in the detector path - are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.

The Distressor is available in either its original form (EL8), or in a modified version (EL8-X) with two additional functions - British Mode, and Image Link.

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 dependent on ratio.
• 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