{"title":"Empirical Labs Distressor EL8-X","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"empirical-labs-el8xm-bm-distressor-with-british-mode","title":"Empirical Labs EL8XM (BM) Distressor with 'British Mode'","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Empirical Labs EL8 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current digital technology is often referred to as cold and unforgiving. 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 and limiters) and deliver a classic knee sound all on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Labs EL8\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA modern classic, the Distressor is the absolute first compressor you should buy for your rack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for Guitar, Bass and Drums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistortion ranges between .02 percent and 20 percent depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC coupled output - High quality input caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is 75 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal Chassis - single height 1.75 high, 10 deep, 19 inches wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipping info - 12.1 lbs mono. Mono box dimensions 22.5 x 18.5 x 3 1\/4 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Empirical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31481135562798,"sku":"SEMPDISTBRIT","price":1407.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0256\/2988\/4462\/products\/sempdistbrit_2_new.jpg?v=1578923502"},{"product_id":"empirical-labs-el8xs-distressor","title":"Empirical Labs EL8XS - Distressor Stereo Pair inc British Mode","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEmpirical Labs EL8XS - Distressor Stereo Pair inc British Mode\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Labs Distressor EL8XS\u003c\/strong\u003e is a factory calibrated and matched pair of EL8X compressors that can be operated in dual mono or as a stereo linked pair using the included patch cable that links both units together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe EL8X compressor \/ limiter that has become an industry standard classic since its introduction and has sold over 22,000 units world wide making it one of the best selling compressors of all time. 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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBesides 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”).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll eight of the Distressor’s 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother large part of the Distressor’s 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Distressor EL8-X has an additional two functions in comparison to the original EL8 version. British Mode, and Image Link.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of British Mode came from an unusual setting on the classic UREI LN1176 limiter. The unit was designed to have only four ratios, each ratio being engaged by selecting one of four buttons. However, as early as 1980 (or before), renegade recording engineers, always on the lookout for something a little more \"over-the-top\", found that you could make all four buttons stay in if you pressed them just right. What resulted was a very aggressive sound that had some elements of the unit’s 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and new envelope shape. Somewhere along the line, someone called it “British Mode”, and the name stuck. The EL8-X has the advantage of being able to selectively apply this aggressive characteristic - not just to the new “British” ratio (1:1) - to any of the ratios, simply by engaging the dedicated “British Mode\" switch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Distressor stereo link function used a summing and phase detection method, which allowed slight stereo image shifting. Although frequently desirable for its phase correction, and its “thickening” on open room mics and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem on stereo program material where the producer\/engineers want to maintain absolute left\/right balance 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 linking - something never before offered on any compressors or limiters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistortion ranges between .02% and 20% depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC coupled output - High quality input caps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is \u0026lt; 75 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal Chassis - single height 1.75\" high, 10\" deep, 19\" wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipping info - 12.1 lbs mono, 24.2 lbs Stereo pair. Mono box dimensions 22.5\" x 18.5\" x 3 1\/4\".\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStereo Pair box dimensions 22.5\" x 18.5\" x 6 1\/4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Empirical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31481135595566,"sku":"SEMPDISTBRITST","price":2332.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0256\/2988\/4462\/products\/empirical-labs-el8x-s-distressor.jpg?v=1578923503"},{"product_id":"empirical-labs-el8s-distressor-stereo-pair-inc-stereo-link","title":"Empirical Labs EL8S Distressor Stereo Pair Inc. Stereo Link","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Empirical Labs EL8 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current digital technology is often referred to as cold and unforgiving. 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 and limiters) and deliver a classic knee sound all on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmpirical Labs EL8\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA modern classic, the Distressor is the absolute first compressor you should buy for your rack\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for Guitar, Bass and Drums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFreq. response is 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). Response is shaped in distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDynamic range 110 dB from max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise in distort 3 mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistortion ranges between .02 percent and 20 percent depending on distortion mode and release times set on front panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDC coupled output - High quality input caps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInput impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is 75 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMetal Chassis - single height 1.75 high, 10 deep, 19 inches wide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShipping info - 12.1 lbs mono. Mono box dimensions 22.5 x 18.5 x 3 1\/4 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Empirical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31481135759406,"sku":"SEMPDISTST","price":2540.83,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0256\/2988\/4462\/files\/empirical-labs-el8x-s-distressor_1976x1976_0bcb3683-0ada-42cb-a355-dc234f0b3456.jpg?v=1779803721"}],"url":"https:\/\/studiocare.com\/collections\/empirical-labs-distressor-el8-x.oembed","provider":"Studiocare","version":"1.0","type":"link"}