Skip to product information
1 of 4

Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor

Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor

Out of Stock

View full details
  • Details
  • Features
  • Tech Specs
  • Reviews

*Please note  -- this item is pre-owned and may show signs of use. Includes a six-month Alto Music warranty!

The Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X is an enhanced version of the highly acclaimed Distressor, a versatile and iconic compressor known for its ability to shape dynamics while adding punch, warmth, and character to any source. Whether you’re tracking vocals, drums, guitars, or mixing, the EL8X takes compression to the next level by incorporating the celebrated British Mode and Image Link features, offering even greater tonal flexibility and control.

The Distressor EL8X is famous for its ability to emulate the characteristics of both vintage optical compressors and modern VCA designs, making it a one-stop solution for a variety of compression tasks. The British Mode emulates the aggressive characteristics of classic British console compressors, adding harmonic distortion and a unique attack response for more intense compression effects. Combined with the Image Link, which ensures clean stereo linking, this version of the Distressor opens new possibilities for engineers seeking more aggressive, colorful, or subtle compression styles.

More Information
Product Name Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor
Brand Empirical Labs
Condition Pre-owned
MPN EL8X
UPC 854682006023

What's in the Box?

  • Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor
  • Classic Distressor Compression:

    • The EL8X offers the signature Distressor compression with warm, punchy dynamics and a smooth yet flexible response, making it ideal for both tracking and mixing in a variety of styles.
  • British Mode:

    • The British Mode engages a specific harmonic distortion and aggressive compression behavior, inspired by classic British console compressors, perfect for adding grit and intensity to drums, vocals, and more.
  • Image Link Feature:

    • Ensures clean and accurate stereo linking between two Distressor units, providing tighter control over stereo signals, allowing for improved precision when working with stereo buses or groups.
  • Eight Distinct Ratios:

    • Ranging from subtle compression at 1:1 to brickwall limiting at 20:1 and Nuke, the Distressor offers an unparalleled range of compression styles to suit any application.
  • Distortion Modes:

    • Distortion 2 and Distortion 3 modes allow you to add varying degrees of harmonic distortion, simulating the warmth and coloration of analog tape saturation or vintage tube gear.
  • Fast Attack and Release:

    • Capable of ultra-fast attack times (down to 50 microseconds), the Distressor EL8X can clamp down on transients with precision while retaining clarity and punch.
  • Warm Analog Sound:

    • Adds a touch of harmonic warmth to tracks, making it ideal for shaping a wide variety of instruments and sounds without sounding overly harsh or sterile.
  • Versatile Tone Shaping:

    • Whether you're looking for transparent compression, aggressive squashing, or something in between, the EL8X offers the flexibility to fit any musical style or genre.

Mono Compressor/Limiter Specifications

Format Rackmount (1U)
Type Mono Compressor/Limiter
Compression Ratios 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1, 20:1, Nuke
Attack Times 50 microseconds to 30ms
Release Times 0.05s to 3.5s
Distortion Modes Distortion 2, Distortion 3, British Mode
Inputs XLR and 1/4" TRS
Outputs XLR and 1/4" TRS
Power Standard IEC connector (115V or 230V switchable)
Dimensions 19" x 1.75" x 10" (1U rackmount)
Weight 10 lbs

Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor

Details

*Please note  -- this item is pre-owned and may show signs of use. Includes a six-month Alto Music warranty!

The Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X is an enhanced version of the highly acclaimed Distressor, a versatile and iconic compressor known for its ability to shape dynamics while adding punch, warmth, and character to any source. Whether you’re tracking vocals, drums, guitars, or mixing, the EL8X takes compression to the next level by incorporating the celebrated British Mode and Image Link features, offering even greater tonal flexibility and control.

The Distressor EL8X is famous for its ability to emulate the characteristics of both vintage optical compressors and modern VCA designs, making it a one-stop solution for a variety of compression tasks. The British Mode emulates the aggressive characteristics of classic British console compressors, adding harmonic distortion and a unique attack response for more intense compression effects. Combined with the Image Link, which ensures clean stereo linking, this version of the Distressor opens new possibilities for engineers seeking more aggressive, colorful, or subtle compression styles.

More Information
Product Name Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor
Brand Empirical Labs
Condition Pre-owned
MPN EL8X
UPC 854682006023

What's in the Box?

  • Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Audio Compressor
Features
  • Classic Distressor Compression:

    • The EL8X offers the signature Distressor compression with warm, punchy dynamics and a smooth yet flexible response, making it ideal for both tracking and mixing in a variety of styles.
  • British Mode:

    • The British Mode engages a specific harmonic distortion and aggressive compression behavior, inspired by classic British console compressors, perfect for adding grit and intensity to drums, vocals, and more.
  • Image Link Feature:

    • Ensures clean and accurate stereo linking between two Distressor units, providing tighter control over stereo signals, allowing for improved precision when working with stereo buses or groups.
  • Eight Distinct Ratios:

    • Ranging from subtle compression at 1:1 to brickwall limiting at 20:1 and Nuke, the Distressor offers an unparalleled range of compression styles to suit any application.
  • Distortion Modes:

    • Distortion 2 and Distortion 3 modes allow you to add varying degrees of harmonic distortion, simulating the warmth and coloration of analog tape saturation or vintage tube gear.
  • Fast Attack and Release:

    • Capable of ultra-fast attack times (down to 50 microseconds), the Distressor EL8X can clamp down on transients with precision while retaining clarity and punch.
  • Warm Analog Sound:

    • Adds a touch of harmonic warmth to tracks, making it ideal for shaping a wide variety of instruments and sounds without sounding overly harsh or sterile.
  • Versatile Tone Shaping:

    • Whether you're looking for transparent compression, aggressive squashing, or something in between, the EL8X offers the flexibility to fit any musical style or genre.
Tech Specs

Mono Compressor/Limiter Specifications

Format Rackmount (1U)
Type Mono Compressor/Limiter
Compression Ratios 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1, 20:1, Nuke
Attack Times 50 microseconds to 30ms
Release Times 0.05s to 3.5s
Distortion Modes Distortion 2, Distortion 3, British Mode
Inputs XLR and 1/4" TRS
Outputs XLR and 1/4" TRS
Power Standard IEC connector (115V or 230V switchable)
Dimensions 19" x 1.75" x 10" (1U rackmount)
Weight 10 lbs
Reviews