Empirical Labs EL8X 1-Channel Analog Compressor

The Distressor EL8X from Empirical Labs is a professional compressor that features a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. All eight of the Distressor's curves are 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. Some curves have different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A.

Features:

• Classic Knee Sound - Improved noise specs and performance
• Programmable Analog Distortion/Warmth - Three audio modes provide user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tubelike, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape
• Distortion Indicator Lights - A 1% LED and a Redline (3%) LED providing no hard clipping until a few dB past Redline
• Advanced Built-In Sidechain EQ - High mid-band emphasis and low-cut keeps the low sum and difference frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material
• Eight Unique Curves - From the 1:1 mode that warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the Nuke setting, each curve has its own personality, and release shape. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A
• Large Knobs with High Resolution Numbering - They're large for easy readability and repeatable settings, and go to 10.5
• Locked, Calibrated, Output Level - Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels
• Switchable 115/230 Volt Operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit
• Over Designed Power Supplies - Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents and features long life components
• True Bypass - All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability with no internal audio connectors
• XLR and 1/4" Phone Inputs and Outputs - The XLRs are fully balanced with a transformerless design (pin 2 hot, changeable by user to pin 3 hot)

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 maximum output to minimum output in 1:1 mode
• Signal to Noise: > 100 dB in distortion 3
• Distortion Range: 0.02 and 20%
• Outputs: DC coupled
• Attack Time: 50 uS to 30 mS
• Release Time: 0.05 to 3.5 seconds, release goes up to 20 seconds in 10:1 Opto mode
• Power Consumption:
  • Typical: 10 W
  • Maximum: 14 W