Stereo pair of one of the most revered modern compressors!

The EL8 Distressor from Empirical Labs is an automatic gain (or volume) control device (AGC in engineering terms) designed for pro audio applications. Basically, the compressor 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. This type of device is often called a 'limiter' or 'compressor' by audio industry people. The Distressor Compressor's most probable use 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. Years of beta testing and redesign went into the EL8 Distressor as will be the case with all Empirical Labs products.

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. This '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'. The current digital technology is often referred to as 'cold' and 'brittle' among other terms, although we prefer the term 'unforgiving' to describe the negative side of the 'linearity'. The Distressor compressor 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 & limiters) and deliver a classic 'knee' sound all its own.

Features

• Classic knee sound - With modern noise specs and improved performance. Really grabs.
• Programmable analog distortion/warmth - helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world. Three audio modes providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tube-like, 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. No hard clipping until a few dB past 'Redline'.
• Advanced built-in sidechain EQ - High mid band emphasis prevents harsh, edgy guitars or vocals from hurting innocent ears. Low cut keeps the low 'sum & difference' frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material.
• Fool proof operation - Even though there are 384 possible settings (not counting knob settings), it's almost impossible to get a bad sound. Keep all knobs on 5 or 6 (around middle) with ratio at 6:1 and you won't go wrong.
• Eight unique curves - 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 release shape. Most exceptional is the 10:1 'Opto' ratio which uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) 'light controlled' devices, such as the LA2A etc. See manual to emulate other compressors of old.
• Discrete and integrated combination - the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components.
• Huge knobs with high resolution numbering - For easy readability and repeatable settings. They also go to 10 1/2 .
• Locked, calibrated, output level - Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels.
• Stereo Strappable
• Switchable 110/220 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit.
• Over design power supplies - Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed - without heat vents. Long life components.
• Single height and light weight - Classic sound in a small, extremely reliable package.
• True bypass - Know what it's really doing. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability. No internal audio connectors.
• XLR and 1/4' phone ins and outs - XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot. Changeable by user to pin 3 hot!
• All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path - top quality components. Many mil spec. parts.
• Interface and features found nowhere else.

New Gear

We are authorized dealers for a number of great companies that back their products with standard warranties.

We extend this warranty period for 1 year beyond the manufacturer's as a token of our gratitude for shopping with us  :)

We want to make sure that you don't get stuck with a lemon and will either replace or have the unit repaired by an authorized service center on our dime.

We offer a 30 day return policy 'no questions asked'.

Unless the item is defective, you will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. 

Used Gear

All gear is tested prior to listing for sale. Any known issues will be mentioned in the item description.

We work extremely hard to make sure that you have peace of mind when buying pre-owned gear. 

You will have 14 days from receipt of the item to test and make sure that everything meets your expectations. 

If the item is found to be defective, we will cover return shipping. You must contact us first to set up the RMA. 

Any used items returned for reasons other than functionality (within this 14 days) will be subject to a 20% restocking fee. 

We will bend over backwards to make sure that you are happy with your purchase.

If you have any issues or questions at all please email or call us.  We are happy to assist!

Orders will be processed and handled within 1 business day in most cases.

Orders placed before 1pm PST during our business hours generally are shipped the same day.

We also offer expedited shipping. If you have any special requests please contact us first, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Domestic Buyers

• We offer Free shipping on every item big or small to the lower 48 US States
• Hawaii, Alaska & Puerto Rico residents are subject to a handling fee, so please contact for quotes.
• We ship to APO & FPO addresses, but please contact for a quote. 
• We insure every package for the full amount 
• Any purchase over $200 will require a signature. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS! 

International Buyers

• We ship via FedEx or USPS to most countries around the world
• Buyer is 100% responsible for ALL Duties & Taxes (VAT,etc.) imposed by your local government/ customs officials. 
• These are not included in our Shipping & Handling fees so please be aware before purchasing.
• International orders are usually delivered in 3-5 business days if there are no delays caused by customs or weather conditions.

Return Policy

• You must contact us for a RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) within 30 days for new gear and 14 days for used gear.
• Items are subject to either a 15% (new gear) or 20% (used gear) restocking fee, unless found to be defective. 
• Customer is required to cover shipping using a trackable service with signature confirmation.
• We will cover return shipping for defective items and submit a return label via email.
• All new items must return in 'new' condition with all original packaging, warranty cards, and cables. 
• All used items must be returned in the same condition as picture & represented online.
• If new items arrive damaged and/or without original materials the RMA may be revoked or you may be subject to a 25% restocking fee. 
• If used items arrive damaged the RMA may be revoked or you may be subject to a 30% restocking fee. 
• Please allow up to 5 business days for us to process returns. Refunds, store credit or replacements will be handled within that time frame

If you experience a problem with a unit: do not attempt to open or repair the unit yourself. 

Any attempt to do so will void any warranty or guarantee. 

Please send us a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing and we will have a team member contact you as soon as possible.

International Buyers

We are not responsible for unit damaged due to use of improper voltage. 

Please make sure to double check voltage compatibility and use a proper voltage converter when necessary.

Our customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 10AM to 7PM Pacific Time.

Feel free to contact us

We are here to help, so if you don't get ahold of us leave a message and we'll be back with you as soon as possible.

Thanks!