SKU: 41234560850

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)

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Description

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)Stereo Configuration Classic Knee Sound Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth 384 Possible Settings Eight Compression Curves Advanced Side Chain EQ True Bypass Includes Stereo Link Cable Hand Wired in the USA The Distressor EL8 S from Empirical Labs is a pair of professional compressors that feature 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

  • Stereo Configuration
  • Classic Knee Sound
  • Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth
  • 384 Possible Settings
  • Eight Compression Curves
  • Advanced Side-Chain EQ
  • True Bypass
  • Includes Stereo Link Cable
  • Hand-Wired in the USA

The Distressor EL8-S from Empirical Labs is a pair of professional compressors that feature 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.

The Distressor features three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old 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 the Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, with one in the audio path, one in the detector path, are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.

This stereo pair of Distressors are matched at the factory, and come with the cables you need to lock them together.

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)
All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
Stereo strappable
UPC: 854682006016
In the Box
EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8-S Analog Knee Compressor (Stereo Pair)
  • Stereo Connector Cables
  • 2 x Power Cords
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty
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
All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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SKU: 41234560850

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Courtney Salmon
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★★★★★ 4
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In Shamela, Fielding gives us the behind-the-scenes true Hollywood version of Pamela's story (and it's tabloid worthy). In Joseph Andrews, Fielding shares the tale of Pamela's brother caught in the same sort of madcap antics she endured.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021
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B. Ying
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
An Excellent Film
The success of this film is derived from Paul Schrader’s concept for the film and his hiring of his production designer, Eiko Ishioka, a Japanese female artist. The four chapters are presented in a simple setting with ingenious design while telling Mishima’s personal history and development into a Nobel price winning author and martyr for his political beliefs. This blu ray is a new restored 4K digital transfer of the director’s cut. As usual Criterion Collection also included a wealth of commentaries, interviews, a 1985 documentary about Mishima and a booklet. A very best blu ray package if you are interested in the person and subject matters.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2024
S
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Steve Schudin
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Astonishing Movie
This is exactly the kind of movie that would never receive funding today and get within hailing distance of production. This movie was my 'gateway drug' into the dark and fascinating world of Yukio Mishima which is one of those things where, as the saying goes, "If you know, you know." This film is basically a collection of several short films woven together. One is the story of Mishima himself, from childhood up to the morning of his last day. The other shorts are taken from four of his novels, including my personal favorite, 'Runaway Horses'. For the biographical portions of the film, which are mostly in black-and-white, Roy Scheider's narration is excellent as well. All in all, this movie is a beautiful introduction to Yukio Mishima as well as an artistic triumph for Paul Schrader.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
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Armymom
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Dvd
Great price
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2026
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Ghost of MG
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Fantastic and Thought-Provoking
Mishima is a complicated figure in literary and Japanese history, but this film manages to capture the complexity of the man without seeming like it either loves or hates him. Great cinematography and the reenactments of Mishima's stories are wonderful. Music is fantastic as well.
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