SKU: 73349766687

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8 Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)

Sale price$116525.25 Regular price$129472.50
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $32368.12 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 17 - Aug 22

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8 Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)Classic Knee Sound Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth 384 Possible Settings Eight Compression Curves Advanced Side Chain EQ True Bypass Hand Wired in the USA The Distressor EL8 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

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

The Distressor EL8 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.

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.

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: 854682006009
In the Box
EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8 Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)
  • 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:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
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]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 73349766687

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 5 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
Kae @treehousebus
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for a queen bed
Color: Tan, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape), Color: Tan, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape)
I LOVE this rug. I’m so glad I bought this instead of a cheap dupe. Reasonably priced, arrived quickly, doesn’t smell. It’s super soft and fluffy and really dense, so far I haven’t noticed any shedding. The size is perfect for draping across a queen bed. The color is beautiful and feels very natural. I might buy a second one for my bus conversion! Thank you so much!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
🤪SillyBanana🍌
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
It's perfect!
Color: Snow Grey, Size: 2' x 3' (Sheepskin Shape)
Gorgeous and soft! We love it! Very quality fur.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Katt
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
Exactly as shown! Beautiful!
Color: Dark Green, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape)
Perfect size, color, fluffy, and soft with no strange smell!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Great quality, color is ok.
Color: Cream Brown, Size: 2 x 6 ft Sheepskin
The quality, texture, feel and smell of the rug is very good. The hairs adhere to the back lining well and don't shed even with my cat trying to bite it out. The only downside unfortunately is aesthetic— the cream brown I ordered, in natural light/sun shining on it, looks more yellowish - gold.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
TheGreatWifeShark
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Quality!
Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape), Color: Ivory White, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin Shape)
I have owned many sheepskins before and this one is by far the best deal. Cheaper than similar sizes, but not in a bad way! It’s a beautiful creamy white, super plush, and is very long. We keep it on the back of our couch and it gives a very cozy vibe. I haven’t had any issues with it shedding. Word of advice for cat owners: When we first got it, it did have a sheepskin smell but it isn’t a gross smell and it went away within a few days; however, my cat was very attracted to that smell and was “attacking” the sheepskin. We trained her not to do it just by spraying her with water—after a few times of that she stopped going anywhere near it. Now that the smell has dissipated, she isn’t attracted to it anymore but does like to sit on it every once and awhile (I can’t blame her, it’s sooooo soft). I saw someone else say their cat ruined their rug, so I wanted to give our story on how we prevented that and hopes it helps another cat owner. You just have to be alert for the first day, maybe even let it off-gas outside first, then keep a spray bottle nearby and the cat should stop messing with it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025

recommand products