Analog compressor

The Distressor is the unit that made Empirical Labs famous: a digitally controlled analog compressor that combines sonic traits of classics such as the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain with features of its own. The EL8 is the version without British Mode and Stereo Image Link, which are reserved for the EL8-X.

• Digitally controlled analog compression with a custom gain control circuit
• Eight compression curves from 1:1 (coloration without intentional compression) to Nuke (brick-wall limiting)
• 10:1 Opto ratio with separate detector circuitry modeled on light-controlled compressors
• Distortion modes Dist 2 (emphasizes 2nd harmonics, tube-like) and Dist 3 (emphasizes 3rd harmonics, tape-like)
• Two high-pass filters: one in the audio path, one in the detector path
• Stereo link for coupling several units
• Attack 50 µs to 50 ms, release 0.05 to 3.5 s, up to 20 s in 10:1 Opto mode
• Frequency response 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean mode (+0/-3 dB), dynamic range 110 dB in 1:1 mode
• Distortion 0.02% to 20% depending on distortion mode and release time
• DC-coupled inputs and outputs, power consumption 15 W max.
• Metal chassis, 19-inch, 1U, 25.4 cm (10 in) deep