Empirical Labs EL8X 1-Channel Analog Compressor
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
