Empirical Labs EL8 DistressorItem ID: ELI8MSingle-channel Analog Distressor with Harmonic Distortion 
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From Our Research Team:Like Having Several Different Compressors In One!The Emprical Labs Distressor is a unique analog compressor that allows the user to add 2nd or 3rd order harmonic distortion to the signal, emulating tape saturation and the classic tube compressor sound of the '60's and '70's. The Distressor also offers advanced sidechain EQ, eight unique curves and Empirical Labs' exclusive "Binary Stepped Interface" providing hundreds of options with just a few control settings.
EL8 Distressor Image GalleryCan We Help?Sweetwater's friendly and knowledgeable Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and educated professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, they are available to provide personalized advice any time you need it.Call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us Reviewsbased on 10 reviewsMy fav comp
by Chris Suttle from Dayton, OH
I have 2 of these. I pretty much track everything I can through them. They also live on my drum buss when mixing. Can't say enough good things about this unit. www.intheredrecording.com
March 11, 2013 Music Background: Producer/Engineer/Guitarist I LOVE MY NEW GEAR
by Dave Young from Birmingham, AL
This piece of equipment has become a vital part of my recording process! All of my friends in the Nashville area use this piece for recoding just about everything! If figured that if Nashville is us... read more [+]ing this then I should be using it! The controll over the vocals that I've been able to record with the Distressor has just been unbelievable!! I can't believe I went all this time without it! I can literally set it and that's it!! close [-]
October 5, 2012 Music Background: Studio Engineer/Singer/Songwriter Hearing is Believing
by Kendal Osborne from Tulsa, OK
This has got to be the most versatile, best sounding, most intelligently built compressor on the market for under $2k. There's nothing like it at this price point, and it is SERIOUSLY worth every penn... read more [+]y. After running bass, vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and room mics through it, I've realized "how did I get by without this before?" February 25, 2012 Music Background: Recording Engineer / Mixer / Musician Not even the best VST compressor I have (and I have tons of em) can compete with ONE pass on this thing. It could take fifteen minutes for me to find compression settings on a VST comp that really grabbed the sound in all the right ways, tightening it up just enough, making it pop and have some attitude. Yeah--takes about 2 minutes with the EL8, AND it sounds better. Sometimes I'd chain multiple VST compressors doing less reduction each to get a smoother sound, to some avail. However, ONE PASS though the Distressor and it all became clear - analog compression truly sounds better. In all ways. The distortion modes are fantastic, the Dist3 sounds great on guitars, I love the bandpass detector for acoustic guitars and picked basses and certain snares. It's a monster. I mean, truly a monster. It blows other compressors out of the water that are twice and three times its price. Versatility, quality, and just straight up SOUND. It's my new favorite piece of gear. close [-] EXCELLENT! Compressor.
by Randy Ventle from Union City, TN
A few months ago I bought a new Distressor and it didn't take long to decide that 1 was not going to be enough. As a Result I just purchased my Second Distressor. I have these paired with a set of Vin... read more [+]tech x73i MicPre/Eq's and the sound is nothing short of AMAZING! The Distressor is so easy to use and the Sound is Completely Professional. You can go from Very Smooth to Extremely Hard Compression withing seconds. I can easily understand why every major studio has at least one pair of these units in there racks Turned On and In Use. Highly Recommended! close [-]
July 8, 2011 Music Background: Traditional Country Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Live Sound and Home Recording Engineer. Sweetwater Advice
Mike ArangoWhether you're shooting for the speed of a VCA, the personality of an FET, the warmth of an opto, or the coloration of a tube compressor, the Distressor never falls short. Add to this the Distressor's unique "Nuke" ratio and programmable 2nd- and 3rd-order harmonics and you have an instant studio classic!
Johlene, Richmond, KY Also popular
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
Buy Today, MakeSweetwater's Flexible Payment Plan is a convenient, interest-free way to buy gear now and stretch your purchase across three budget-friendly payments. Simply choose the "3 Easy Payments" option in your cart, and we'll divide your purchase amount into three convenient payments, billed to your current MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. There is a $10 processing fee for using this service, and your billing address must be in the United States to be eligible. It's just another way we make shopping at Sweetwater easy and convenient!Get your Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor now and spread out the payments!This program is subject to credit approval. We will pull a copy of your credit report to approve your application. |
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