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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 Gallery
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Reviewsbased on 8 reviewsHearing 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. Could be my favorite!
by Imago from ky
This is a piece of gear that can make you a better engineer. Really hard to make it sound bad, and really easy to make it sound amazing. Love it on snare, gtrs, and drum overheads/rooms. Definitely... read more [+] worth the investment and then some. In fact, get two. close [-]
February 3, 2010 Music Background: Recording/mixing engineer, producer Crazy Good
by aaron from kansas city
This thing sound good on everything, vocals, drums, guitar. It is definitely worth the price.
September 22, 2008 Music Background: recording engineer Quite simply insane!
by Mats from Australia
I was looking for a compressor to add some warmth and punch to my mixes, as the digital realm of audio production could not provide enough of this by itself. After a lot of research I went with the Di... read more [+]stressor. I am quite simply blown away by the warmth and fatness of these machines!! As I produce loads of different genres of music, I have found that they shine wherever I apply them! And the fatness! Youll never diet again! Do yourself a favour and get a Distressor, whether its your first or last compressor. The flexibility is amazing, and theres a reason you'll hardly find a professional studio without one today. The Distressor for President '08! close [-]
August 2, 2008 Music Background: Recording engineer, hobbyist Also popular
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
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