Empirical Labs EL8-XXX Distressor 30th Anniversary Edition – Versatile Digitally Controlled Analog Compressor w/ Stereo Image Link, British Mode & Triad HS-56 Transformer (Limited Edition)
$3,499.00
Digitally Controlled Analog Knee Compression.
Limited-run, digitally controlled analogue compressor that combines legendary versatility with enhanced colour and stereo precision. The Empirical Labs EL8-XXX Distressor 30th Anniversary Edition features British Mode, Stereo Image Link, and a Triad HS-56 input transformer, delivering everything from transparent control to aggressive character, with earlier saturation and added low-frequency weight that honours the Distressor’s iconic legacy.
Empirical Labs EL8-XXX Distressor 30th Anniversary Edition – Versatile Digitally Controlled Analog Compressor w/ Stereo Image Link, British Mode & Triad HS-56 Transformer (Limited Edition)
OVERVIEW
The product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favourite sonic characteristics of these, along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers all over the world. With over 38,000 units in the field, it’s safe to say that the Distressor is one of the best-selling high-end compressors of all time… if not THE best-selling. A prominent recording engineer recently wagered that there probably was not a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn’t have at least one Distressor on it.
Besides providing a wide range of control and a unique feature set, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom-designed gain control circuit. This “warmth” or “vintage sound” has become a major issue in the last few decades, as the super clear and linear digital technology does next to nothing to soften “harsh” sounds, nor emphasise the bass frequencies in music sources. Conversely, older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment could not be prevented from colouring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realise that this colouring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as “cold” and “brittle” among other terms (although we prefer “unforgiving”).
30th Anniversary Edition – EL8-XXX
This Limited Edition of the EL8 Distressor includes all of the upgraded features found on the EL8-X (Stereo Image Link and Brit Mode), now coupled with the award-winning Triad HS-56 transformer at the input stage, known for its ability to add clarity and “size” to sub content. In addition to saturation and colour, this transformer also greatly reduces input impedance to 600 ohms. Lastly, different discrete components were selected, allowing the XXX model to saturate earlier than the classic EL8.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Unique Compression Curves
All eight of the Distressor’s curves are unique and distinctive, from the 1:1 mode that simply warms up the signal with low-order harmonics without intentional compression, to the “Nuke” setting – a brick wall limiting curve that shines on live drum room mics. Each curve has its own personality, and several actually use different circuitry and are effectively different compressors. Most exceptional is the 10:1 “Opto” ratio, which uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest (and valued) “light-controlled” devices, such as the LA-2A.
Distortion (Colour) Modes
Another large part of the Distressor’s personality and power derives from three modes that colour the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old and expensive vintage compressors & 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 emphasises 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 – one in the audio path, one in the detector path – are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.
Go Stereo
For many Distressor owners, one is never enough – in fact, one extremely successful engineer has twelve of them! For those who want (at least) a stereo pair, the EL8-XXX offers both British Mode and Image Link options.
British Mode – EL8-XXX
The concept of British Mode came from an unusual setting on the classic UREI LN1176 limiter. The unit was designed to have only four ratios, each ratio being engaged by selecting one of four buttons. However, as early as 1980 (or before), renegade recording engineers, always on the lookout for something a little more “over-the-top”, found that you could make all four buttons stay in if you pressed them just right. What resulted was a very aggressive sound that had some elements of the unit’s 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and new envelope shape. Somewhere along the line, someone called it “British Mode”, and the name stuck.
The EL8-XXX has the advantage of being able to selectively apply this aggressive characteristic – not just to the new “British” ratio (1:1) – to any of the ratios, simply by engaging the dedicated “British Mode” switch.
The British Mode and Image Link options are only available on the EL8-X and EL8-XXX (30th Anniversary Limited Edition).
Image Link – EL8-XXX
The original Distressor stereo link function used a summing and phase detection method, which allowed slight stereo image shifting. Although frequently desirable for its phase correction and its “thickening” on open room mics and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem on stereo program material where the producer/engineers want to maintain absolute left/right balance at all times. With the new “Stereo Image Link” option, the EL8-XXX now has three link options – the original “phase” link, the new Image Link and the combination of the two, phase and image linking – something never before offered on any compressors or limiters.
An Homage to Distressors Past
The unique “Distressor” logo featured on the EL8-XXX comes directly from Dave Derr’s original Distressor prototype from 1994.
FEATURES
- Digitally Controlled Analogue Compression – Combines precise digital control with a fully analogue signal path and knee behaviour.
- 30th Anniversary Limited Edition – Special EL8-XXX model featuring upgraded circuitry and exclusive components.
- Triad HS-56 Input Transformer – Adds clarity, size, and harmonic richness while lowering input impedance to 600 ohms.
- Earlier Saturation Characteristics – Selected discrete components allow the XXX model to saturate sooner than the standard EL8.
- Eight Unique Compression Ratios – Ranging from 1:1 harmonic warmth to aggressive “Nuke” limiting, each with its own character.
- 10:1 Opto Mode – Uses separate detector circuitry to emulate classic light-controlled compressors like the LA-2A.
- British Mode – Aggressive, characterful compression inspired by the legendary “all-buttons-in” 1176 setting, assignable to any ratio.
- Stereo Image Link – Maintains precise left/right balance for stereo program material.
- Multiple Stereo Linking Options – Choose between Phase Link, Image Link, or a combination of both.
- Distortion (Colour) Modes – Distort 2 emphasises tube-like 2nd-order harmonics; Distort 3 delivers tape-style 3rd-order saturation.
- High-Pass Filters – Independent HP filters in the audio and detector paths help manage low-frequency pumping.
- Ultra-Wide Bandwidth – Frequency response from 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean mode for exceptional transparency.
- Iconic Distressor Heritage – Features the original Distressor logo inspired by Dave Derr’s 1994 prototype.
TECHNICAL SPECS
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 max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Greater than 100 dB signal-to-noise in Distort 3 mode.
Distortion: Ranges between .02% and 20%, depending on distortion mode and release times set on the front panel.
I/O: DC-coupled input and outputs.
Time Constants: Attack range 50uS – 50mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode. Time constants are dependent on the ratio.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: Single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
Shipping (Box) Dimensions:
- Width — 57.15 cm (22.5″)
- Depth — 46.99 cm (18.5″)
- Height — 8.25 cm (3 1/4″)
Shipping Weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs.)
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