Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor
Estimated delivery in Italy between 27 and 29 October
Pay in 3 installments of €730,00 interest-free
Pay in 3 installments of €730,00 interest-free with PayPal
Split into 3 installments of €730,00 with your card via HeyLight
Simulate your installment financing with Findomestic
Are you a company or a professional with a VAT number? Request Operational Leasing with Grenke
Digitally controlled analog compressor - 30th Anniversary Edition
- 30th Anniversary special edition with red front panel
- Digitally controlled analog compressor with British Mode
- New HS-56 input transformer and upgraded discrete components
- Selectable distortion modes: Dist 2, Dist 3
- Compatible with Image Link stereo linking
- Unique compression curves, from 1:1 up to Nuke
Limited edition of the legendary Distressor
The EL8-XXX is the single-channel celebratory version of the Distressor, created for the 30th anniversary of Empirical Labs. It integrates all the features of the EL8-X, enhanced with a new HS-56 input transformer and selected discrete components for earlier saturation. The commemorative red panel underscores its uniqueness.
The compressor most loved by sound engineers
With over 38,000 units sold, the Distressor is an absolute reference in professional audio. Inspired by the classic 1176, LA-2A, and Gain Brain, it combines vintage sound and modern versatility: distinctive compression curves for precise dynamic control and distortion modes for the ideal coloration in every mix.
British Mode and Image Link
The British mode, inspired by the famous 1176 trick, can be activated on any ratio. With the Image Link function, perfect stereo coherence is achieved, with three linking modes between units.
Technical specifications
- Type: VCA compressor
- Channels: 1 (mono)
- Format: 1U rack (1.75″ H x 10″ D x 19″ W)
- HS-56 input transformer
- Frequency response: 2 Hz – 160 kHz (+0, -3 dB)
- Dynamic range: up to 110 dB
- Distortion: from 0.02% to 20%
- Attack: 50 µs – 50 ms; Release: 0.05 – 3.5 s (up to 20 s in Opto)
- Power consumption: 15 W max
- I/O: DC-coupled
Couldn't load pickup availability
About Empirical Labs
Empirical Labs is a US-based company founded in 1989 by Dave Derr, headquartered in New Jersey, and specialized in the design and manufacture of professional audio signal processing equipment. Their first product, the Distressor, developed starting in 1994 and marketed from 1996, represented the starting point of the brand’s production and defined its approach to the design of original analog processors. Over the years, Empirical Labs has expanded its range with compressors, dynamics processors, microphone preamplifiers, equalizers, and processors dedicated to saturation and the simulation of analog behavior, including the FATSO, Mike-E, Lil FrEQ, and DerrEsser. The company also develops plug-ins and DSP software, including Arousor, and manufactures its devices in the United States, subjecting them to manual calibration and testing.
Your payment details are processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor do we have access to your individual card information.
Shipments
Shipments
We ship throughout Italy and the European Union via selected express courier partners. All orders travel in special reinforced packaging and are covered by 100% included insurance to fully protect the value and integrity of professional equipment during transport.
Returns and refunds
Returns and refunds
You can request a return within 14 days of receiving the order. As these are professional hardware and devices, items must be returned completely intact, unused, unactivated, and sealed in their original packaging, complete with all accessories and manuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our team of specialists is at your disposal for configurations or technical questions.
What are your shipping and delivery times?
What are your shipping and delivery times?
Orders are processed within 24/48 business hours. Delivery is made by insured express courier to guarantee maximum protection and safety even for the most delicate and expensive equipment.
Are the products covered by an official warranty?
Are the products covered by an official warranty?
Yes, all products are 100% original and covered by the official 24-month manufacturer's warranty. In addition, our technical department offers free after-sales support to assist you with the initial setup of your system.
How does the right of withdrawal work?
How does the right of withdrawal work?
If the hardware does not meet your expectations, you can return it within 14 days of receipt. The product must be returned intact, unused, and sealed in its original packaging, complete with all accessories and manuals.
What does it mean if a product is "Available on order"?
What does it mean if a product is "Available on order"?
Some complex professional audio systems or lighting equipment are ordered directly from official distributors based on customer requests. You can proceed with the purchase as normal and our team will immediately inform you of the exact arrival times at our warehouses.
