Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor
Estimated delivery in Italy between 22 and 22 October
Pay in 3 installments of €640,00 interest-free
Pay in 3 installments of €640,00 interest-free with PayPal
Split into 3 installments of €640,00 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
The compressor that made Empirical Labs history
Born from founder Dave Derr's love for classic compressors like the 1176, the LA-2A, and the Gain Brain, the Distressor incorporates the favorite sonic characteristics of these models, along with other unique features that have made it a benchmark for sound engineers around the world. With over 38,000 units on the market, it is one of the best-selling high-end compressors of all time.
In addition to a wide range of controls, the Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound thanks to a custom-designed gain control circuit capable of smoothing out harsh sounds and adding body to low frequencies.
Unique compression curves
All eight of the Distressor’s curves are distinctive: from the 1:1 mode, which warms up the signal with low-order harmonics without intentional compression, to the "Nuke" setting, a brick-wall limiter ideal for drum room mics. The 10:1 "Opto" curve uses separate detection circuitry to emulate classic optical compressors like the LA-2A.
Distortion (color) modes
Three modes color the signal even without compression: beyond basic distortion, Dist 2 emphasizes tube-like second-order harmonics, while Dist 3 favors third-order harmonics, closer to tape. There are also two high-pass filters, in the audio path and the detector, to limit pumping effects.
British Mode
Inspired by the famous "all buttons in" trick on the UREI 1176LN limiter, British Mode offers a very aggressive sound with a unique knee and envelope. On the EL8-X, it can be selectively applied to any ratio via the dedicated switch.
Image Link
In addition to the original "phase" stereo link, the EL8-X offers the new Stereo Image Link, which maintains an absolute balance between left and right, and the combination of the two: three link options never before offered on a compressor.
Technical specifications
- Frequency response: 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean mode (+0, -3 dB); response shaped in Dist 2 and Dist 3 modes
- Dynamic range: 110 dB from max to min output in 1:1 mode; over 100 dB S/N ratio in Dist 3
- Distortion: 0.02% to 20% depending on mode and release times
- I/O: DC-coupled inputs and outputs
- Attack: 50 µs – 50 ms; Release: 0.05 – 3.5 s (up to 20 s in 10:1 Opto mode)
- Power consumption: 15 W max
- Chassis: metal, 1U (1.75″ x 10″ x 19″)
- Channels: 1 (mono)
- Format: rack
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.