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Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor

Single Channel Harmonic DISTortion & classic Knee compRESSOR

Item # 3281

Retail Price
$1600.00
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$1,450.00
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Manufacturer
Empirical Labs

Single Channel Harmonic DISTortion & classic Knee compRESSOR. Features Distortion
Indicator Lights, Advanced built-in side chain EQ; 8 unique curves; Locked and calibrated output
level; Binary Stepped Interface; XLR and 1/4" ins and outs and True Bypass.

This Classic knee sound Delivered with modern noise specs in an indestructible, digitally-controlled, single-height box. Really grabs.
Programmable analog distortion/warmth Helpful in the pristine but unforgiving digital world. Three audio modes provide user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tube-like 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic (similar to tape).
Distortion indicator lights A 1% LED and a "Redline" (3%) LED. No hard clipping until a few dB past "Redline."
Advanced built-in sidechain EQ High mid-band emphasis prevents harsh, edgy guitars or vocals from hurting innocent ears. Low cut keeps the low "sum & difference" frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material.
Eight unique curves From the 1:1 mode that simply warms up 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 release shape. Most exceptional is the 10:1 "Opto" ratio which uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest (and most valued) "light-controlled" devices, such as the LA2A. Manual provides complete setting instructions for emulating other compressors of old. Its like getting several totally different compressors in one.
Discrete and integrated combination The best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components.
Huge knobs with high resolution numbering For easy readability and repeatable settings. They also go to 10 1/2 .
Locked & calibrated output level Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels.
All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path Top quality components, mostly military grade.
Unique "Binary Stepped Interface" Provides hundreds of options with very few controls.



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MPN: EL8
UPC: 000888878142

Freq. response is 5 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 front panel.

DC coupled output - High quality input caps.

Time constants - Attack range 50uS - 30mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds, normal mode and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode.


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