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Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor

Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor

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$1,799.00 - $1,799.00
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Por: $1,799.00

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R$ 10.945,29
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ENTREGA NO BRASIL:
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$1,799.00 - $1,799.00
Por: $1,799.00
Em reais:
R$ 10.945,29
*o valor final pode variar*

The product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born from founder Dave Derr's love for classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A, and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite... Veja mais

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The product that started it all for Empirical Labs. Born from founder Dave Derr's love for classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A, and Gain Brain (among others), the Distressor incorporates his favorite sonic characteristics along with other unique and interesting features that have made it a staple for audio engineers. . In all 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 bet that there probably hasn't been a top 40 record made in the last five years that didn't have at least one Distressor.

In addition to providing a wide range of controls and a unique set of features, the Distressor delivers a warm, vintage sound using a custom gain control circuit. This “warmth” or “vintage sound” has become a major problem in recent decades, as super-clear, linear digital technology does almost nothing to soften “harsh” sounds, nor emphasize bass frequencies in musical sources. On the other hand, analog tapes, vinyl records, and older tube equipment could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording engineers. However, many people now realize that this coloring can be extremely pleasant and musical. Digital technology is often referred to as “cold” and “fragile,” among other terms (although we prefer “unforgiving”).

Unique compression curves

All eight Distressor curves are unique and distinct, from the 1:1 mode that simply warms the signal with low-order harmonics without intentional compression, to the “Nuke” setting – a brick-wall limiting curve that shines on high-end microphones. live drum room. Each curve has its own personality and several use different circuits and are effectively different compressors. Most exceptional is the 10:1 “Opto” ratio, which uses separate detector circuits to emulate older (and prized) “light-controlled” devices such as the LA-2A.

Distortion (color) modes

Another big part of the Distressor's personality and power comes from three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes are designed to allow emulation of some very old and expensive vintage compressors and limiters, and allow the Distressor to deliver a classic “knee” sound of its own, providing warm, user-programmable harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in the Distort 3 setting the distortion is dominated by more ribbon-like 3rd harmonics. Two HP filters – one in the audio path and 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, ELI offers the EL8-S, a pair of Distressors that are factory matched and come with the necessary cables to attach them. If you want Brit Mod and Image Link options, an EL8X-S package is also available.

British Mode - EL8-X

The concept of British Mode came from an unusual configuration in the classic UREI LN1176 limiter. The unit is designed to have just four ratios, each ratio being actuated by selecting one of four buttons. However, as early as 1980 (or earlier), renegade recording engineers, always looking for something a little more “out there,” discovered that it was possible to make all four buttons stay pressed if you pressed them correctly. The result was a very aggressive sound that had some elements of the device's 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and a new envelope shape. At some point, someone called it the “British Way” and the name stuck.

The EL8-X 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 pressing the dedicated “British Mode” button.

Image link - EL8-X

The original Distressor stereo link function used a summing and phase detection method, which allowed for a slight stereo image shift. Although often desirable for its phase correction and “thickening” in open room microphones and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem in stereo program material where producers/engineers wish to maintain absolute left/right balance in all moments. With the new “Stereo Image Link” option, the EL8-X now has three link options – the original “phase” link, the new Image Link and the combination of the two, phase and image link – something never before offered on any compressor or limiters.

Specifications

  • Frequency response – 2 Hz to 160 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). The response is shaped into distortion modes (Dist 2, Dist 3).
  • Dynamic range – 110 dB max. output to min. output in 1:1 mode. Signal-to-noise greater than 100 dB in Distortion 3 mode.
  • Distortion – varies between 0.02% and 20% depending on the distortion mode and release times set on the front panel.
  • I/O – DC coupled inputs and outputs.
  • Time constants – Attack range 50uS – 50mS. Release range from 0.05 seconds to 3.5 seconds, normal modes and up to 20 seconds in 10:1 opto mode. The time constants depend on the ratio.
  • Power consumption – 15 Watts max.
  • Metal chassis – single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
  • Shipping information – 12.1 pounds mono, 24.2 pounds stereo pair. Mono box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″. Stereo Pair Box Dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 6 1/4