Empirical Labs EL8X-S Stereo Pair
Stereo Pair/Dual Channel With British Mod
The Distressor is an automatic gain (or volume) control device
(AGC in engineering terms)
designed for pro audio (music)
applications. Basically, it electronically controls the volume
of just about any source in a very pleasing, and "musical"
manner - adding fullness, intelligibility,
and especially
in the Distressor's case - excitement. This type of device
is often called a "limiter"
or "compressor"
by audio industry people. Its most probable uses will be in
recording studios,
live sound situations, movie sound production,
and radio broadcast production.
Unlike most analog compressor/limiters the Distressor is a digitally controlled audio device
and actually incorporates several products into one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally
different circuits in and out. Years of beta testing and redesign went into the Distressor as
will be the case with all Empirical Labs products.
Besides offering a wide range of control and unique features, the Distressor offers a warm,
vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. This "warmth" or vintage sound
has become an important issue in the last 15 years, as the super clear and linear digital
technology does very little (or nothing) to soften "harsh" sounds nor emphasize the bass
frequencies in music sources. Older analog tape, vinyl records and tube equipment on the
other hand, could not be prevented from coloring the sound, often to the frustration of recording
engineers. However, many people have now realized that this coloring can be extremely
pleasant and "musical".The current digital technology is often referred to as "cold" and "brittle"
among other terms, although we prefer the term "unforgiving" to describe the negative side of the
"linearity". The Distressor offers several modes that color the signal, even without compression
(or gain control). These extended modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old
and some very expensive vintage gain control units (compressors & limiters) and deliver a
classic "knee" sound all its own.
Specifications
* Freq. response is 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 front panel.
* DC coupled output - High quality input caps.
* Input impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is < 75 ohms
* 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 dependant on ratio.
Specifications
* Freq. response is 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 front panel.
* DC coupled output - High quality input caps.
* Input impedance is 20K Ohms, Output impedance is < 75 ohms
* 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
dependant on ratio.
* Metal Chassis - single height 1.75" high, 10" deep, 19" wide.
* Stereo Pair box dimensions 22.5" x 18.5" x 6 1/4
