EMPIRICAL LABS / EL8X Distressor

This is a derivative model of the EL8 DISTRESSOR, featuring a British Mode switch that simulates the full-press mode of the UREI1176, and an added Image Link function.

[直輸入品][Direct Import]

■ Control analog harmonics and recreate the sounds of various vintage compressors.

The DISTRESSOR allows you to freely manipulate the texture of analog sounds. The digitally controlled, authentic analog circuitry is preset, and various combinations create sounds with a wide range of textures. Secondary and third-order harmonics from transformers, vacuum tubes, and tape compressors can be added in amounts ranging from a minute 0.025% to 20% (visually indicated by the Distortion Indicator). Furthermore, the built-in sidechain EQ with HPF & emphasis, combined with eight unique RATIO curves, allows for 384 different tonal settings. Additionally, the four knobs for ATACK, RELEASE, and IN & OUT gain create virtually limitless sounds, from clean tones to extreme classic sounds.

*The EL-8 is the standard version without options, while the EL-8X is a derivative model that comes standard with two options: Image Link and British Mode.

■Classic Knee Sound

The DISTRESSOR is an automatic gain control device, a type of equipment also known as a compressor/limiter, but it is packed with amazing features that transcend that category. The Distressor not only provides clean dynamics control, but can also add various ""colors"" to the sound quality, including three types of analog harmonic distortion. In modern digital recording, adding analog-like harmonic components to gain warmth is an essential element. Subharmonics from transformers like those in NEVE, saturation and harmonic components from vacuum tubes, the comforting feel unique to analog tape?engineers strive to give their sound a musical resonance through every means possible.

■Classic Emulation

It can realistically reproduce all the vintage sounds of LA2/3/4, 1176, dBX160, Fairchild (IGFET or 670), MEEK, DeMaria, SSL, and more. Depending on the settings, it realistically reproduces expensive vintage equipment such as optocouplers (optical), FETs, triode or pentode vacuum tubes, and MU type tubes. Only the Distressor, with its digital control of numerous analog circuit combinations, can produce a truly authentic analog vintage sound woven from genuine analog circuits.

■Vintage equipment whose sound can be simulated

LA2, LA3, LA4: Simulates optocoupler (optical) control type models

LN1176: Simulates the fast attack of the 1176

DBX160: Slower attack, fast release

Fairchild IGFET: Vintage hard peak limiting

Fairchild 670: Adds a smooth curve and more 2nd harmonics

■Options

The EL8X-S comes standard with two excellent options.

The British Mode switch simulates the aggressive, classic sound of the Urei 1176LN with all four RATIO buttons pressed. With the EL-8X, you can adapt this classic ""four-button mode"" to different RATIO curves and set attack times significantly longer than the original 1176, achieving unprecedented 1176 sounds. British Mode is ideal for smoothly compressing peaks during mastering. Conversely, you can also set longer attack times to create aggressive, saturated, distorted sounds. This extreme brickwall limiting is best suited for heavy 70s rock drum sounds.

Image Link is a switch that allows you to select from three modes: the standard phase-detection stereo link (which cannot achieve mastering-quality left/right phase in this case), Image Link, and Phase & Image. The two units are connected by a TRS cable, and their timing circuits are locked to the extreme, enabling extremely high-precision stereo compression that no other compressor has been able to achieve. This is an essential function when you want to use it as the final stage of a 2-mix.

■Others

? Carefully selected and hand-selected components

? Large knobs with fine markings for detailed setting recording during mastering, etc.

? True bypass circuit

? Direct coupling output

? Stereo link