Empirical Labs EL8-XXX 30th Anniversary Distressor - Limited Edition Compressor
The Empirical Labs EL8-XXX 30th Anniversary Distressor is a special limited-edition version of the iconic analog compressor, celebrating 30 years of defining modern music production. It retains the full feature set of the classic Distressor, including eight unique compression curves, British Mode, and harmonic distortion options, all in a hand-built unit with premium commemorative badging and a red faceplate. Used on countless hits by engineers like Chris Lord-Alge and Tony Maserati, the Distressor blends digital control with analog warmth for unmatched versatility on vocals, drums, guitars, and buses.
Iconic Distressor Versatility
The EL8-XXX offers ratios from 1:1 to 20:1 (including the explosive "Nuke" in British Mode), with programmable attack/release, detector HP filter, and audio modes for harmonic distortion (Dist 2/3). Its digitally controlled analog path delivers fast, musical compression with zero overshoot, making it a "Swiss Army Knife" for dynamics — from subtle glue to aggressive squash.
Key Features of the Empirical Labs EL8-XXX
- Limited 30th Anniversary edition with red faceplate and badging
- 8 unique compression curves, including British Mode "Nuke"
- Harmonic distortion modes (Dist 2/3) for tape-like warmth
- Detector HP filter (80 Hz) and stereo link
- Attack: 50 µs–30 ms, Release: 50 ms–3 s (up to 20 s in Opto mode)
- LED metering for gain reduction and input/output
- Hand-built in the USA with high-grade components
Technical Specifications
- Type: Analog compressor/limiter
- Channels: Mono
- Inputs: 1x XLR (balanced), 1x 1/4" TRS (sidechain)
- Outputs: 1x XLR (balanced), 1x 1/4" TRS (link)
- Frequency Response: 2 Hz–160 kHz (+0/-3 dB clean mode)
- Dynamic Range: 110 dB (max output to min output)
- Distortion: 0.02%–20% (depending on mode)
- Power: Internal PSU, 100–240V AC
- Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 10 in (483 x 44 x 254 mm)
- Weight: 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg)
