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.

Fool proof operation: Even though there are 384 possible settings (not counting knob settings), it's almost impossible to get a bad sound. Keep all knobs on 5 or 6 (around middle) with ratio at 6:1 and you won't go wrong.

Stereo Strappable

Switchable 110/220 volt operation: Extra fuse provided inside unit.

Over design power supplies: Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents. Long life components.

Single height and light weight: Classic sound in a small, extremely reliable package.

True bypass: Know what it's really doing. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability. No internal audio connectors.

XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs: XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot. Changeable by user to pin 3 hot!

Empirical Labs Distressor EL8 SPECIFICATIONS

Freq. response: 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.