Ask a roomful of engineers to name one compressor they cannot live without and a scary number will say the Distressor. Since 1995, Dave Derr's EL8 has been the go-to for slamming drums, thickening vocals, gluing buses and adding that addictive analog grit and harmonic saturation on demand. It is wildly versatile: emulate classic compressor curves, dial in distortion character, and crush or caress anything you run through it. This is one of the most respected dynamics processors ever built, and it is on hit records you have heard a thousand times. We have two in stock, sold individually, so grab a stereo pair while you can.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Legendary Versatility: Famous compression curves and ratios that cover almost any source.
• Harmonic Saturation: Switchable distortion and warmth modes for analog grit on tap.
• Killer on Drums: The classic choice for punchy, aggressive, larger-than-life drum sounds.
• British Mode: That signature aggressive, pumping compression engineers chase.
• Built to Last: Rugged, road and studio-proven 1U construction.
• Two in Stock: Sold individually, so pair them up for stereo.

THE WORD: Sound on Sound's review praised the Distressor's versatility, and engineers have long ranked it among the most adaptable compressors ever made. Read more at Sound on Sound.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor
• Released: 1995
• Type: single-channel analog compressor/limiter
• Ratios: multiple, including Nuke mode
• Distortion: switchable harmonic saturation modes
• Detector: British mode and sidechain options
• Metering: gain-reduction LED meter
• Format: 1U rack, sold individually (2 available)
• Connectivity: XLR in/out