Empirical Labs Distressor
| EL8 Distressor | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Empirical Labs |
| Dates | 1996—present |
| Technical specifications | |
| Effects type | Dynamic range compressor |
| Hardware | Analog |
| Controls | |
| Input/output | |
| Inputs | 1 |
| Outputs | 1 |
The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor/Limiter is an audio compression unit designed by Dave Derr. [1][2][3][4][5][6] It was designed in 1995 and released in 1996.[7]
The Distressor was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2016.[7] By 2003, Tape Op magazine wrote that "[i]n many a studio the Empirical Labs Distressor is as much a common sight — and sound — as a guitar amp or coffee machine."[8] Universal Audio, Slate Digital, and Softube all make software emulations of the Distressor.[9][10][11]
References
- ^ White, Paul (December 1997). "Empirical Labs Distressor". Sound on Sound. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Shippen, F. Reid (2002). "EL-8X Distressor". Tape Op. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ "Gear Icons: Empirical Labs Distressor". web.archive.org. April 15, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Templeton, Slade (December 12, 2017). "The Empirical Labs Distressor and Its Emulations: Hear How 6 Plugins Compare to the Original". Reverb.com. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- ^ Shaw, Dan (September 11, 2022). "The Empirical Labs Distressor: a modern master of dynamics". Happy Mag. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- ^ Weiss, David (May 21, 2018). "Inventor Insights: Dave Derr's Tips & Tricks for The Empirical Labs Distressor — SonicScoop". SonicScoop. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- ^ a b Empirical Labs Inc. (January 18, 2016). Dave Derr Accepts TEC Hall of Fame Award for the Distressor. Retrieved August 26, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ Szalva, Walt (2003). "Dave Derr: Behind The Gear with Empirical Labs". Tape Op. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- ^ Computer Music (March 1, 2018). "Universal Audio Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor review". MusicRadar. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
- ^ Computer Music (December 27, 2017). "Slate Digital FG-Stress review". MusicRadar. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
- ^ Rogerson, Ben (February 23, 2021). "Softube and Empirical Labs offer new compressor and EQ plugins for your DAW, and a channel strip for Console 1". MusicRadar. Retrieved August 26, 2024.