SKU: 12475240761

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)

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Description

EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)British Mod with Image Link Classic Knee Sound Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth 384 Possible Settings Eight Compression Curves Advanced Side Chain EQ True Bypass Hand Wired in the USA The Distressor EL8X from Empirical Labs is a professional compressor that features a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. All eight of

  • British Mod with Image Link
  • Classic Knee Sound
  • Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth
  • 384 Possible Settings
  • Eight Compression Curves
  • Advanced Side-Chain EQ
  • True Bypass
  • Hand-Wired in the USA

The Distressor EL8X from Empirical Labs is a professional compressor that features a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. All eight of the Distressor's curves are distinctive, 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. Some curves have different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A.

The Distressor features three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old vintage compressors and limiters, and let the Distressor deliver a classic knee sound all its own by providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in the Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, with one in the audio path, one in the detector path, are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.

British Mode delivers a very aggressive sound that has some elements of the unit's 20:1 ratio, but with an unusual knee and new envelope shape. The EL8-X has the advantage of being able to selectively apply this characteristic, not just to the British ratio (1:1), but also to any of the ratios, simply by engaging the dedicated British Mode switch.

The original Distressor stereo link function used a summing and phase detection method, which allowed slight stereo image shifting. Although frequently desirable for its phase correction, and its thickening on open room mics and other stereo sources, this approach can sometimes be a problem on stereo program material where the producer/engineers want to maintain absolute left/right balance at all times. With the Stereo Image Link option, the EL8-X now has three link options including the original phase link, the Image Link, and the combination of the two, phase and image linking.

Classic Knee Sound
Improved noise specs and performance
Programmable Analog Distortion/Warmth
Three audio modes provide user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tubelike, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape
Distortion Indicator Lights
A 1% LED and a Redline (3%) LED providing no hard clipping until a few dB past Redline
Advanced Built-In Sidechain EQ
High mid-band emphasis and low-cut keeps the low sum and difference frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material
Eight Unique Curves
From the 1:1 mode that warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the Nuke setting, each curve has its own personality, and release shape. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A
Large Knobs with High Resolution Numbering
They're large for easy readability and repeatable settings, and go to 10.5
Locked, Calibrated, Output Level
Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels
Switchable 115/230 Volt Operation
Extra fuse provided inside unit
Over Designed Power Supplies
Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents and features long life components
True Bypass
All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability with no internal audio connectors
XLR and 1/4" Phone Inputs and Outputs
The XLRs are fully balanced with a transformerless design (pin 2 hot, changeable by user to pin 3 hot)
All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
Stereo strappable
UPC: 854682006023
In the Box
EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8X Analog Knee Compressor (Single Compressor)
  • 2 x Power Cords
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty
Frequency Response 2 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 maximum output to minimum output in 1:1 mode
Signal to Noise > 100 dB in distortion 3
Distortion Range 0.02 and 20%
Outputs DC coupled
Attack Time 50 uS to 30 mS
Release Time 0.05 to 3.5 seconds, release goes up to 20 seconds in 10:1 Opto mode
Power Consumption Typical: 10 W
Maximum: 14 W
All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 12475240761

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4.8 ★★★★★
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monsieurcritique
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Good product. My dog is very entertained and stimulated by playing with it.
Color: Green, Size: Small (2.0 in, Pack of 2)
I'M AMENDING THIS REVIEW AND ADJUSTING THE RATING UPWARD! Though it took my dog a little while to adjust to how differently this ball behaves, HE LOVES IT NOW. I wish I could give you a sense of how enjoyable and comically entertaining it is to play with him using it. ORIG. REVIEW: Bought this for a little 8 lb. aggressive chewer who loves to play fetch. I initially bought the 2" Chuckit! Ultra ball previously. It is the most amazingly durable product I've found for this pup. Very firm, but not hard on his teeth. He's very quick and agile, so I thought he would like the eye-mouth coordination challenge of a ball that changes direction suddenly. I guess my only disappointment with the product is that the ball is hollow instead of having a solid core like the Ultra ball, so he doesn't enjoy chomping down on it the same way. The erratic bounce feature is entertaining, but the pup is a little skittish, so he was intimidated at first. He's warmed up to it, but not with the same enthusiasm as the Ultra ball. Having said all this, I don't fault the product for the rating I gave it. It is a quality-made product that performs as advertised. I just didn't anticipate that my dog would be less enthusiastic than I thought.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2016
M
Verified Purchase
Me
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Awesome
Color: Green, Size: Large (3.0 in, Pack of 1)
Love all the chuckit balls and products and so does my dog. Very durable
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Johnathan Robinson
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Highly entertained golden retriever!
Color: Green, Size: Large (3.0 in, Pack of 1), Color: Green, Size: Large (3.0 in, Pack of 1)
My golden retriever spends hours chasing this ball. Its erratic bounce pattern keeps him engaged and guessing where to chase the ball. It is durable and stands up to chewing well.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2026
C
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Cindy N.
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 4
Great quality ball
Color: Green, Size: Medium (2-1/2 in (Pack of 2))
The product is great no issues. It’s very durable. All of this brands products are strong and durable. The only reason I gave it a four star is I think my dogs prefer more the blue round balls. So that being said, I won’t buy these anymore, but they love the blue ones whether they’re the recycled or not. Great company!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2025
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Brandie Luvlee
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Unique bouncing
Color: Green, Size: Medium (2-1/2 in (Pack of 2))
Outside of many my kids🐶 balls this one his best favorite for than the others as the bounce is high and unpredictable that makes it more intellectual and exciting for him
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026

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