{"product_id":"empirical-labs-distressor-el8x-19476-used","title":"Empirical Labs Distressor EL8X #19476 (Used)","description":"Unlike most analog compressor\/limiters the Distressor is a digitally  controlled audio device and actually incorporates several products into  one by utilizing digital controls to switch totally different circuits  in and out. Years of beta testing and redesign went into the Distressor.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStereo Image Linking for the Distressor: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBasic  Description - The original Distressor stereo link implementation used a  summing and phase detection method which allowed stereo image shifting.  \"Image shifting\" occurs when the interchannel balance (the relative  volume between Left and Right channels) changes during compression.  Although known for its phase correction, and its \"thickening\" on open  room mics and other stereo sources, this approach has sometimes been a  problem on stereo program material where the producer\/engineer want to  maintain absolute left\/right balance at all times. \u003cbr\u003eWith the new  \"Stereo Image Link\" option, the Distressor user now has three link  options - the original \"phase\" link, the new Image Link and the  combination of the two, phase and image linking. This has never before  been offered on any compressors or limiters. There can be very slight  differences in the metering between the two units. Due to the high  resolution of the Distressor's metering, 1\/10th dB can make an LED on  one unit go on or off earlier than the other unit's. Also, don't  readjust knob alignment - the output pots especially. They are often  offset around \"0\" to allow for \"dead spots\" at the lower extremes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Distressor \"British Mode\":\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBasic  Description - The original concept of the \"British Mode\" came from an  unusual setting on the classic UREI LN1176 limiter. The unit was  designed to have only four ratios, each ratio being engaged by selecting  one of four buttons. However, as early as 1980 (or before), renegade  recording engineers, always on the lookout for something a little more  \"over the top\", found that you could make all four buttons stay \"in\" if  you pressed them just right. What resulted was a very, very aggressive  sound that had some elements of the units 20:1 ratio, but with an  unusual knee and new envelope shape. Somewhere along the line, someone  called it a \"British Mode\" and the name has stuck. It is also called  \"all buttons in\" and some other intuitive names.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Distressor  has the advantage of being able to apply this \"aggressive\" nature not  only to the new British ratio (1:1) but also to all the ratios since a  separate switch is installed, which can be enabled with any ratio.  One  should keep in mind however, that an attack below 3 or 4 is required to  maintain the LN1176 character.  If you go above an attack of 3 you will  also incur a rise in some grunge (distortion) and see the THD indicator  lights come on a lot more. The Distressor will no longer behave smoothly,  nor like an 1176.","brand":"Empirical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44449493811303,"sku":"29358","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/8848\/5479\/files\/used_empirical_labs_el8x_front_3541551c-1452-4c8b-b60d-7b6f21a15ef8.jpg?v=1787089188","url":"https:\/\/vintageking.mom\/products\/empirical-labs-distressor-el8x-19476-used","provider":"Vintage King","version":"1.0","type":"link"}