Definition of Empirical Labs Distressor
The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor/Limiter is an audio compression unit designed by Dave Derr and first sold in 1995. The name is a portmanteau of distortion and compressor.
The Distressor was inducted into the TECnology Hall of Fame in 2016 and has sold an estimated 40,000 units. Universal Audio, Slate Digital, and Softube all make software emulations of the Distressor.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
Fairchild 660
The Fairchild 660 is a tube-based single-channel audio compressor invented by Rein Narma…
1176 Peak Limiter
The 1176 Peak Limiter is an audio compressor introduced by UREI in 1967. Derived from…
Ibanez Tube Screamer
The Ibanez Tube Screamer is an overdrive pedal made by Ibanez. First developed by Maxon…
Distortion (music)
Distortion and overdrive are forms of audio signal processing used to alter the sound of…
Dynamic range compression
Dynamic range compression (DRC) or simply compression, is an audio signal processing…
Fuzz Face
The Fuzz Face is a fuzz-style distortion pedal designed for electric guitar by Ivor…
Dunlop Cry Baby
The Dunlop Cry Baby is a wah-wah pedal, manufactured by Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. The…
Tone Bender
Tone Bender is the name of several fuzz distortion effect pedals. Released in 1965…
DigiTech Whammy
The DigiTech Whammy is a pitch shifter pedal manufactured by DigiTech. It raises or…
Frequently asked questions
What is Empirical Labs Distressor?
The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor Compressor/Limiter is an audio compression unit designed by Dave Derr and first sold in 1995. The name is a portmanteau of distortion and compressor.