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Empirical Labs EL8X Distressor Compressor

With British Mode and Image Link.

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"Move Over Harsh Digital Sound... That Analog Feel In A Digital Realm Is Here!!!" submitted December 9, 2005

By a customer from aol.com
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Musical Background: Recording Engineer
Music Style: All (Emphasis on Hip Hop, R&B, Pop & Reggae)
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SPOTLIGHT REVIEW
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Sound: When using mics, I've always found myself using just an Avalon (or something similar), and hearing complaints about the sound being kind of "cold." I found myself using plug ins such as Vintage Warmers (which work) but I came across this device called a "Distressor" that I've heard about but never had the pleasure of using. After using it just once, I can't imagine working without it. Ever since, I've used it countless times in various studios, and have made the decision to add it to my personal arsenal of toys in my personal studio. Gotta have that British mode!!! Now, the Avalon is only used for +48 and maybe EQ... the Distressor takes over from there! Feature: Everthing was a winner for me! Quality: Everything was great. Value: It pays for itself in no time! Wasn't too bad a price considering what similar items go for nowadays! The Wow Factor: Easily laid out and direct in appearance... Not a very "sexy" device but gets to the point. Overall: I plan on using this product for quite sometime to come! Definitely satisfied with the quality and functionality. Highly recommended to any serious music enthusiast or audio engineer such as myself!
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"Great for recording bass guitar" submitted September 23, 2009

By a customer from gmail.com
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Musical Background: Session Studio and Live Performance Bassist
Music Style: Anything and Everything
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SPOTLIGHT REVIEW
Sound: The sound of this product is extremely clean -- almost as clean and clear as the LA-2A. The compression is very smooth, giving a natural sound to my bass when I'm recording through it. Regardless of style, if you're recording a stringed instrument, vocals, drums, or brass, this compressor unit will work well. I don't know if some sounds are better than others because when I've recorded bass through this unit during sessions, the engineer has always set up the unit. To that point, compression is the only thing in my signal chain besides my amp when I record sessions, so I don't know how well this unit plays with other effects processors/pre-amps. Feature: Simple controls, easy to hook up. Easy to let the engineer run it too!! =D Ease of Use: Very simple 4-knob set up. As a "minimalist" of sorts with musical equipment, I like that there are only 4 variables to control the amount of compression. This makes it very easy to get a really good, usable tone quickly and move on with the session. I have 3 basses that I use currently: a 4-string fretted Ibanez ATK, a 4-string fretless Yamaha RBX, and a 5-string fretted Traben. All have passive pickups, active preamps, and except for the Yamaha (which has a 2-band EQ), a 3-band EQ onboard. With the onboard pre's on my basses and this compressor, I can get many, many usable tones for almost any kind of music. Quality: No quality issues during the period of time I've been using this unit. Value: As good as I think this unit is, I do think it is overpriced by about 10%-15%. Then again, the LA-2A is almost $3000. Looking at it from that perspective, this is a good value. Overall: I am a studio session bass player when I'm not working my full-time job, going to college, and spending time with my family. With all of that said, I don't have time to waste in a studio trying to dial in a good tone that fits the song well. That is what I like about this particular item. The engineer has always dialed in a fantastic compression setting, making whatever bass(es) I bring to the session sound fantastic. If you are a serious bass player with the extra cash, or if you have a studio, do yourself a favor and buy the Distressor.
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