Universal Audio Empirical Labs Distressor

• Authentic emulation of the legendary Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, considered the modern studio standard worldwide and suitable for any style of music, from rock to pop, hip-hop to EDM
• ideal for professional studios and home producers looking for a versatile and reliable compressor to take their sound to the next level Level
• versatile compression ratios such as 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, up to 20:1 and the intense Nuke mode for subtle dynamics processing or powerful transformations
• Dist 2 and Dist 3 modes for creative harmonic distortion from subtle thickening to full saturation, perfect for vocals, drums, guitars and more
• powerful sidechain controls to avoid low-end pumping and control harsh frequencies in the "power region", ideal for drum busses or dense mixes
• exclusive plug-in functions such as Dry/Wet Mix for effortless parallel compression and customizable headroom for flexible operating settings
• precise Custom Detector filtering to embellish, emphasize or distort bass lines, synthesizers or room microphones
• Presets from renowned producers such as Joe Chiccarelli (The Strokes), Vance Powell (Jack White) and Jacquire King (Kings or Leon) for instant results and creative inspiration
• Compatible with modern DAWs and easy to integrate into any production environment for a seamless workflow

Note: This product is supplied as a license code. No box, no data carrier or similar. Please inform yourself about compatibility with your system, registration, download etc. on the manufacturer's website BEFORE purchasing. Registered software cannot be exchanged.

The modern classic for unmistakable sound

The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is regarded worldwide as an indispensable modern compressor in professional studios. With its versatility and characterful sound, the Distressor continues the tradition of legendary compressors such as the UA 1176 and the Teletronix LA-2A. It combines proven sound quality with modern flexibility and is both a practical and creative tool. Its unique sound has shaped countless chart hits and makes it the perfect choice for producers looking for innovative ways to enhance their Mix.

Immerse yourself in the world of the EL8 Distressor - precision and creativity combined

• Experience the world's first and only authentic emulation of the legendary EL8 Distressor, the most sought-after modern compressor. Perfect for recordings and mixes that demand precision and character
• Shape your guitars, drums and vocals with almost limitless gain reduction variations. From subtle sound tuning to radical transformation, everything is possible
• Benefit from exclusive plug-in features such as dry/wet parallel processing and customizable headroom control for total flexibility and control
• Experiment creatively with the iconic "Dist 2" and "Dist 3" modes to add unique sonic color to vocals and instruments
• Add depth, energy or even destructive effects to your basslines, synthesizers or room mics with Custom Detector Filtering - just the way you like it
• Mix like the pros with specially tuned presets from industry icons like Joe Chiccarelli (The Strokes), Vance Powell (Jack White), Jacquire King (Kings or Leon), Jimmy Douglass (The Rolling Stones) and many more

Experience the first true studio-quality distressor emulation

The EL8 Distressor Compressor Plugin brings you the full functionality and characteristic sound of the original Hardware - directly into your DAW. With its authentic recreation, it offers the ultra-fast attack time that made the original famous, setting it apart from other emulations. Compare for yourself and discover how the UAD Distressor triumphs where other plugins fall short on precision and sound quality. An indispensable tool for professional results in your mix.

Discover the perfect compression ratio for every sound

The Distressor impresses with a wide range of compression ratios - 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 6:1, 10:1, 20:1 and Nuke - each with its own distinctive sound. The 1:1 setting allows you to gently warm up synthesizers or strings without compressing them, while adding rich musical overtones. On the other hand, the Nuke setting delivers an explosive intensity that charges room mics or the entire mix with powerful energy. With these versatile options, you can find the ideal balance between precision and creative sound shaping for any production.

Give your sound character with the Distortion modes

The Distressor 's iconic Dist 2 and Dist 3 modes offer you an impressive variety of compression textures. These modes allow you to shape sound sources with harmonic distortion - either with pure even or a mixture of even and odd harmonics. From subtle sound compression to the smooth warmth of tape-like saturation to fully saturated, powerful sound, these modes open up endless creative possibilities for your mix.

Control dynamics with the versatile sidechain controls

The Distressor's powerful sidechain controls enable precise dynamics processing. They eliminate unwanted pumping in the low frequency range - ideal for processing the drum bus - and tame shrill vocals or harsh peaks of instruments in the "power region" with the Band Emphasis function. In addition, exclusive plug-in features such as Dry/Wet Mix provide effortless parallel compression, whether on a mix bus or an instrument group, adding depth and control to your sound.