---
product_id: 11191457
title: "EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link"
brand: "empirical labs"
price: "€ 3627.81"
currency: EUR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 4
category: "Empirical Labs"
url: https://www.desertcart.fi/products/11191457-el8-x-distressor-with-british-mode-and-image-link
store_origin: FI
region: Finland
---

# Sidechain EQ for precise control 8 unique compression curves British Mode for aggressive tone EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link

**Brand:** empirical labs
**Price:** € 3627.81
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🎛️ Distress your sound, impress your audience — the British way!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link by empirical labs
- **How much does it cost?** € 3627.81 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.fi](https://www.desertcart.fi/products/11191457-el8-x-distressor-with-british-mode-and-image-link)

## Best For

- empirical labs enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted empirical labs brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Master Your Mix:** Stereo pairs deliver unbeatable mastering compression without breaking the bank.
- • **Iconic British Mode:** Unlock the legendary 'all buttons in' LN1176 vibe for bold character.
- • **Precision Sidechain EQ:** Shape your compression with tailored frequency control.
- • **Pro-Grade Build Quality:** Rugged metal chassis built to withstand studio rigors.
- • **Versatile Analog Compression:** Experience smooth to aggressive dynamics with 8 distinct curves.

## Overview

The Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor is a single-channel analog compressor renowned for its versatile 8 unique compression curves and a distinctive British Mode that emulates the aggressive LN1176 'all buttons in' sound. Featuring a sidechain EQ for precise tonal shaping and built with a durable metal chassis, it’s a studio staple for professionals seeking both smooth and characterful compression. Highly rated and favored for mastering, it offers exceptional value and sonic flexibility.

## Description

A Great-sounding Distressor with a Tough British Side!The Empirical Labs Distressor EL-8XM single-channel analog compressor adds some distinctive British flavor to an already outstanding unit! The EL-8XM provides the aggressive "all buttons in" characteristics obtained from the classic LN1176, courtesy of an onboard British Mode switch. While the Distressor can function very smoothly and transparently, the addition of the British Mode allows it to take on a very "un-subtle" character, giving you the best of two compressors in one! If you want the functionality of a Distressor plus aggressive "British" vibe, choose the EL-8XM!"All buttons in" 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

Review: Stereo these for a great master compressor - Really hard to beat two of these on a master bus without spending 5 figures. Get one… or two!
Review: Taught me what compression should sound like - Before I got my stereo pair of these, I'd only ever used compressor plugins. Once I had the Distressors, I learned what all those plugins were actually *trying* to do - but not doing as well. Once I learned how to really use the Distressors musically (which is not hard - and there is a HUGE range and versatility in them, especially the British mod - definitely get the British mod), I got a lot better at working with compression in general and all my software compressors got more useful as well. Even for - or especially for - someone on a really tight budget, it's hard to argue against the Distressor due to it's class-act sound and amazing range of settings.

## Features

- Single-channel Analog Distressor with Harmonic Distortion
- 8 unique curves
- sidechain EQ

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B003Y5D7RQ |
| Best Sellers Rank | #28,229 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #4 in Effect Processor Compressors |
| Body Material | Metal |
| Connector Type | 1/4 inch audio |
| Customer Reviews | 5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars (7) |
| Date First Available | December 18, 2010 |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio |
| Item Weight | 11.89 pounds |
| Item model number | EL8X |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Product Dimensions | 23.05 x 18.55 x 2.8 inches |
| Signal Format | Analog |

## Product Details

- **Audio Output Effects:** Distortion
- **Brand:** Empirical Labs
- **Controls Type:** Push Button
- **Item Weight:** 11.89 Pounds
- **Style:** Compact

## Images

![EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71c003rnStL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stereo these for a great master compressor
*by A***S on July 26, 2022*

Really hard to beat two of these on a master bus without spending 5 figures. Get one… or two!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Taught me what compression should sound like
*by J***G on December 10, 2013*

Before I got my stereo pair of these, I'd only ever used compressor plugins. Once I had the Distressors, I learned what all those plugins were actually *trying* to do - but not doing as well. Once I learned how to really use the Distressors musically (which is not hard - and there is a HUGE range and versatility in them, especially the British mod - definitely get the British mod), I got a lot better at working with compression in general and all my software compressors got more useful as well. Even for - or especially for - someone on a really tight budget, it's hard to argue against the Distressor due to it's class-act sound and amazing range of settings.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Makes my tracks blend well.
*by C***2 on March 17, 2014*

I have owned this unit with Brit mod for about 6 years. When I first started using it, I thought it was defective. It works so smoothly, you don't realize it's compressing as opposed to cheap units that color the sound. You find the beauty of the Distressor when mixing. Vocals sit more smoothly in the mix and tracks gel together better. I use it with the 610 side of a UA 6176 preamp/ comp and I get a nice big sound.

## Frequently Bought Together

- Empirical Labs EL8-X Distressor with British Mode and Image Link
- GearIT XLR Microphone Cable (10 Feet, 10-Pack) - XLR Male to Female, Balanced Shielded Cable for Mic Mixer, Recording Studio, Podcast - Black, 10ft, 10 Pack

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**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.fi/products/11191457-el8-x-distressor-with-british-mode-and-image-link](https://www.desertcart.fi/products/11191457-el8-x-distressor-with-british-mode-and-image-link)

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*Product available on Desertcart Finland*
*Store origin: FI*
*Last updated: 2026-03-05*