In close partnership with Empirical Labs and its founder, Dave Derr, Universal Audio introduces the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor compressor plugin for UAD hardware and Apollo interfaces as part of UAD Software v9.4.
“The UAD EL8 Distressor plugin is significantly better in accuracy and operation than the other plugins that try to cop its vibe and sound,” says Distressor creator Dave Derr. “It’s the best Distressor emulation in the world and will stand the test of time as the definitive Distressor emulation.”
Introduced in 1993, the Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor is revered in studios all over the world as the modern, “must-have” compressor. Versatile, fast, and offering tons of color, the Distressor picks up where the UA 1176 and Teletronix LA-2A compressors leave off — a modern tool that’s equal parts utilitarian and creative.
The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor compressor plugin provides all the features and coveted sound of the original Distressor design. UA’s team of DSP experts started with a complete circuit trace and component study of Dave Derr’s selected golden unit. Simultaneously, the team analyzed three more Distressors representing the lifetime of the product — ensuring one of UA’s tightest circuit models to date.
Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor features presets from Chris Coady (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV on the Radio), Chris Zane (Passion Pit, The Walkmen), Hector Delgado (A$AP Rocky, Selena Gomez) Jimmy Douglass (The Rolling Stones, Roxy Music), and more.
