The EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8 Analog Knee Compressorfrom EMPIRICAL LABS Distressor EL8 Analog Knee Compressoris a professional compressor that features a wide range of controls and feature set for studio or live applications. The Distressor offers a warm, vintage sound by using a custom designed gain control circuit. All eight of the Distressor's curves are distinctive, from the 1:1 mode that simply warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the Nuke setting, a brick wall limiting curve that shines on live drum room mics. Some curves have different circuitry, and are effectively different compressors. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate detector circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A.

The Distressor features three modes that color the signal, even without compression. These extended audio modes were designed to allow emulation of some very old vintage compressors and limiters, and let the Distressor deliver a classic knee sound all its own by providing user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. In addition to the basic distortion mode, Distort 2 emphasizes tube-like 2nd order harmonics, while in the Distort 3 setting the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonics more closely resembling tape. Two HP filters, with one in the audio path, one in the detector path, are also available to help with low frequencies that can cause pumping and breathing.

Classic Knee Sound    Programmable Analog Distortion & Warmth    384 Possible Settings    Eight Compression Curves    Advanced Side-Chain EQ    True Bypass    Hand-Wired in the USA

Improved noise specs and performance

Three audio modes provide user programmable, warm harmonic distortion. Emphasized tubelike, 2nd harmonic in clean and Distort 2 mode. In Distort 3 mode, the distortion becomes dominated by 3rd harmonic, more similar to tape

A 1% LED and a Redline (3%) LED providing no hard clipping until a few dB past Redline

High mid-band emphasis and low-cut keeps the low sum and difference frequencies from pumping the upper frequencies of source material

From the 1:1 mode that warms up signal with low order harmonics without intentional compression, to the Nuke setting, each curve has its own personality, and release shape. The 10:1 Opto ratio uses separate circuitry to emulate the oldest light controlled devices, such as the LA-2A

They're large for easy readability and repeatable settings, and go to 10.5

Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels

Extra fuse provided inside unit

Runs cool, allowing cabinet to be sealed without heat vents and features long life components

All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability with no internal audio connectors

The XLRs are fully balanced with a transformerless design (pin 2 hot, changeable by user to pin 3 hot)

All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path

Stereo strappable

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is included in the Meeting Owl 4+ Premium Pack?

A: Per the manufacturer, the Owl Labs Meeting Owl 4+ Premium Pack (B&H # OWMO4PPPACK) includes the Meeting Owl 4+, the Owl Stand, a USB-C SuperSpeed Cable, and Owl Care 4+.

Q: 2. Can this device help me, to have the same volume always from my tv to the speakers.?

A: The DBX unit is a dual channel unit generally recommended for professional music recording/production. The unit also features a Gate and Expander. Most features not required for your application. The Rolls SL33B is a popular product for your application, and can be connected between TV and receiver, or TV and powered speakers. https://bhpho.to/2qGDGNG

Q: 3. Can the FMR RNC be connected directly to the Pioneer DDJ 800 DJ Controller? Can then the FMR RNC be connected to the AKG HP4E? Hence, the signal flow is as follows: DDJ 800 = FMR RNC = HP4E = Headphones https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1244140-REG/akg_3450h00010_hp4e_4_channel_headphone_amplifier.html/qa

A: Yes, it is possible to send audio from the headphone output on the Pioneer DJ DDJ-800 Controller into the FMR Audio RNC1773 Really Nice Compressor, then out to the AKG HP4E 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier for up to four users to listen through headphones.

Q: 4. Does this just help in recordings, or is there a clear difference in live speaking as well?

A: I use it for recording only, but I believe it would work as well for live speaking as well. The adjusted sound would just go directly to speakers instead of the recorder.

Q: 5. Are there expansion possibilities?

A: This unit was not designed to allow expansion.

Q: 6. Does this device work with 220v power or is it only 110v?

A: Yes, the FMR Audio RNC1773 offers a power Supply 100-240 VAC, 47/63 Hz 12 VDC, 500 mA regulated, 2.1 mm barrel connector

Q: 7. Does this supply phantom power?

A: I doubt that it supplies phantom power as it appears to be intended only for line level circuits, not mics. the selection choice is between pro (+4) and consumer (-10) levels for the rear panel XLRs

Q: 8. Do these have connections for digital output

A: There is no digital I/O. All of the connections are analog.

Q: 9. Is this the expansion microphone for the Meeting Owl 4+?

A: The Owl Labs Expansion Mic (Charcoal), B&H # OWEMICC, is compatible and recommended for use with the Owl Labs Meeting Owl 4+ UHD 4K 360° Smart Video Conference Camera (B&H # OWMOWL4P): https://bhpho.to/3yaBEOa.

Q: 10. Can this device be made to stay in Super Nice mode across power cycles?

A: Settings will not be remembered in the case of a power failure or a power reset. NORMAL MODE: Mode Selection This mode is selected upon power up of the RNC. If the SUPER NICE indicator lamp is extinguished, then NORMAL MODE is selected. SUPER N ICE MODE Mode Selection: This mode must be manually selected by depressing the SUPER NICE switch until the SUPER NICE indicator lamp is on.