Selling an Empirical Labs Distressor EL8, serial number #5054 — an early production unit from the original run, reportedly from one of the very first series made. It does not have the "British Mode" switch, a detail consistent with the earliest Distressors before that feature was added, which collectors and long-time users often look for as a mark of an original, first-generation unit.

The Distressor needs no introduction: Dave Derr's design combines classic 1176 and LA-2A-style compression character with eight digitally-selectable compression curves (including the legendary "Nuke" and all-buttons-in emulation), fully variable attack and release, and two distinct distortion generators for adding harmonic warmth or grit. It remains one of the most versatile and sought-after compressors in modern studio history, equally at home on vocals, drums, bass, or mix bus duty.

Condition: Excellent, lightly used — fully functional, no issues. Unit only; original box and manual are not included.

Shipping from Belgium — message me for an accurate shipping quote to your country.

Specs:

• Brand: Empirical Labs
• Model: Distressor EL8
• Serial Number: #5054 (early production, no British Mode)
• Type: Analog Compressor/Limiter with Digital Control
• Compression Curves: 8 digitally-selectable ratios/modes
• Distortion Modes: 2 dedicated distortion generators
• Attack: 50 microseconds – 30 milliseconds (variable)
• Release: 0.05 – 20 seconds (variable)
• Includes: Unit only (no box/manual)
• Condition: Excellent, lightly used, fully functional
• Ships from: Belgium