
( Brand: Empirical Labs ), ( Model: MIKEE ), ( Effect/enhancement: Compression/limiting ), ( Type: Pre Compressor ), ( Form Factor: Rack Mountable )
The Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor Rack EL-9 "Mikee" is an exceptional piece of audio equipment that combines the warmth and character of a vintage studio console with the modern convenience of a rack-mountable unit.
The MIKE Preamp Compressor is known for its ability to deliver rich, harmonically complex tones that bring out the best in vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. The EL-9 "Mikee" version of this legendary compressor is housed in a rugged 19-inch rack-mount chassis, making it an ideal choice for professional recording studios, live sound applications, and mobile production setups.
At the heart of the MIKE Preamp Compressor is the Empirical Labs' custom-designed Vintage-Style FET compressor circuit. This circuit delivers a smooth, natural compression with a fast attack and a long, gently releasing release. The result is a sound that is both transparent and musically enhancing, allowing the original character of the source material to shine through.
The EL-9 "Mikee" also features a unique "MIKE" button, which adds a subtle amount of harmonic distortion to the signal. This feature adds warmth and depth to the sound, giving it a more "analog" feel. The MIKE button can be used subtly to add some character to a track, or it can be pushed hard for a more aggressive, gritty sound.
The MIKE Preamp Compressor Rack EL-9 "Mikee" is equipped with a high-quality, variable-mu tube preamp, which adds a rich, analog-like tone to the signal before it enters the compressor circuit. The preamp can be used to boost the signal level, or to add some subtle coloration to the sound.
The EL-9 "Mikee" also features a 3-band EQ section, which allows you to shape the tone of the signal before it enters the compressor. The low and high bands are both shelving EQs, while the mid band is a peaking EQ with a switchable Q-factor. This allows you to sculpt the tone of the signal to fit perfectly in the mix.
The MIKE Preamp Compressor Rack EL-9 "Mikee" is a versatile and powerful tool for any recording or live sound engineer. Its vintage-inspired sound, combined with its modern rack-mount design, makes it an ideal choice for any professional studio or live performance setup. Whether you're looking to add some warmth and character to a vocal track, or to tame the dynamics of a loud drum kit, the Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor Rack EL-9 "Mikee" is sure to deliver the results you're looking for.
Pros of buying Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor EL-8 Mikee:1. High-quality sound: The MIKE Preamp Compressor is known for its warm and punchy sound, making it a popular choice for many audio engineers and musicians.
2. Versatility: The compressor has a wide range of settings, allowing you to create a variety of sounds depending on your preferences and the type of music you're working on.
3. Durable construction: The MIKE Preamp Compressor is built to last, with a sturdy metal chassis and high-quality components.
4. Easy to use: The compressor has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for beginners.
Cons of buying Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor EL-8 Mikee:1. Price: The MIKE Preamp Compressor is a high-end compressor, and its price tag may be prohibitive for some budget-conscious audio engineers and musicians.
2. Size: The compressor is quite large and heavy, which may be a disadvantage for those who are short on space or need to transport their gear frequently.
3. Limited controls: While the compressor has a wide range of settings, some users may find that it lacks certain controls that they would like to have for more precise tweaking.
Conclusion:The Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor EL-8 Mikee is a high-quality compressor that offers a warm and versatile sound. Its durable construction and easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced audio engineers. However, its high price tag and size may be a disadvantage for some users. If you're willing to invest in a high-end compressor and have the space to accommodate its size, the MIKE Preamp Compressor is definitely worth considering.
Recommendation:If you're in the market for a high-end compressor and have the budget for it, the Empirical Labs MIKE Preamp Compressor EL-8 Mikee is a great choice. Its warm and versatile sound, easy-to-use interface, and durable construction make it a reliable and versatile tool for any audio engineer or musician. However, if you're on a tighter budget or need a more compact compressor, there are other options available that may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the best compressor for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences, so be sure to do your research and try out different options before making a final decision.
The composts unique circuitry sets mike-e apart from all other mic preamps. Compost offers both a musical compressor limiter and unique tape-like saturation circuit mix - provides parallel compression technique achieved by mixing between the compressed dry or uncompressed signal attack decay ranges. Response is 3 Hz to 200 khz on no compost. High quality audio caps used internally.
With a killer mic pre, famed Eli compression, tape saturation and eight individually def eatable eq sections, we feel its simply the most powerful flexible channel strip solution available signal to noise db 15 depending on mode settings. Optional transformer output is 6hz 80khz. This is a super low noise transformer input amplifier section with the gain under precise digital control. Specifications mic preamp compost when the engineering team at Empirical Labs sets out to build a microphone preamp, you can be sure it ll deliver spectacular sound, effortless work, and will provide features unlike any other device in its class.
Led indicates when the input signal is overloading circuit. Transformer coupled input, active and outputs available. Happy buying. Phase switch to invert the audio signal 180 degrees.
Preset ratios include: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and, of course, nuke power consumption watts max input impedance is above 600 ohms at all frequencies, transformer coupled distortion ranges between. Mic pre amplifier with super low noise and stepped gain switching.
Compressor - based on Eli's world famous distress, but with other characteristics including a much longer attack time. The signal to noise far exceeds any microphone in existence. And with only a couple of controls switches, finding sound is very fast intuitive process. At 40db gain.
As the level increases, a second unique clip circuit starts to more severely flatten out peaks. Mix control allows the blending of compressed saturated signal with clean unprocessed dry. To that end, we proudly present mike-e, a high performance transformer-coupled mic preamp with noise floor far below any microphones self noise, combined one-of-a-kind compressor saturate circuit delivers classic knee compression as well versatile tonal coloring can replicate many of the best characteristics vintage analog recording equipment. Other features include a front panel instrument input that allows the unit to function as an ultra-clean direct box and stereo-linking capabilities.
Makes everything sound incredible Steve Berlin Los lobs mike-es seven circuits on magazine its freakishly awesome and beautiful. Extraordinary level of flexibility I can't think any other preamp compressor that has the same flexibility, ease operation and extreme tonal range. At lower levels, a tried-type saturation affects the signal 70ms attack. This can often help maintain transients and a sense of dynamic range while enhancing the low level nuances.
Mike-e can also be combined with an eq such as the Eli Lila freq, transforming it into one of most powerful, flexible and complete channel strips on market. Saturate - a multi stage soft-clipping circuit. Colored 80hz high pass filter emulates the warm low frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizers.
It does clean and bright, dark fuzzy, everything in between freq maximum output is 28dbu. Output impedance is less than 38 ohms. The most used piece in my studio.
Emphasis has the added perk of improving signal to noise, and is reason analog tape decks used begin with. Instrument in impedance is 332k ohms. Emphasis high-frequency system softens high frequency pile-ups and further the creamy color of mike-e - a two-stage circuit that boosts soft clips frequencies before compost circuit, then cuts after it.