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Key Features
Product Ref: 117949
The Empirical Labs EL9 MIKE-E is a highly versatile outboard microphone preamp designed for processing both vocals and instruments. At the heart of the EL9 MIKE-E is an ultra-low noise transformer input amplifier section providing precise digital control. The exceptional signal to noise ratio results in optimised sound reproduction, capturing every nuance of your input. One of the things that sets the EL9 apart from other mic pres is the stepped gain control. This ensures maximum precision and the ability to easily recalling your settings once you have found your perfect sound. The wide frequency response and premium-grade components results in exceptional audio fidelity, delivering a natural sound that is vibrant and rich.
The front-panel features an integrated instrument input, giving you the ability to process instruments. The ultra-clean DI provides unparalleled audio fidelity, with ultra-low distortion, noise and a wide frequency response. This ensures the best possible quality when pre-amping instruments such as bass and electric guitars. The low noise floor and integrated compressor/saturator circuit bring out the best from your instruments.
The thing that sets the EL9 MIKE-E apart from conventional microphone preamps is the integrated CompSat circuitry. This unique circuitry is comprised of four section, culminating to deliver the best possible sound for your inputs. The Saturator is a multi-stage soft clipping circuit, providing tube-like saturation when used at lower levels. When pushed, the saturator enables a second unique clip circuit, designed to flatten out the peaks. The Compressor is based on Empirical Labs’ Distressor unit, with customised characteristics. It provides a longer attack time and preset ratios including: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 and the renowned Nuke settings for limiting type effects. The Emphasis section is a two-stage circuit, designed to boost and soft clip higher frequencies before the circuit. This helps to improved signal to noise ratio, similar to that of analog tape decks. The Mix section allows for parallel compression, by mixing the compressed and dry signal for a fuller, more aggressive sound.
The rack-mountable all-metal chassis is not only highly durable but designed to withstand the rigors of live use. The design of the unit fuses vintage elements with modern innovations. This includes a locked, calibrated output levels for speed in setting record and live mix levels. The chassis measures at 1U in rack space for mounting within a live or studio rack. The rear of the unit features XLR and 1/4-inch phone ins and outputs as well as fully balanced XLR. There are no internal connectors, and the unit boasts military grade switches and relays, with all contacts double up for optimum reliability.