Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Microphone Preamp

Be the first to review!

Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Microphone Preamp

Brand New
  • $1,699.00
UNAVAILABLE

Description & Specs

In today’s modern age of digital recorders, DAWs and software plug-ins, Mike-E is the ultimate solution for getting a clean and strong, yet warm and musical signal into the box…and it couldn’t be easier to work – its front panel layout is so straight ahead that even inexperienced engineers will have no problem moving around on it right away.

When the engineering team at Empirical Labs sets out to build a microphone preamp, you can be sure it’ll deliver spectacular sound, be effortless to work, and will provide features unlike any other device in its class. To that end, we proudly present Mike-E, a high performance transformer-coupled mic preamp with a noise floor far below any microphone’s self noise, combined with a one-of-a-kind compressor/saturator circuit that delivers classic knee compression as well as versatile tonal ‘coloring’ that can replicate many of the best characteristics of vintage analog recording equipment.

Mic Preamp
The Mike-E features a super low noise transformer input amplifier section with the gain under precise digital control. The signal to noise far exceeds any microphone in existence. Having used many mic preamps over the years, we’ve implemented a unique stepped gain control that should be impervious to the normal flakiness that age causes to pots and detented switches. A “Bad!” LED indicates when the input signal is overloading the circuit.

CompSat
The CompSat’s unique circuitry sets the Mike-E apart from all other mic preamps.
  • SATURATOR –  a multi stage soft-clipping circuit. At lower levels, a triode-type saturation affects the signal. As the level increases, a second unique clip circuit starts to more severely flatten out the peaks.
  • COMPRESSOR – based on ELI’s world famous Distressor, but with other characteristics (including a much longer attack time).  Preset ratios include: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1…and, of course, Nuke.
  • EMPHASIS – a two-stage circuit that boosts and soft clips high frequencies before the CompSat™ circuit, and then cuts the frequencies after it. Emphasis has the added perk of improving signal to noise, and is the reason analog tape decks used emphasis to begin with.

Frequency Response: 3 Hz to 200 kHz on (No CompSat). CompSat is 3Hz – 150Khz. Optional Transformer output is 6Hz–80kHz.
Signal to Noise: 130 dB signal to Noise.at 40dB gain. Maximum output is +28dBu.
Distortion: Ranges between .0006% and 15% depending on mode and settings.
I/O: Transformer coupled Input, Active and Transformer Outputs available. High quality audio caps used internally.
Impedance: Input Impedance is above 600 Ohms at all frequencies, transformer coupled. Output impedance is less than 38 ohms. Instrument In Impedance is 332K Ohms.
Attack/Decay Range: .9 – 70mS attack. .15 – 1 Sec.
Power Consumption: 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis: single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.

You read that right! Any orders over $75 ship for free!*

The CME Difference:  CME's mission is to make sure your shipment will arrive quickly, carefully, and correctly. We realize that the online ordering of guitars and instruments, in general, can be a nerve-racking experience. We are here to put your mind at ease and make your transaction smooth and enjoyable! As musicians ourselves, we want to make sure everything gets to you the way it should, every time.

Most orders ship the same or next day:  
We greatly appreciate your patience, and are working hard to fulfill all requests as quickly as possible, while practicing recommended safety guidelines.

Our Bottom line: We care! This is something we take very seriously, because it's what you deserve. Our shipping, sales, and customer service teams are always striving to create the best experience for you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we want to know.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to support@chicagomusicexchange.com, or call us directly at 773-525-7773.

*Special exceptions do apply.

STORE HOURS (CST)

APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon

day-Tuesday
12PM-7PM Wednesday-Friday

10AM-7PM Saturday

10AM-5PM Sunday

Before & After Hours: Try us! 
If we are not available, our commitment is to get back to you no later than the next day.


US & International: +1 (773) 525-7773


Fax: 773-525-2775



LOCATION 

3316 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657


We're right off the CTA Brown Line 'Paulina' Stop Just North of Belmont and just West of Ashland.

We’re all musicians here at Chicago Music Exchange and we want you to love the gear you get from us. We understand that sometimes you get a piece of gear that doesn’t work out for you. That’s why we offer an easy return policy to take the stress out of purchasing from us.

If you decide you'd like to return an item, please contact your Sales Rep, chat us, or give us a call.

If you placed your order on Amazon or eBay, we advise issuing the return request from your account on the platform of purchase - our Customer Service team will process a refund upon receipt of the item(s).

Most new items may be returned within 30 days of delivery and most vintage & used items may be returned within 3 days of delivery for a full refund, exchange, or store credit. Please pack the product safely for the journey back to us. If the product was shipped for free, the charge will be deducted from refund, unless the reason for the return is outside normal circumstances.

Please contact us as soon as possible if your order was received incorrectly, damaged, or defective. Most times we will give you an RA number (Return Authorization). Why is that number important? This will allow us to speed up the process of the return.

We reserve the right to charge a restocking fee based on the return condition. Some items we just can’t take back for returns, due to a one time function like strings or drums heads and other times it’s not sanitary to do so with microphones or harmonicas. If you aren’t sure if what you bought falls into a category like this, call us (773) 525-7773!

We strive to get your return processed quickly. Most of the time we have it done within two business days. Funds going back to credit cards usually takes two to four business days. CME strives to make sure all customers are happy with their experience. It is our priority to provide great service along with great gear. We always want to be helpful, and open to your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts! If you have any questions, we’re here for you!

Feel free to email us at customerservice@chicagomusicexchange.com or give us a call at (773) 525-7773.