Empirical Labs Mike-E Mic Pre with Compression and Saturation

Description: Empirical Lab's Dave Derr is no stranger to creating game-changing audio processors, and his Mike-E preamp is no exception. Mike-E is a modern, digitally controlled microphone preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften sound sources, plus, it also has an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E, a transformer-coupled mic preamp, offers an incredible performance with a noise floor is far below any microphone's self-noise. And, the one-of-a-kind ˜CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile coloring, and classic knee compression.Mic Preamp SectionThe preamp section is a super low-noise transformer-input amplifier section with gain digitally controlled gain Home Guitars Percussion Accessories Empirical Labs Mike-E Mic Pre with Compression and Saturation item# 1298938761109 New Empirical Lab's Dave Derr is no stranger to creating game-changing audio processors, and his Mike-E preamp is no exception. Mike-E is a modern, digitally controlled microphone preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften sound sources, plus, it also has an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E, a transformer-coupled mic preamp, offers an incredible performance with a noise floor is far below any microphone's self-noise. And, the one-of-a-kind ˜CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile coloring, and classic knee compression. Mic Preamp Section The preamp section is a super low-noise transformer-input amplifier section with gain digitally controlled gain. This section comes standard with a shielded Lundahl transformer, but allows for a Jensen transformer also. The signal-to-noise ratio far exceeds any microphone in existence; typically over 130dB with the input shorted and 40dB of gain. Having used many mic preamps over the years, Empirical Labs has implemented a unique stepped-gain control that is impervious to the normal flakiness that age causes to pots and detented switches. Counting the output gain of 14dB, a total74 dB of gain is available to you with the CompSat section bypassed. Phantom power (+48V) is provided for condenser mics. Exclusive CompSat Section This unique circuitry is what sets Mike-E apart from all other mic preamplifiers. It has four sections: 1) Saturator: This is a multi-stage soft clipping circuit. At lower levels, triode-type saturation affects the signal. As the level increases, a second unique clip circuit that includes germanium semiconductors starts to flatten out the peaks more severely. An LED named "BAD!" indicates harder, un-musical clipping. 2) Compressor: This is an uncompromising compressor/limiter circuit with detented control of attack and release for easy repeatability. You adjust the amount of compression with the DRIVE knob, which determines the level going into the compressor. In ways it is like the Empircal Labs Distressor (see #501579), but has differing characteristics including a much longer available attack time and additional circuitry. Four ratios are provided; 2:1 being the gentlest with a long 20dB knee, good for subtle compression, such as while tracking or on the 2-Bus. Ratios 4:1 and 8:1 are steeper but still very smooth with long knees. "Nuke" is very steep (limiter-like) and has a different attack and release shape. 3) Emphasis: Emphasis is actually two circuits that surround the compressor and saturator. Pre-emphasis boosts the high frequencies before the compressor and saturator (CompSat), soft clipping them sooner than normal, while a de-emphasis cuts the complementary frequencies after the CompSat. Emphasis has the added perk of improving signal-to-noise, and is the reason analog tape decks used emphasis to begin with. 4) Mix Control: The modern recording engineer often employs the technique of mixing between the compressed and the dry (or uncompressed) signal. This can often help maintain transients and a sense of dynamic range while enhancing the low level nuances. Mike-E has a built-in mix control to submix uncompressed signal along with the compressed signal. As you rotate the MIX control from full right to full left, you goe from the full compressed signal to the full dry signal (absent of any compression or saturation). Features: Mic Preamplifier with super low noise and stepped-gain switchingBuilt in Direct Box, called Inst In, offers unparalleled distortion, noise, and frequency response when pre-amplifying instruments."Colored" 80Hz high-pass filter emulates the warm, low-frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizersPhase Switch inverts audio signal 180 degrees.CompSat offers both a musical compressor/limiter and a unique tape-like saturation circuitHigh-frequency emphasis system softens high frequency "pile-ups" and furthers the creamy color of the Mike-EMix Control allows the blending of the compressed/saturated signal with the clean unprocessed "Dry" signalTransformer-coupled inputActive and transformer outputs availableHigh-quality audio caps used internally Specifications: Frequency response: 3Hz - 200kHz (No CompSat); with CompSat: 3Hz - 150Khz Optional transformer output: 6Hz-80kHzSignal-to-Noise: 130dB signal-to-noise at 40dB gain, maximum output +28dBuDistortion: Ranges between .0006% and 15% depending on mode and settingsInput impedance: 600 ohmOutput impedance: Less than 38 ohmAttack/decay ranges: - .9 - 100mS attack, .15 - 1 sec. decayPower consumption: 15 watts max. Shipping Orders are generally shipped the following business day after payment is received. For example, if your order is placed AND paid for at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, Musicians Friend will ship it on Monday. We are only shipping eBay orders via standard ground shipping at this time (3-7 business days for delivery once the item leaves our warehouse) Payment We use eBay Managed Payments and accept the following forms of payment credit, debit, and gift cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and PayPal Credit. Sales Tax We are required to collect sales tax on all orders, except those shipped to the following states: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon. Store Policies If you’re not satisfied, neither are we. If for any reason you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase of a new item, simply return it in its original condition within 45 days of purchase (see exceptions below) and we’ll give you a full refund. It’s that simple. Returned items must be in original, brand-new condition, showing no signs of wear or use such as belt-buckle or pick scratches, scuffs, dings or scrapes on the instrument or collateral materials. Items must also include all original packaging, manuals, warrantees and accessories or your return may be subject to a return handling charge. Your refund will be promptly processed upon successful evaluation of your returned item from our trained category professionals in 2-3 business days. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. If you received Free Shipping on your order, the value of the uncharged shipping cost will be deducted from your refund. Limitations and Exceptions Returns of the following products must be made within 10 days of shipment - Stringed instruments priced at $1999.00 or more. The following products cannot be returned – Clearance items, Apple products, items identified as non-returnable, discontinued items, electronic software downloads, demo gear, vintage instruments, strings, reeds, computers, tubes, earbuds, earplugs, recorders, tin whistles, flutophones, "world" wind instruments, harmonicas, raw-frame speakers, drumheads, drumsticks, turntable cartridges, fog fluid, clothing/footwear, body jewelry, sheet music, cleaners, polishes and polishing cloths, software/soundware, books, CDs, DVD's, vinyl records, and videos.The following fees apply to Band & Orchestra returns - All returned woodwind and brass instruments incur a $10.00 sanitization fee. Returned bows are assessed a $4.00 restocking fee. Returned mouthpieces over $300 incur an $8.00 sanitization fee; the fee for mouthpieces under $300 is $4.00. Should you decide to return your shipment, please follow the return steps printed on the back of your invoice and pack your return carefully to prevent damage in shipment. All returns must: 1. Include a Return Authorization Number; (Please contact us via eBay messages for an RA number) 2. Be in the original packaging complete with all collateral materials such as cases, straps, cables, care kits, certificates of authenticity, warranty cards, manuals, and any other materials that originally shipped with the instrument; 3. Be in brand-new condition, showing no signs of wear or use such as belt-buckle or pick scratches, scuffs, dings, or scrapes on the instrument or collateral materials.

Price: 1699 USD

Location: Kansas City, Missouri

End Time: 2024-02-11T19:22:47.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD