{"product_id":"empirical-labs-el9-mike-e-microphone-preamp","title":"Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E  Digitally Controlled Microphone Preamp","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEmpirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Modern Digitally Controlled Microphone Preamp\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- Video Section with Keyword Title --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 20px auto 10px auto; text-align: center; max-width: 800px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 20px; margin-bottom: 12px;\"\u003eHow to use EL9 Mike-E In studio\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"width: 100%; max-width: 800px; height: 450px; display: block; margin: 0 auto; border-radius: 8px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HiUdgEkYrSM?si=PwtCvh_nSsJcrcnw\"\u003e\n  \u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 1 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E front panel microphone preamp\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/EL9_Mike_e_left_angle_view.png?v=1770159639\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDigitally Controlled Gain With Analog Stability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe microphone preamp stage of the Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E features a transformer-coupled input amplifier with gain under precise digital control. Instead of traditional pots that can drift or wear over time, Mike-E uses stepped gain switching for repeatable, long-term accuracy and rock-solid performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a noise floor far below any microphone’s self-noise and massive headroom up to +28 dBu, Mike-E remains clean and authoritative even in demanding tracking situations. A dedicated “Bad!” LED provides instant visual feedback if the input stage is being pushed too hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 2 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section reverse\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E CompSat compression and saturation controls\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/EL9_mike_e_front_on_view.png?v=1770160615\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompSat™ Compression and Musical Saturation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat truly sets the EL9 Mike-E apart is Empirical Labs’ CompSat™ circuit — a unique combination of compression, saturation, and emphasis designed specifically for tracking. The saturation section uses multi-stage soft clipping, introducing smooth triode-style harmonics at lower levels and progressively flattening peaks as the signal is driven harder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compressor is inspired by the legendary Distressor, offering preset ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and the iconic Nuke mode, with a longer attack time optimized for microphone-level sources. This makes it easy to control transients and dynamics without sacrificing musicality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- Section 3 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-image\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E rear panel I\/O and studio integration\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/EL9_mike_e_rear_view.png?v=1770160619\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"par-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlexible Front-End Control for Modern Studios\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to mic preamplification, the Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E includes a high-quality direct instrument input, a colored 80 Hz high-pass filter inspired by vintage equalizers, a phase invert switch, and a Mix control for blending processed and dry signals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Emphasis circuit boosts and gently soft-clips high frequencies before the CompSat™ stage, then attenuates them afterward, smoothing harsh transients while improving signal-to-noise. This approach borrows from classic analog tape techniques and helps recordings translate more naturally in dense mixes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHighlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTransformer-coupled microphone preamp with digitally controlled stepped gain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltra-low noise floor with up to +28 dBu maximum output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompSat™ circuit combining compression, saturation, and emphasis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistressor-inspired compressor with multiple preset ratios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated DI, high-pass filter, phase invert, and parallel mix control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEL9 Mike-E Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc; width: 35%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e3 Hz – 200 kHz (no CompSat), 3 Hz – 150 kHz (with CompSat)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e130 dB at 40 dB gain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Output Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e+28 dBu\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e0.0006% to 15% depending on mode and settings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eTransformer-coupled mic input, instrument DI\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eActive output, optional transformer output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompressor Timing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eAttack: 0.9 – 100 ms, Release: 0.05 – 0.5 sec\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Consumption\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e15 W max\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChassis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e1U metal enclosure, 1.75\" x 19\" x 10\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f2f2f2;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eIncluded Items\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eEmpirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Microphone Preamp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003ePower Cable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ccc;\"\u003eUser Documentation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Emperical Labs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47944203993243,"sku":"EL9 Mike-E","price":1699.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/4031\/9643\/files\/EL9_Mike_e_left_angle_view_38241b2e-98c9-4901-a284-b874468c4dd9.png?v=1770167581","url":"https:\/\/proaudioreserve.com\/products\/empirical-labs-el9-mike-e-microphone-preamp","provider":"Pro Audio Reserve","version":"1.0","type":"link"}