SKU: 36718964446

EMPIRICAL LABS Twin Pak - Dual Channel - EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/Saturator

Sale price$241440.75 Regular price$268267.50
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $67066.88 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 12 - Aug 17

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

EMPIRICAL LABS Twin Pak - Dual Channel - EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/SaturatorLow Noise Transformer Coupled Mic Pre Compressor Saturator for Wide Tonal FX Direct Box Instrument Input Compressor Based on Distressor Circuit Saturator Multi Stage Soft Clipping Emphasis Soft Clips High Frequencies Parallel Compression with Mix Knob Side Chain Input Linkable for Stereo Processing The Twin Pak EL 9 Mike e from Empirical Labs combines two EL 9 Mike e transformer coupled mic preamps with compressor saturator circuits to deliver stereo

  • Low-Noise Transformer-Coupled Mic-Pre
  • Compressor/Saturator for Wide Tonal FX
  • Direct Box Instrument Input
  • Compressor Based on Distressor Circuit
  • Saturator Multi-Stage Soft-Clipping
  • Emphasis - Soft Clips High Frequencies
  • Parallel Compression with Mix Knob
  • Side-Chain Input
  • Linkable for Stereo Processing

The Twin Pak - EL-9 Mike-e from Empirical Labs combines two EL-9 Mike-e transformer-coupled mic preamps with compressor/saturator circuits to deliver stereo classic knee compression, as well as versatile tonal coloring. Each Mike-e provides a low noise transformer input amplifier section offers precise digital control over gain and has a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB. It features stepped control knobs for gain control and a "BAD!" LED indicator for alerting the user when input signal is overloading the circuit.

The front panel instrument input that allows the unit to function as an ultra-clean Direct Box. The saturator is a multi-stage soft-clipping circuit that provides triode-type saturation effects, while severely flattening out the peaks. The compressor circuit is based on the Distressor, but with a longer attack time. Preset ratios include 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and Nuke. Emphasis improves the signal to noise ratio, while soft-clipping high frequencies before the CompSat circuit and cutting the frequencies after it.

Mix provides a parallel compression technique achieved by mixing between the compressed and the dry, uncompressed signal. This can often help maintain transients and a sense of dynamic range while enhancing the low level nuances. A stereo link connector allows two Mike-e processors to be used for stereo buss functions, while the optional send/return insert modification allows for additional processors, such as the Lil Freq EQ, to be connected between the mic preamp and compressor, forming a powerful and flexible channel strip. The Twin Pak ships with a 1/4" to 1/4" cable for stereo operation and a standard IEC power cord.

  • EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/Saturator

    The EL-9 Mike-e from Empirical Labs is a transformer-coupled mic preamp with compressor/saturator circuits that deliver classic knee compression, as well as versatile tonal coloring. This low noise transformer input amplifier section offers precise digital control over gain and has a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB. It features stepped control knobs for gain control and a "BAD!" LED indicator for alerting the user when input signal is overloading the circuit.

    The front panel instrument input that allows the unit to function as an ultra-clean Direct Box. The saturator is a multi-stage soft-clipping circuit that provides triode-type saturation effects, while severely flattening out the peaks. The compressor circuit is based on the Distressor, but with a longer attack time. Preset ratios include 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and Nuke. Emphasis improves the signal to noise ratio, while soft-clipping high frequencies before the CompSat circuit and cutting the frequencies after it.

    Mix provides the parallel compression technique achieved by mixing between the compressed and the dry, uncompressed signal. This can often help maintain transients and a sense of dynamic range while enhancing the low level nuances. A stereo link connector allows two Mike-e processors to be used for stereo buss functions, while the optional send/return insert modification allows for additional processors, such as the Lil Freq EQ, to be connected between the mic preamp and compressor, forming a powerful and flexible channel strip. The Mike-e ships with a standard IEC power cord.

    • Versatile and simple microphone pre-amplifier with a deep feature set
    • Pre-amplifier section offers a transformer input. Low signal-to-noise exceeds 130 dB, well below the self-noise of any microphone
    • Super long life gain switching with 5 dB increments in preamp section and output pot for fine resolution gain setting. Sealed relays used throughout
    • CompSat section soft saturates the peaks of waveforms to warm things up and offers a world-class compressor with detented parameter selections
    • Germanium circuitry in the CompSat section to offer new warming characteristics
    • Two CompSat LED indicators, one �WARM� and one �TOASTY� LED, indicating internal saturation circuitry
    • Emphasis function tames high frequency build-up, while offering frequency dependent saturation, which enhances Mike-E�s popular tape-like tone
    • High performance high-pass filter at 80 Hz, 18 dB per octave
    • Built in Instrument preamp/direct box with auto sensing passes the signal through the input transformer for some �IRON� in its sound
    • Renowned Empirical Labs digitally controlled analog topology
    • Huge "DISTRESSOR" knobs with high resolution numbering for easy readability and repeatable settings
    • A �BAD!� hard clip LED indicates the signal is within .5 dB of hard clipping. It monitors many sections of the Preamp for internal clipping
    • Locked and calibrated output level allows speed in setting record and live mix levels
    • Extremely useful as a mixdown processor, too. Great for fitting the mixes together.
    • Discrete and integrated combination offering the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components. All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
    • Top quality components, most being high temperature military spec parts
    • Upgradeable transformer output option
    • Switchable 115/230 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit
    • XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs - XLR fully balanced design, pin-2 hot
    • No internal connectors, high reliability parts and military grade switches and relays. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability
    • Linkable Compressor section
    • Hand wired and calibrated in USA
    UPC: 854682006061
  • EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/Saturator

    The EL-9 Mike-e from Empirical Labs is a transformer-coupled mic preamp with compressor/saturator circuits that deliver classic knee compression, as well as versatile tonal coloring. This low noise transformer input amplifier section offers precise digital control over gain and has a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB. It features stepped control knobs for gain control and a "BAD!" LED indicator for alerting the user when input signal is overloading the circuit.

    The front panel instrument input that allows the unit to function as an ultra-clean Direct Box. The saturator is a multi-stage soft-clipping circuit that provides triode-type saturation effects, while severely flattening out the peaks. The compressor circuit is based on the Distressor, but with a longer attack time. Preset ratios include 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and Nuke. Emphasis improves the signal to noise ratio, while soft-clipping high frequencies before the CompSat circuit and cutting the frequencies after it.

    Mix provides the parallel compression technique achieved by mixing between the compressed and the dry, uncompressed signal. This can often help maintain transients and a sense of dynamic range while enhancing the low level nuances. A stereo link connector allows two Mike-e processors to be used for stereo buss functions, while the optional send/return insert modification allows for additional processors, such as the Lil Freq EQ, to be connected between the mic preamp and compressor, forming a powerful and flexible channel strip. The Mike-e ships with a standard IEC power cord.

    • Versatile and simple microphone pre-amplifier with a deep feature set
    • Pre-amplifier section offers a transformer input. Low signal-to-noise exceeds 130 dB, well below the self-noise of any microphone
    • Super long life gain switching with 5 dB increments in preamp section and output pot for fine resolution gain setting. Sealed relays used throughout
    • CompSat section soft saturates the peaks of waveforms to warm things up and offers a world-class compressor with detented parameter selections
    • Germanium circuitry in the CompSat section to offer new warming characteristics
    • Two CompSat LED indicators, one �WARM� and one �TOASTY� LED, indicating internal saturation circuitry
    • Emphasis function tames high frequency build-up, while offering frequency dependent saturation, which enhances Mike-E�s popular tape-like tone
    • High performance high-pass filter at 80 Hz, 18 dB per octave
    • Built in Instrument preamp/direct box with auto sensing passes the signal through the input transformer for some �IRON� in its sound
    • Renowned Empirical Labs digitally controlled analog topology
    • Huge "DISTRESSOR" knobs with high resolution numbering for easy readability and repeatable settings
    • A �BAD!� hard clip LED indicates the signal is within .5 dB of hard clipping. It monitors many sections of the Preamp for internal clipping
    • Locked and calibrated output level allows speed in setting record and live mix levels
    • Extremely useful as a mixdown processor, too. Great for fitting the mixes together.
    • Discrete and integrated combination offering the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components. All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path
    • Top quality components, most being high temperature military spec parts
    • Upgradeable transformer output option
    • Switchable 115/230 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit
    • XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs - XLR fully balanced design, pin-2 hot
    • No internal connectors, high reliability parts and military grade switches and relays. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability
    • Linkable Compressor section
    • Hand wired and calibrated in USA
    UPC: 854682006061
    In the Box
    Bundle Items
    • Limited 2-Year Warranty
    • Limited 2-Year Warranty

    Also Includes

    • 1/4" to 1/4" Stereo Linking Cable
    • Limited 2-Year Warranty
    • EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/Saturator
      Frequency Response No CompSat: 3 Hz to 200 kHz
      CompSat: 3 Hz to 150 kHz
      Optional Transformer Output: 6 Hz to 80 KHz
      Signal to Noise 130 dB at 40 dB gain
      Maximum Output: 28 dBu
      Distortion Range 0.0006 to 15% depending on mode and settings
      Input / Output Transformer coupled Input, active and transformer outputs available
      High quality audio caps used internally
      Impedance Input Impedance: 600 ohms at all frequencies, transformer coupled
      Output Impedance: less than 38 ohms
      Instrument Input Impedance: 332 kOhms
      Attack 0.9 to 70 msec
      Decay 0.15 to 1 sec
      Power Consumption 15 W maximum
      Dimensions (1 U) 1.7 x 19.0 x 10.0" / 4.3 x 48.3 x 25.4 cm
      Weight 11 lb / 5 kg
    • EL-9 Mike-e Microphone Preamp and Compressor/Saturator
      Frequency Response No CompSat: 3 Hz to 200 kHz
      CompSat: 3 Hz to 150 kHz
      Optional Transformer Output: 6 Hz to 80 KHz
      Signal to Noise 130 dB at 40 dB gain
      Maximum Output: 28 dBu
      Distortion Range 0.0006 to 15% depending on mode and settings
      Input / Output Transformer coupled Input, active and transformer outputs available
      High quality audio caps used internally
      Impedance Input Impedance: 600 ohms at all frequencies, transformer coupled
      Output Impedance: less than 38 ohms
      Instrument Input Impedance: 332 kOhms
      Attack 0.9 to 70 msec
      Decay 0.15 to 1 sec
      Power Consumption 15 W maximum
      Dimensions (1 U) 1.7 x 19.0 x 10.0" / 4.3 x 48.3 x 25.4 cm
      Weight 11 lb / 5 kg
      All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
      Shipping Notes
      • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
      • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
      • Delivery to the USA:
      1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
      • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
      Exchange/Return Notes
      • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
      • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
      • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
      • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
      SKU: 36718964446

      Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

      Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

      4.8 ★★★★★
      Based on 10 reviews
      Sort
      Highest Rating
      Newest First
      Oldest First
      Product Reviews
      L
      Verified Purchase
      LA and BM
      West Palm Beach, US
      ★★★★★ 5
      Fantastic for rosacea, PD, atopic dermatitis, dry skin
      I’ve been using this for close to a year and it is amazing for my super sensitive and dry skin. I have perioral dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea and live in Minnesota with bitter cold and the heater running over half the year. Cicalfate cream doesn’t flare any of these and it helps reduce redness and completely resolves dry skin. I use about a pea size amount AM and PM,, apply to dry skin, massage in, then mist with the Avene thermal water spray. Although the cream is thick, the slight white cast absorbs within a few minutes. I do not wear foundation so I don’t know how this affects it.it doesn’t burn my eyes and I’m a contact lens wearer. A big tube of cream lasts me the better part of a year.
      WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
      Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2025
      P
      Verified Purchase
      P. Lau
      Birmingham, US
      ★★★★★ 5
      Great for harsh winters
      I was recommended this product by ChatGPT as an effective and safe product that my wife (who is currently nursing) can use. We have been very mindful of certain additives and chemicals in our products and this was able to meet our requirements. Separately in the harsh winter in the northeast, this has been extremely effective in protecting the lips
      WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
      Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2026
      G
      Verified Purchase
      GG
      Boise, US
      ★★★★★ 1
      Ruined by Reformulation
      New formula update: They ruined this product by reformulating. Used to be so hydrating, long-lasting, and the only thing that gave me relief from eczema. Now it is somehow SO drying, oily, and all around terrible. Judging by reviews here and on their website many customers are unhappy with the change. Done with Avene. Original five star review: This is a great all around lip balm, but if you struggle with perioral dermatitis/eczema then you NEED this. If I'm experiencing a flare, I slather on cicalfate+ at night but I can't exactly walk around with that during the day which is where this lip product comes in. It is calming, hydrating, and long-lasting. I have gone through more tubes than I can count. This was my first time ordering through amazon and I am happy to report I received authentic Avene.
      WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
      Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
      B
      Verified Purchase
      BlackHeartNY
      Lowell, US
      ★★★★★ 5
      It’s a God Send
      I had a rash all around my lips and my lips got extremely dried out and started to peel. I used Avene Cicalfate Restorative Lip Cream and it really soothed my lips with the moisture they needed, and you don’t need to use a lot of this product. I plan on buying this again. Just wish the tube was bigger! I use other Avene products and I’m extremely happy with them.
      WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
      Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2026
      C
      Verified Purchase
      christine
      Cuba, US
      ★★★★★ 5
      Saved my skin barrier!!
      I rarely write reviews, but this product truly deserves it. I have sensitive, dry skin with mild to moderate rosacea that became even more fragile after chemotherapy. While trying to repair my skin barrier, I overdid it with actives and completely wrecked my skin — it was red, raw, burning, and peeling. I turned to ChatGPT for help, and this Avene Cicalfate+ was one of the top recommendations. I started using it about three weeks ago, and wow — the difference is incredible! My skin has healed beautifully. The redness is dramatically reduced, the irritation is gone, and my skin feels soft, smooth, and calm again. The texture is soft and luxurious without being sticky. I love that there’s no noticeable scent, which is perfect for sensitive skin. It arrived well packaged and intact. For the results it delivers, I consider it an amazing value and will absolutely repurchase again and again. If you’re on the fence about trying this, go for it — it truly rescued and revived my skin barrier. This is now a permanent part of my routine and 100% a holy grail product for me!
      WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
      Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2025

      recommand products