Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp

Name: Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp
Price: 65 USD
Author: Softube

by Softube · Compressor · Preamp compressor

Not rated yet

A plugin combining the Empirical Labs Mike-E preamp and saturator with a Distressor-derived compressor.

Best for: Vocals, Drums, Bass. Genres: all genres.

Keywords: bass, drums, hardware emulation, mixing, vocals, 90s, aggressive, crunchy, external sidechain, built-in mix knob, sidechain input, single-band, soft clip.

What it does

Combines the Empirical Labs Mike-E preamp and saturation with a compressor derived from the Distressor, made with Dave Derr.

Preamp: stepped gain with a crunchy distortion stage ahead of the CompSat section.
CompSat: multi-stage soft-clipping saturation with compression.
Emphasis modes: three settings that boost highs before compression and cut them after.
NUKE mode: limiter-like attack and release for aggressive transient control.
Also: wet/dry mix, external side-chain and attack presets. Includes an Amp Room module.

Source: Softube product page

When to use it

Choose it for saturation and compression in one stage, with parallel mixing. It's related to the rated UA Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor, but bundles a preamp-style drive. Suits vocals, drums, bass and guitars in rock, pop and hip-hop.

Where to buy

AudioDeluxe: $65 (regular $159)
Softube: $159
Plugin Boutique: $159

Tutorials and reviews

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