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Empirical Labs MIKE-E User Manual

Empirical Labs MIKE-E
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Mike-E
Warranty and Factory Service
This Empirical Labs Inc. product is covered by a limited warranty covering full parts and labor
for 2 years from the purchase date. The warranty is only effective if the owner has returned his or her
warranty card. See warranty card for further details.
Should problems arise, call Empirical Labs at 973 541 9447 or visit our website below, then
pack the unit up well1, with a note explaining the problem and return to Empirical Labs for repair.
Include your name, address, phone number, and the date of purchase. Send the unit with freight
prepaid to the address below:
Empirical Labs, Attn Repairs.
41 N. Beverwyck Rd.
Lake Hiawatha, NJ. 07034
We can also be reached on the Web at www.empiricallabs.com by selecting CONTACT and then
“Techsupport” to email repair requests or information to Empirical Labs.
1) Pack the unit in original carton if possible. Otherwise, pack with bubble pack and /or foam in a
thick corrugated box. Shipping people are absolutely brutal to large packages and you must take
every precaution against constant dropping, throwing, and crushing. We are not liable for products
damaged during shipping.
Other Empirical Labs Products:
1) Distressor EL8 - Classic Knee Compressor. Used on thousands of major records.
2) Distressor EL8X - The original Distressor on Steroids. Can emulate 1176 all-buttons-in mode.
3) Fatso Jr Two channels of Full Analog Tape Simulation and Optimization
4) Lil FrEQ An EQ with 8 Sections of unparalleled tonal contouring.
5) EL500 Best 2 slot API compatible powered rack made
6) DocDerr Tone Doctor, and Empirical Labs’ first API 500 Compatible compressor.
Upgrades
There are elements inside the Mike-E that were designed to be "modifiable". Although we cannot
guarantee it at this time, Empirical Labs may release information and hardware options that will allow
owners to alter performance parameters of their Mike-E. Most of these modifiable elements will
probably not improve the performance, but will offer other very cool signal processing variations. If
you have sent in a properly filled out warranty card, we will keep you apprised of these
developments.
Do not attempt to modify or make adjustments to your Mike-E until you have notified Empirical
Labs and been sent the necessary information. There are a number of critical adjustments that
cannot be made properly without the calibration tools we have here at the factory. Any sign of
internal adjustment by the user will void your warranty with the exception of changing the fuses or
line voltage selection. Empirical Labs Inc. takes no responsibility for the safety of anyone
opening the Mike-E for any reason. There are dangerous voltages present when unit is
plugged in. Refer unit to properly qualified service center or return to factory.
Technology for the Artist
Mic Preamp With Some New Tricks
INDEX
Page Item
1 Features & Specs
2 What Is Mike-E?
2 Using for the First Time –
o Setting Mic Gain! – The “Clip Test”
3-6 Example Settings of the EQ
7-8 Recall Sheet
9 Example Settings (Continued)
9 Mike-E Pet Tricks
10 Wiring & Cable Facts
10 Options & Upgrades
11 Block Diagram
11 Section Details
12 Section Details (Continued)
12 Mix Control
13 Stereo Operation (Using the Link Comp)
13 Fuse Replacement, and AC Voltage Select
13 Troubleshooting
14 Customer Comments
15 Warranty (Rear Cover)
Empirical Labs - Technology for the Artist
Empirical
Labs
OUT
Line
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
10
60
Bad!
Clip
INST.
IN
(Auto Sense)
80Hz
48V!
Toasty
Warm
HF Emphasis
Link Comp
20
BYP Nuke
1:1
2:1 4:1
8:1
Dry
.5
.25
.05
.1
100mS
20
.9mS
8
PHANT
COMP MODE
16 13 10 8 5 3 1
RATIO ATTACK RELEASE
MIX
Comp
PHASE
GAIN (dB)
mS SecRatio
(Hi-Z)
DRIVE
0
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10

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Empirical Labs MIKE-E Specifications

General IconGeneral
TypeMicrophone Preamplifier
Channels1
EQNo
CompressorYes
Phantom PowerYes
Inputs1 x XLR
OutputsXLR
Power SupplyExternal power supply
Input Impedance1.5 kΩ

Summary

Mike-E Features and Technical Specifications

Core Preamp and CompSat Capabilities

Combines high-performance preamp, CompSat section, Germanium circuitry, and Emphasis function.

Understanding the Mike-E's Core Circuits and Initial Use

Mike-E's Seven Key Circuits

Overview of the seven distinct circuits that define the Mike-E's functionality.

Setting Microphone Gain: The CLIP TEST

Essential procedure for setting mic gain accurately using the CLIP TEST for optimal headroom.

Using the CompSat Circuit Effectively

How to utilize the CompSat circuit for compression and saturation with recommended settings.

Utilizing the Instrument Input

Simple instructions for using the Instrument Input (DI) for guitars, bass, etc.

Comprehensive Example Settings for Various Sources

Advanced Example Settings: Saturation and Guitar Tones

Advanced Example Settings: Synths, Drums, and Cymbals

Advanced Example Settings: Bass, Mix Bus, and Room Mics

Bass Guitar Processing

Detailed guide to tracking bass, including DI use, saturation, and compression for clarity.

Mike-E Pet Tricks and Advanced Applications

Block Diagram and Detailed Circuit Sections

Mic Preamp and Highpass Filter

Details on the low-noise mic preamp and the specialized 3rd order highpass filter.

Detailed Circuit Explanations: Phase and CompSat

Compressor Circuit Operation

Explains the compressor's operation, ratios, attack, release, and different modes.

Mix Circuit for Blending Signals

Details the mix control for blending compressed and dry signals for dynamic range.

Operational Procedures: Stereo, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance

Troubleshooting No Audio Output

Steps to diagnose and resolve issues when no sound is produced.

Troubleshooting Clipping and Distortion

Diagnosing and fixing clipping and distorted audio output issues.

Troubleshooting Compressor and Noise Issues

Resolving problems with the compressor not working or noisy signal output.

Troubleshooting Unit Power and Phantom Power

Addressing issues related to no power, blown fuses, and phantom power functionality.

Warranty, Service, and Other Products

Limited Warranty Coverage Details

Details the 2-year limited warranty for parts and labor and required registration.

Return for Repair and Factory Service

Instructions for returning the unit for repair, including contact information and packing advice.