Detail 01
CompSat
Compression and saturation in one stage, so level control and harmonic thickening happen together rather than as separate moves.
Product detailSKU #1298938761109
Empirical LabsMike-E Mic Pre with Compression and Saturation
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Single-channel mic preamp with built-in compression and saturation, aimed at tracking engineers who want the sound committed on the way in.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Tracking vocals where you want compression printed to the recording
- Adding weight to a DI bass or synth before conversion
- A one-input front end for a small room or mobile rig
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Anyone needing more than one channel at once
- Engineers who prefer clean capture and all processing in the box
- Budget first-interface buyers — this costs more than most interfaces
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
130 dB signal-to-noise at 40 dB gain
The preamp stays quiet at working gain, so quiet sources and ribbon mics do not bring up hiss.
Detail 03
Attack 0.9–100 ms, decay 0.15–1 sec
Fast enough to catch vocal peaks, slow enough to let a bass note breathe between hits.
Detail 04
Distortion 0.0006% to 15%
Runs effectively clean or pushes into heavy, intentional saturation depending on how hard you drive it.
Detail 05
Optional transformer output
Trades extended bandwidth for a narrower, weightier character — a tonal choice, not an upgrade.
Detail 06
600 ohm input impedance
A lower loading value that can tighten some dynamic and ribbon mics rather than leaving them wide open.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Output is line level — you still need an interface or converter to record
- 02One channel only, so stereo sources need a second unit
- 03Compression printed on the way in cannot be undone later
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Do I still need an audio interface?
Yes. This handles the mic preamp and processing, then feeds a line input on your interface or converter for analog-to-digital conversion.
02Can I use it as a standalone compressor?
The compression and saturation stage is part of the channel, so you would run a line source through it rather than bypassing the front end.
03Is it stereo?
No. It is a single channel. Stereo work means running two units linked as a pair.
04Is the compression always on?
The CompSat section is engaged by choice. Frequency response is wider with it out, which tells you it is a defeatable stage, not permanent.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsSound
- Frequency Response
- 3Hz - 200kHz (No CompSat); with CompSat: 3Hz - 150Khz Optional transformer output: 6Hz-80kHz
3 detailsConnections & power
- Input Impedance
- 600 ohm
- Output Impedance
- Less than 38 ohm
- Power Consumption
- 15 watts max.
3 detailsOther
- Signal to Noise
- 130dB signal-to-noise at 40dB gain, maximum output +28dBu
- Attack Decay Ranges
- - .9 - 100mS attack, .15 - 1 sec. decay
- Distortion
- Ranges between .0006% and 15% depending on mode and settings
