Softube and Empirical Labs present Mike-E Comp, a native plug-in combining a punchy preamp, multi-stage soft-clip saturator, and Distressor-based compressor for versatile analog-style coloration.
Purpose
Mike-E Comp is a single plug-in that merges a preamp, a compressor, and a saturator. The compressor section is modeled after the ELI Distressor, while the saturator employs a multi-stage soft-clipping circuit. This design provides warm, analog-style tone shaping across various audio sources.
Developed with Dave Derr and Empirical Labs, the plug-in authentically replicates the hardware’s character. It offers a punchy preamp with stepped gain, three Emphasis modes, and NUKE mode for extreme compression. The result is a versatile tool for adding musical coloration without harshness.
Key Capabilities
The CompSat section forms the core, featuring a Distressor-style compressor with ratio presets from bypass to 8:1 plus NUKE. Multiple attack and release times allow for flexible dynamics control. The multi-stage soft-clipping saturator adds drive and warmth, monitored via a Toasty/Warm meter.
The preamp provides up to +18 dB of gain with a vintage-style high-pass filter at 80 Hz and phase inversion. Three Emphasis modes (HF, HF2, LF) shape high frequencies before and after the CompSat circuit. Wet/Dry mix and external sidechain support enhance integration into mixing workflows.
Workflow
In a DAW, Mike-E can be inserted on individual tracks or buses. The preamp’s stepped gain lets you push the CompSat section harder for increased saturation and compression. The interface features intuitive controls and chunky knobs, mirroring the hardware for a straightforward experience.
For Amp Room users, Mike-E is included as a module, expanding guitar and bass tone-shaping possibilities. It also works within Softube’s Console 1 mixing system. The plug-in supports external sidechain routing and offers a Dry/Wet mix for parallel processing, making it easy to blend effected and clean signals.
Practical Applications
Mike-E excels on drums, adding punch and clarity to decay in dense mixes. It warms and smooths acoustic guitar recordings, and lends soft-knee compression to vocals. On bass, it delivers fat, harmonically rich tones. Electric guitars gain bite without brittleness.
NUKE mode provides a steep, limiter-like compression suitable for drum room mics or any source needing aggressive control. The preamp’s distortion can be applied before the CompSat section for added grit. Its versatility makes it a mix workhorse for shaping transients, decay, and saturation across genres.
Key features
- Preamp with up to +18 dB gain and stepped control
- Compressor based on the ELI Distressor with ratios including NUKE
- Multi-stage soft-clipping saturator with Toasty/Warm meter
- Three Emphasis modes: HF, HF2, LF
- Wet/Dry mix and external sidechain
- High-pass filter at 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave, and phase invert
- Amp Room module and Console 1 compatibility
Best for
Best for producers and engineers seeking analog-style coloration on drums, bass, vocals, and guitars. Its combined preamp, saturation, and compression suits mixing workflows, while NUKE mode handles extreme dynamics. Also ideal for Amp Room users wanting unique character tools for bass and guitar tones.