01 · Source
4 documented inputs
jack quarter + XLR female
- Arrives as
- 4 documented inputs
- Connector
- jack quarter + XLR female
- Signal
- analog audio
Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E
Price tracker
Awaiting retailer match~$1,699
Catalog estimate
Price history
No verified retailer history yet. The catalog estimate is a planning reference; retailer prices and availability may differ.
Price estimate~$1,699
Price tracker
Awaiting retailer match~$1,699
Catalog estimate
Price history
No verified retailer history yet. The catalog estimate is a planning reference; retailer prices and availability may differ.
- Documented outputs
- 22 destination connections
- Documented inputs
- 4Based on documented inputs
- Rack space
- 1UBuilder checks available rail space
- Power draw
- UnverifiedPower requirement is not verified in the catalog
- Catalog estimate
- ~$1,699Use retailer rows for current price and stock
Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Overview
The payoff
Mic Preamp decisions, organized around the whole rig.
Empirical Labs EL-9 Mike-E Microphone PreampThe gain stage that lifts a mic’s tiny signal up to line level — the first thing a signal hits, and a big part of how a console sounds. & Compressor. Plan its source-defined physical connections and placement in your rig.
- Documented outputs
- 22 destination connections
- Documented inputs
- 4Based on documented inputs
- Rack space
- 1UBuilder checks available rail space
Signal path for Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E
Learn the route as a block diagram: source, product function, transport, and destination. Select any block to see what enters, what changes, and what leaves.
Interactive block diagramAuto-looping · hover, focus, or tap to hold a stage
Port-type signalProduct functionSystem boundary
Follow one signal from source to destination
01 · Source · selectedEach block answers the same three questions: what arrives, what changes here, and what leaves.
Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E I/O ports
Switch the product view and the documented port inventory updates with it—hardware and data stay side by side.
Every connector, grouped by job.
Switch panels to keep the hardware view and the documented port list in sync.
| Port | Panel | Connector | Direction | Signal | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INST. IN (HI-Z AUTO SENSE) | front | jack quarter | input | analog audio | — |
| LINK | rear | jack quarter | bidirectional | analog audio | — |
| Side Chain | rear | jack quarter | bidirectional | analog audio | — |
| Active OUTPUT Un-Bal | rear | jack quarter | output | analog audio | — |
| Balanced INPUT | rear | jack quarter | input | analog audio | — |
| Active OUTPUT BAL | rear | XLR male | output | analog audio | — |
| Balanced INPUT Low Z | rear | XLR female | input | analog audio | — |
| AC Inlet | rear | IEC C14 | input | power | — |
Showing 8 of 8 documented physical ports.
Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E Alternatives
| Compare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | 📐 1U | 📐 1U | 📐 1U | 📐 2U |
| Power | ⚡ Unverified | ⚡ 18W | ⚡ 19.2W | ⚡ Unverified |
| Weight | ⚖️ Unlisted | ⚖️ 9.9 lb | ⚖️ 10.4 lb | ⚖️ 22.0 lb |
| I/O | 🔌 8 | 🔌 5 | 🔌 13 | 🔌 7 |
| Estimate | 💵 ~$1,699 | 💵 ~$1,995 | 💵 ~$3,995 | 💵 ~$2,895 |
| Deep dive | Current selection | Full comparison → | Full comparison → | Full comparison → |
Before you buy an Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E
Short, source-backed answers surface rack fit, power, cabling, and connection details before they become surprises.
How will the Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E affect rack fit and case depth?
It occupies 1U. Its documented depth is 254 mm.
How much power does the Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E draw?
Its power requirement is not yet verified in the catalog.
What connections does the Empirical Labs EL9 Mike-E have?
8 documented physical ports, including INST. IN (HI-Z AUTO SENSE), LINK, Side Chain, Active OUTPUT Un-Bal, Balanced INPUT, Active OUTPUT BAL.
Complete the system
Audio Interface
Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II 16x16 SE Thunderbolt 3
Connect the analog signal path to a recording or playback computer.
Check: Check conversion channels, host connection, software support and line levels.
2U · 12 ports · ~$6,999Compressor
API 2500+
Control dynamics after the microphone preamp.
Check: Use compatible line-level connections and plan headroom.
1U · 7 ports · ~$3,295
Patch Bay
Behringer PX3000 Ultrapatch Pro
Bring frequently used connections to an accessible patch point.
Check: Match the signal format and connector; document normalled or pass-through routing.
1U · 2 ports · ~$49
Rack Case
Gator GR-6L 6U Rack Case
Protect and transport the rack-mounted part of the system.
Check: Allow for total rack units, installed depth, weight and rear cable clearance.
Outside rack · 0 ports · ~$169