Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp by Softube compressor and saturation plugin interface

Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp: Saturation and Compression Plugin by Softube

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (137 ratings)

Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp is a native compressor and saturation plugin by Softube, modeled on the Empirical Labs Mike-E hardware. It combines a preamp, a CompSat section based on the Distressor, and a NUKE mode for heavy compression and distortion.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Softube developed Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp as a native version of the Empirical Labs Mike-E hardware, made in close collaboration with Dave Derr. The plugin pairs a punchy preamp with a CompSat section built on the ELI Distressor circuit. Emphasis modes, a multistage soft-clipping saturator and a dedicated NUKE mode let you shift the character of the compression and saturation, from subtle warmth to aggressive distortion.

Best for

Drum bus saturation
Bass warmth
Vocal compression
Parallel compression
Aggressive distortion
Electric guitar bite

Developer: Softube
Category: Compressors
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Native plugin version of the Empirical Labs Mike-E hardware
Preamp with up to +18 dB of gain
Hi-Pass and Phase filter at 80 Hz, 18 dB/octave
Multistage soft-clipping saturator with Drive and Toasty/Warm meter
Three emphasis modes: HF, HF2 and LF
Compressor based on the Distressor
NUKE mode with ratio presets from 1:1 to 8:1
External sidechain and Dry/Wet mix

03In depth

Compression and Saturation Character

The CompSat section is the core of the plugin. Its compressor is based on the Distressor, and it includes a multistage soft-clipping saturator with Drive and a Toasty/Warm meter. Three emphasis modes (HF, HF2 and LF) shape the tone before and after the compression stage.

The Ratio presets run from BYP and 1:1 through 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1, with a NUKE setting at the top. Attack times are set at 0.9, 8, 12, 20 and 100 ms, and Release times at 0.05, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 seconds. Softube's developer notes describe the NUKE mode as a steep, limiter-like setting.

Preamp, Filtering and Controls

The preamp offers up to +18 dB of gain and sits before the CompSat stage, so it can drive the compressor harder and add distortion ahead of it. A Hi-Pass filter and Phase control provide a vintage-style 18 dB/octave slope at 80 Hz.

External sidechain and a Dry/Wet mix control are included, giving you parallel compression and more control over how the processing sits in the mix.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Compressor
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp?

It is a native compressor and saturation plugin by Softube, based on the Empirical Labs Mike-E hardware. Its compressor section uses circuitry based on the ELI Distressor.

What formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats, for Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to use Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp?

You need a compatible 64-bit host such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, Studio One or Reaper, plus a Softube account and an iLok account. An internet connection is required to download installers and manage licenses.