Empirical Labs Mike-E Comp is a meticulously crafted compressor, saturator, and preamp plugin developed in close collaboration with Dave Derr, the mastermind behind the renowned ELI Distressor. This native plugin captures the unique character of the original hardware, offering a punchy preamp stage with distortion options, three distinct emphasis modes, and the powerful NUKE mode for extreme processing. Mike-E's multi-stage saturation and compression deliver warmth and presence without harshness, making it ideal for a wide range of sound sources from drums and bass to vocals and guitars.

Built on Softube’s extensive legacy of professional gear modeling, Mike-E combines precise component-level emulation and expertly tuned circuitry to reproduce the signature analog tone of the Distressor’s CompSat section. The preamp section adds bold, crunchy character, allowing users to drive the compressor harder for increased saturation and dynamic control. The intuitive interface, featuring authentic controls and clear labeling, ensures a seamless workflow, making it easy to sculpt sounds with both subtlety and aggression. Additionally, Mike-E extends its capabilities as a module within Softube’s Amp Room platform, enhancing guitar and bass tones with its distinctive sonic signature.

Mike-E excels in delivering beefy, punchy drums with clear decay, fat and harmonically rich bass, and smooth, warm acoustic guitars. Its soft-knee compression and triode-style saturation bring clarity and presence to vocals and electric guitars without brittleness. The plugin’s Wet/Dry mix, external sidechain, and attack presets provide flexible control for creative sound shaping. Whether used as a mix workhorse or an artistic effect, Mike-E offers a powerful blend of analog warmth and modern precision, making it a compelling addition to any producer’s toolkit.