Twin Pak exists for stereo recording — drum overheads, room mic pairs, string sections — where both channels need to behave identically, not just similarly. Each Mike-E is a complete voice channel: a transformer input stage with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130dB, the proprietary CompSat section combining saturation and compression, an Emphasis circuit, and a front-panel instrument preamp.
A matched pair for stereo recording without compromise
Preamp gain is switched in 5dB steps on long-life switches immune to the aging and noise problems typical of potentiometers, which means both channels of the pair can be set to a genuinely identical value rather than something eyeballed close on a knob's scale. Stereo-linking ties the CompSat sections of both units together, so when one channel catches a stronger transient the other reacts along with it instead of pulling the stereo image to one side. A "BAD!" indicator monitors multiple points inside the circuit simultaneously and lights when the signal comes within 0.5dB of hard clipping, making it possible to run levels close to the edge without surprises.
Color and compression right at the input, before conversion
The CompSat section is a multi-stage soft-clip circuit: triode-type saturation engages at lower levels, and a second circuit flattens peaks as level increases, with germanium components adding a characteristic warmth — WARM and TOASTY LEDs indicate which stage is currently active. The compressor is built on Distressor circuitry but with a longer attack time and ready-made ratios of 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, plus a Nuke mode, and a Mix knob blends dry signal back into the compressed path to preserve transients typical of parallel compression. The Emphasis circuit boosts and softly clips the high end before the CompSat stage, then cuts it afterward, improving signal-to-noise through the same mechanism analog tape decks once used. A front-panel instrument input turns each unit into a clean DI box, and pairing with a Lil FrEQ equalizer builds a complete channel strip.
KEY FEATURES
- Two Mike-E (EL9) units sold as a matched pair
- Transformer-coupled mic preamp, S/N above 130dB
- 5dB stepped gain control plus an output pot for fine-resolution level setting
- "BAD!" indicator monitoring internal overload at multiple points in the circuit
- CompSat section: multi-stage triode-type saturation plus a Distressor-topology compressor
- Preset compression ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, and Nuke mode, with a longer attack time
- Mix knob for parallel compression (blending dry and compressed signal)
- Two-stage Emphasis circuit improving signal-to-noise
- Stereo-linking tying the CompSat sections of both units together
- Front-panel instrument input (DI-box function)
- Military-spec components, sealed relays, no internal connectors
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Units included: 2 x Mike-E (EL9)
- Preamp signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 130dB
- Gain step size: 5dB, with an output pot for fine trim
- Compressor ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1, Nuke
- "BAD!" warning threshold: 0.5dB before hard clipping
- Instrument input: front-panel DI box
- Audio-path components: metal film and Roederstein resistors, military-spec parts
