Empath Mixer

Fader Response

The curves below represent the upper and lower limits for gain response vs fader position. Contour controls allow smooth and continuous adjustment between a slow fade and a fast cut.

Empath Mixer

Empath Mixers

The Empath mixer combines the vision of Grandmaster Flash and Rane technology. Compact size, exceptional performance and advanced features set the Empath mixer apart. The Empath is the most able 3-channel, 10" format mixer available. The name implies understanding, awareness and sensitivity to the needs of DJs. The top plate is durable Lexan™, available in 4 color versions:

• Black on Black
• Rotary Empath
• Original Blue
• Grandmaster Flash Gold Signature Edition

All four versions have the same operating features. The Empath meets the requirements of all DJ genres: trance · downtempo · techno · breakbeat · hip-hop · scratch · house · drum & bass · live music · freestyle · reggae · hardcore · chill...

Features Important to DJs

• Universal internal power supply. When traveling, finding power supply adapters is difficult. The Empath accepts 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power, for use anywhere in the world without adapters.
• Auto-Gain prevents performance-wrecking swings in program level when changing sources. The music is never too soft or clipped.
• FlexFX™ is a post-fader external stereo effects loop with individual Dry/Wet pan controls for Inputs 1, 2, 3 and the Mic.
• Penny & Giles™ faders are simply the best money can buy. Smooth, accurate and reliable mixing by employing the most respected name in audio faders.
• Two kinds of fader caps are provided for different preferences: soft rubber caps for smooth mixing, and hard plastic caps for fast mixing.
• Flash-Cue allows rapidly selecting Crossfader A-Cue-sum or Crossfader B-Cue-sum with one switch, more complicated on other mixers.
• Multiple Outputs. Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a club with the wrong cables. Systems may have XLR, TRS or RCA connectors. The Empath provides all 3.
• Low and High headphone tone controls make your headphones sound better.
• Both 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphone jacks are simultaneously usable. More headphones are compatible with the Empath.
• Two assignable CD triggers work with any CD player with fader start ability.
• Accelerated-Slope™, full-cut, 3-band tone controls are the most flexible and highest quality available.
• Crossfader assign switches allow any Input Channel to be mixed on the A-side, B-side or Post Crossfader.
• Level meters view Stereo Cue, Stereo Master Mix, Split Cue or Main Output signals.

• 12 Inch Skinz can customize the look of your Empath and other gear
• Style Flip can customize the look of your Empath and other gear

Empath Mixer

Auto-Gain looks at the input signal level (black line) and compares it to the ideal or “Target” level (0 dB). With Auto-Gain on, the gain is increased when it’s above -16 dB, and decreased when it goes over the 0 dB Target (red line). A 3 dB increase or decrease in input level results in 1 dB increase/decrease in output level. It turns the gain down at a rate of 32 dB per second, and turns the gain up at a rate of 5.33 dB per second. Once Auto-Gain is active and falls below -16 dB, it is held indefinitely (blue line).

The Level is monitored at the Cue point, after the Gain trim and after EQ, but before the channel fader. The Input 1-2-3 Auto-Gain switch affects all three channels or none.

To monitor Auto-Gain with the Cue meter system:

• Set A-CUE-B switch to CUE position.
• Select the desired Cue source.
• Set SPLIT CUE switch to “IN” position.
• Set CUE/MASTER Pan to center position.
• Set meter CUE/MAIN source switch “IN” to CUE.
• The level before Auto-Gain is shown on the left meter.
• The level after Auto-Gain is shown on the right meter.

Set the Input Gain trim so normal input levels result in 0 dB on the meter with or without Auto-Gain engaged.

CASE 3 Mixer Road Case

This case is made from high impact NK-7 resin designed to absorb the shocks of transport. While being watertight, it is equipped with an automatic pressure release valve to equalize pressure inside the case. There's added space beneath the mixer for cables, phono cartridges and other small items. The case measures 7.5" x 16" x 19.75" (19 x 41 x 50 cm). Shipping weight is 17 pounds (7.72 kg), unboxed and empty is 10 pounds (4.53 kg). US customers may purchase the case from your dealer or at the Rane Online Store. Customers in other countries please contact your distributor.

MFC 1 Mixer Foam Cover

This dense foam cover is an inexpensive protection for all the knobs and sliders on your precious mixer. The cover installs easily with two velcro straps. Now you can put your Empath in a suitcase or backpack without fear of damaging the controls on the way to your show. The cover measures a thin 1" x 10.5" x 13.5" (2.6 x 26.7 x 34.3 cm). The cover weight is only 5.2 ounces (148 grams). Shipping weight is 1 pound (400 grams) and the box is 2.5" x 15.25" x 15.25" (76 x 465 x 465 cm).

• USA customers may purchase from the Rane Factory Store.
• Customers in other countries may purchase through their distributor.

Empath Mixer

User Comments

• Rane makes unmatched quality products. This is my 6th piece of Rane equipment, it's excellent. - John, MD
• Best fader on the market! - Robert, NY
• Love the company and the products. Will only use Rane mixers. - Mark, MD
• I've waited a long time for a Rane quality mixer, now that I have it, the possibilities seem endless. - Gabe, WA
• Best fader on the market! - Robert, NY
• Very rugged, great sound quality, and excellent EQs and sliders. - Late Night Production, CA
• Awesome mixer - nothing else like it on the market. - Steven, MA
• Very good sounding. Clean and sharp. - Justin, CA
• This truly is a great mixer. I've had a few before this and played with a couple more, and none of the others even comes close. - Justin, TX
• Flawless!! - Edwin, OR
• You guys make great gear and I stand by your products. Keep up the quality and I will be happy! - Gregory, CA
• The adjustable crossfaders are especially crisp. the best I've come across. - Johnathan, TN

Reviews

• Empath Review from Remix, March 2003 (400k)
• Empath Review from DJ Times, November 2003 (450k)
• Empath Review from Sono Magazine, France, November 2003 (1.5M)

Empath Specifications

Empath Mixers

• Empath Data Sheet (1.8M)
• Rotary Empath Cut Sheet (900k)
• Road Case Cut Sheet (300k)
• Mixer Accessories Data Sheet (2M)
• Empath Manual [fader versions] (600k)
• Rotary Empath Manual (1.1M)
• Empath Advertisement (2.2M)
• Empath Schematic (400k)
• Mixer Accessories Data Sheet (6M)
• Rane recommends CaiLube MCL fader cleaner and lubricant available from CAIG Laboratories

JPGs

• JPG: Blue Empath photo, 300 ppi (500k)
• JPG: Black Empath photo front, 300 ppi (400k)
• JPG: Black Empath photo side, 300 ppi (400k)
• JPG: Rotary Empath photo, 300 ppi (400k)
• JPG: Gold Empath photo, 300 ppi (800k)
• JPG: Rotary Empath graphic, 300 ppi (300k)
• JPG: Blue Empath graphic, 300 ppi (300k)
• JPG: Black Empath graphic, 300 ppi (300k)
• JPG: Gold Empath graphic, 300 ppi (300k)
• JPG: Empath front panel photo, 300 ppi (100k)
• JPG: Empath rear panel photo, 300 ppi (100k)
• JPG: Grandmaster Flash at the Rane factory (200k)
• 12 Inch Skinz can customize the look of your Empath and other gear
• Style Flip can customize the look of your Empath and other gear
• Rane logos and use policy

Other Rane Mixers

• SL 2 with Serato Scratch Live is the new two-deck standard.
• SL 3 for Serato Scratch Live is the advanced 3-deck professional interface.
• SL 4 for Serato Scratch Live is the advanced 4-deck professional interface.
• TTM 57SL Mixer with Serato Scratch Live, two buses & internal digital effects.
• Sixty-One Mixer with Serato Scratch Live, two bus turntablist mixer.
• Sixty-Two Mixer with Serato Scratch Live, two buses & internal digital effects.
• Sixty-Eight Mixer with Serato Scratch Live, four buses & internal digital effects.
• MP25 Club Mixer with USB mixes vinyl & CD with Core Audio and ASIO applications.
• MP26 Club Mixer with USB and internal effects for Core Audio and ASIO applications.
• MP 2S Compact Mixer with two buses, fits in one rack space.
• MP 2016S Rotary Rack Mixer and XP 2016S Expander, for club installations.
• TTM 56S Performance Mixer - the world's most popular 2-bus turntablist mixer.
• Discontinued Rane mixer manuals are found here.