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empath

Empath Mixers

NOTE: All four versions of the Empath Mixer have been discontinued.blue

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™ in four color versions:

  • Black Empath
  • Rotary Black Empath
  • Original Blue Empath
  • 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.

Empath Specifications

Parameter Specification Conditions/Comments
Phono Inputs: 3 stereo unbalanced RCA jacks
..........Response RIAA ±1 dB
..........Input Impedance 47.5 kΩ, 200 pF 1 kHz
..........Gain 36 dB 1 kHz
Line Inputs: 3 stereo unbalanced RCA jacks
.........Input Impedance 3.4 kΩ minimum 1 kHz
.........Gain -12 to +12 dB 1 kHz
.........Tone controls, 3-band Accelerated-Slope™ Full cut, see graph
Auxiliary Input: 1 stereo unbalanced RCA jacks
.........Input Impedance 10 kΩ 1 kHz
.........Gain Off to +10 dB 1 kHz
FlexFx Return: Stereo unbalanced ¼" TRS jacks
.........Input Impedance 10 kΩ 1 kHz
.........Gain Off to +6 dB 1 kHz
Mic Input: Active balanced ¼" TRS jack
.........Input Impedance 1022 Ω 511 Ω each leg to ground
.........Gain Off to +50 dB 1 kHz
.........Freq. Response 20 to 20 kHz +0, -3 dB, Max gain
.........CMRR >40 dB 1 kHz, Max gain
.........S/N 76 dB, Re +4 dBu 20-20k, gain 50 dB
.........Tone Control 2-band, ±12 dB See graph
Main & Booth Output: Stereo balanced XLR jacks, ¼" TRS jacks
.........Maximum Output +24 dBu
.........Output Impedance 100 Ω balanced each leg
.........Gain Off to +6 dB
.........Freq. Response 20 Hz to 30 kHz +0, -3 dB
.........THD+N 0.05% Re +4 dBu, 20 kHz BW
.........S/N 88 dB at unity gain Re +4 dBu, 20 kHz BW
Aux Output: Stereo unbalanced RCA jacks
.........Maximum Output +20 dBu
.........Output Impedance 300 Ω 1 kHz
.........Gain Off to 0 dB
FlexFX Send: Stereo unbalanced ¼" TRS jack
.........Output Impedance 300 Ω 1 kHz
.........Gain Off to +6 dB
Headphones: Stereo 3.5mm and ¼" TRS jacks
.........Power output 150 mW 150 Ω load
1-2-3 Auto-Gain Automatic gain, inputs 1-3 max adjust range ±12 dB
.........Target 0 dBu (775 mV) no gain change
.........Threshold –16 dBu (123 mV) AGC actions starts, Gain holds indefinitely below threshold
.........Ratio 3:1 Input : output change
.........Gain Increase 5.33 dB/second see graph
.........Gain Decrease 32 dB/second see graph
Power Requirement 100-240 VAC, ±10% 50/60 Hz, 20 watts
Ambient Temperature 50º C (122º F) maximum
Agency Listing: UL UL6500 E193164
..........cUL (Canada) CAN/CSAE60065-00
..........CE LVD 73/23/EEC EN60065
EMI: CE EMC Directive 89/336/EEC
.........FCC Part 15J Certified Class B Device
Construction All Steel
Unit: Size 13.3"H x 10"W x 3"D (33.8 x 25.4 x 7.7 cm)
..........Weight: 9 lb (4.1 kg)
Shipping: Size 7.75"H x 12.75"W x 19.25"D (19.7 cm x 32.5 cm x 49 cm)
..........Weight: 12 lb (5.5 kg)

Empath Support

When I use the 1/4" balanced outputs, no signal comes out, but the RCA jacks work fine. Why?

Typically this is caused by incorrect adapters being used. There is a 1/4" to RCA adapter available which looks balanced at the 1/4" end, but it's not. There is no such thing as a balanced 1/4" to RCA adapter. Those which have two insulators (look for two black stripes) and resemble a common stereo headphone plug are just that: a stereo plug. It's not balanced and won't work in the 1/4" output jacks. The correct adapter is an unbalanced (i.e. "mono") 1/4" plug to RCA jack. This is not the best way to hookup the mixer, but usually can be done without damage. If no adapter is being used, check the wiring at the other end. A balanced 1/4" cable should connect to an XLR plug as follows: Tip = Pin 2, Ring = Pin 3 and Sleeve = Pin 1. Connect all three wires and do not short any of them together at either end.

When I use a single cup headphone the sound is distorted. What's wrong?

Single cup headphones are bad because they mono the left and right, which can distort or damage the mixer's high-power headphone amplifier.

What crossfaders can I install in my unit?

There are a few exceptions, but for the most part only one type of crossfader can be installed in any Rane mixer. Click here to see what the part numbers are in the Crossfader Replacement Chart.

Should I use a cleaner on the slide controls?

Absolutely! We use very high quality (high cost) slide pots and like a fine race car, maintenance is critical. If you keep the pot clean and lubricated it will last many years. If you neglect them then try to restore them with a generic cleaner you will just have to replace them. Don't just use any "contact cleaner", see our Detailed Slide Pot Care Procedure.

If the above options don't answer your question, or it's urgent...
Phone 425-355-6000, 8:30 AM to 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.
If it's less urgent, you can email the factory.
For local service within the USA, find a service center.