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Originally posted by Tegu Thinking of getting a Rane Empath...does anyone on here own one or know anything about it. I'll be using it for trance/house/downtempo...THANKS

Excellent and prolly one of the best mixers in 3ch class.

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. Only the Empath mixer offers:
Features:
Universal, internal switching power supply
10" wide format
Automatic gain control
Accelerated-SlopeTM, full-cut, 3-band tone controls Dry/Wet pan on Mic, Channels 1, 2 and 3
Versatile, post fader FlexFXTM effects loop
Crossfader assign for each input channel
Four Penny & GilesTM Faders
Automatic Flash-CueTM
Two-band headphone tone controls
Two assignable CD triggers
1/8" and 1/4" Headphone jacks
Cue and Master metering
XLR, 1/4" TRS and RCA outputs
The Empath mixer meets the requirements of all DJ genres: trance · progressive · techno · electro · jungle · breaks · funk · hip hop · scratch · house · disco · drum 'n' bass · acid · live music · goa · dance hall · freestyle · reggae · dub · garage · goa · ambient · gabber · rap
Features Important to DJs
When traveling, finding power supply adapters is difficult. A universal, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz internal power supply allows using the mixer anywhere in the world. Auto-Gain prevents performance-wrecking swings in program level when changing sources. The music is never too soft or clipped.
The FlexFX external effects loop with individual Dry/Wet pan controls for Mic, Input Channels 1, 2 and 3, provides versatility for the most demanding mixing styles. Smooth, accurate and reliable mixing is made possible by employing the most respected name in audio faders. Penny & Giles faders are simply the best money can buy.
Cue selection for a three-channel mixer can be slow and complicated. Flash-Cue allows the DJ to rapidly select Crossfader A-Cue-sum or Crossfader B-Cue-sum with the flick of a switch.
Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a club and finding their jacks don't match. Systems may have XLR, TRS or RCA connectors. The Empath provides all three. Two-band headphone tone controls allow the DJ to match their mixer to their headphones. More headphones are compatible with the Empath. It provides both 1/8" and 1/4" headphone jacks, which may be used simultaneously.
Two assignable CD triggers work with any CD player with fader start ability.
The Accelerated-Slope, full-cut, 3-band tone controls are the most flexible and highest quality available. Crossfader assign switches for each Input Channel allow any program 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.
All of these features are wrapped in the smallest, most portable chassis of any three-channel mixer. Excellent control ergonomics allow this small package to feel as open and comfortable as much larger units.

If you need a 4ch mixer, step up to Allen & Heath Xone 062. email me at [email protected][/email] or [email][email protected] for special fellow TA discount, and if you need a shipping quote, please include your city, state/province/country and your Postal Zip Code.

Cheers...

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Daniel, aka DJ Tranz(MafiyaBeatts-LA,SF)
Rest In Peace Adam 'STARKID' Spears,Thank You For Your Wonderful Music That Will Live On Forever, RIP Buddy...

www.mafiyabeatts.com Vote for Tranz @ The DJ List!

Cheers Tranz! I emailed your [email protected] address yesterday...i think the subject line was equipment recommendations or something like that. write me back!

here and at futureproducers.com. Almost nothing but praise - it's that good.

lol ok i'll post

Easily the best mixer i've ever owned and one of the best i've ever used. Just about everything on the empath was well thought out and designed w/ ergonomics in mind. The only feature i really don't use or like is the auto gain. But aside from that everything is just about perfect. Here's a couple user reviews from our futureproducers.com forums.

http://www.futureproducers.com/user...s.php/model/257

If you have any questions please pm me. Good luck!

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Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot. He who laughs last thinks slowest!

you can turn the auto-gain off? wicked.

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stereoshift.org - Unifying people through musical celebrations; generating a moving and inspirational synergy.

the autogain button is located in the upper left corner on the empath. What really sucks about the autogain is it constantly changes the gain level of a track. For instance, if a dance track has a ambient break down that is quieter than the rest of the song the gain level will automatically adjust to a normalised level. When the rythym returns the gain will be set louder and the first beat will extremely loud followed by a immediate adjust. Simply said, autogain sounds really weird when mixing alot of dance tracks and i find it easier just to leave it off.

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Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot. He who laughs last thinks slowest!

Not to sound like a noob, but I wonder though...This will be my first mixer and I don't think it has a bpm counter. Would I be better off starting out with a mixer that has a bpm counter on it, or do I even need one for that matter? I don't want things to be too difficult since I'm just starting out.

no it's cool. we all started somewhere. Heck, as far as im concerned, im still a noob b/c i don't have any residencies. (and not trying that hard to get them too)

Anyways, bpm counters are pure EVIL!!! DO NOT buy one! You will need to learn how to beatmix by ear and that may take a little while. If you are really serious about deejaying then go for the empath. It will probably last as long as a sl-1200 so it may be the one and only mixer you'll need to buy. BTW good mixers like the empath will help, but it makes no difference on beatmatching skills. You can't beatmatch on a $75 stanton, than you probably can't beatmatch on a $1000 rane. just my $0.02

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quote:

Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot. He who laughs last thinks slowest!