Rane's answer to the multi-function dilemma. Their goal here was to create a club mixer flexible enough for any type of DJ, in any setting, without taking up a lot of space. After preliminary testing, Rane has achieved all those goals.

1) Keeping to the 10" format, Rane has made the most versatile mixer in this range. If you've used a conventional, wide format club mixer, then you will understand why this is such an advancement.

2) Works with any sound system, club and home, anywhere in the world. A universal, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz internal power supply allows using the mixer anywhere in the world without adapters; XLR, TRS or RCA connections eliminates mismatching plugs; and there are even 2 headphone jacks to accommodate 1/8" and 1/4" plugs.

3) Sound. We stand by that Rane's have the best sound. And to ensure this quality Rane has included 4 key features:

1. Auto Gain feature automatically adjusts sound when switching sources. The sound will never be too quiet or clipped.
2. Full cut, accelerated slope EQs, the best available.
3. New Penny & Giles faders. All 4 faders are the P&G, quickly becoming the industry high-end standard.
4. Extras. The Empath features many innovations not found on other mixers:

• Assignable CD triggers work with any CD player.
• Two band headphone EQ.
• Effects processors assignable to all 3 channels plus mic.
• Four function Level meters read stereo cue, stereo master mix, split cue, or main output.

Verdict: Pluses
Sound quality, Rane construction, multiple features, simplicity of use. This is definitely the easiest, most intuitive 3 channel mixer we've tested. Although we have not tried this in a club system situation, based on Rane's track record, we can conclude that it is top of the line.

Verdict: Minuses
No true weaknesses. Price is high, but reasonable for a full featured club mixer. Battle DJs might find the face to be to cluttered.

- Penny & Giles crossfader
- auto-gain prevents performance-wrecking swings in program level when changing sources
- FlexFX - a post-fader external stereo effects loop with individual Dry/Wet pan controls for Mic and Input Channels 1, 2 and 3
- Flash-Cue allows the DJ to rapidly select Crossfader A-Cue-sum or Crossfader B-Cue-sum with the flick of a switch
- multiple outputs - XLR, TRS, RCA
- two assignable CD triggers
- accelerated-slope, full-cut, 3-band tone controls are the most flexible and highest quality available
- level meters view stereo cue, stereo master mix, split cue or main output signals

• manufacturer's website