Each E Snake unit can be configured with input cards that are available in several versions – mic/line, mic only with Lundahl transformers, or AES/EBU digital.The mic/line (ESMLI) and transformer (ESTRMI) cards feature studi quality preamps designed to provide wide frequency response and superior S/N ratios. The Whirlwind E Snake Control software (included) provides control of input features such as mic/line switching, 48V phantom power, pad, limiter, gain control, channel labeling and metering.

Additionally, each E Snake unit can be configured with output cards (ESMLO) which convert the digital information back to analog or as AES/EBU digital information (ESAESO). When an analog input card is transmitting to an analog output card, the same level that was input will be present at the output, making E Snake a "virtual wire". As gain is adjusted with E Snake Control to optimize the performance of the input card’s A/D converters, the analog level of the output card is adjusted by the same amount but in the opposite direction. Therefore, once you have set your analog console's gain structure, any adjustments made to E Snake's gain stage will not affect the input level at the board. (This gain tracking feature is only available when an E Snake is connected to another E Snake).

Output card types are independent of the type of input card used. Input mic level at the stage and output mic level at the front of house console and AES/EBU at the broadcast truck. An AES/EBU input from the video suite can be a line level analog output on the stage, E Snake supports any combination of input and output cards.