Empirical Labs FATSO EL7-X
Made to Order
COMPLETE ANALOG TAPE SIMULATOR AND OPTIMIZER
Arguably the coolest and most unique device in Empirical Labs' arsenal, the FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer) is a digitally controlled analog device that gives musicians and engineers easy access to many of the desirable characteristics exhibited by older tubes and by Class A electronics and magnetic tape media. This two-channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing apparent volume while maintaining tight control over peak levels.
With FATSO, recording studios and audio production facilities can enhance and smooth the sound of hardware digital recorders (HDRs) and digital audio workstations (DAWs). Mixing engineers will have the option of not having to use expensive, bulky analog recorders to get the warmth and cutting-edge quality they have relied on for so many decades. DAW and HDR owners can finally put an end to complaints about the coldness and brittleness of their mixes and instruments. Even audiophiles can benefit from FATSO, bringing back the warmth and ambience of LPs and tapes to their CD players and other digital playback media.
FATSO goes to eleven
ELEVEN is a new compressor for the FATSO, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN at 20:1, with slower attack and faster release. This 1176 configuration has been used on countless hit records over the decades. With the slower “1176” attack, the transients keep the dynamics present, while the high ratio can radically limit the dynamic range of any source, making it present and positioned in a nice place in your mix. You can hit it or just play it with a few dB of compression. You'll find it great on vocals, bass, acoustic guitars, drum mics, pianos, etc.
Four types of processing
Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper – this Class A circuit gently rounds off peaks like saturated tubes or tape.
High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) – a unique dynamic low-pass filter that smooths high frequencies as they “build up” in a source.
Transformer & Tape Head Emulation – a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers from older devices, which adds the low-frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape.
Classic Knee Compression – your typical auto-leveling device found on almost every instrument and vocal track, as well as the bus in general, made with Empirical Labs compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!
Universal Audio FATSO Emulation
Approved and vetted for accuracy by Empirical Labs designer Dave Derr, Universal Audio has meticulously recreated the FATSO Jr. in this highly anticipated UAD Powered plug-in, capturing the sonic nuances of the original hardware. As part of the FATSO Powered Plugin, UA also worked closely with Dave Derr to model the original FATSO concept, the FATSO Sr., with attack, release, and threshold compressor controls, among other features not available elsewhere.
EL-FTC FATSO Limit Controller
Expand the range of your FATSO and adjust the relationship between compression and saturation circuits with the EL-FTC FATSO limit controller. The EL-FTC connects directly to the Sidechain Inserts on the back of the FATSO, giving instant access to a world of tonal possibilities.
Specifications
- Frequency response – 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB).
- Dynamic range – 110 dB from maximum output (20% THD soft cut) to minimum output. Signal-to-noise greater than 100 dB.
- Distortion – Varies between 0.06% and 20% depending on mode and settings.
- I/O – DC coupled inputs and outputs.
- Compressor time constants – Attack range 1ms – 60ms. Release range 0.05 seconds – 3.5 seconds. Attacks and Releases are corrected by the selected compression type.
- Power consumption – 15 Watts max.
- Metal chassis – single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
- Shipping Information – Box Dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″.
