Burbank, CA, United States
About this listing
The Empirical Labs ‘FATSO EL7x’ is a 2 Channel Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer, no longer the “JR” the new FATSO introduces a new compressor ratio as well as an enhanced interface, display functions, and overall reliability. At its core it is a digitally controlled analog device that gives musicians and engineers easy access to many of the desirable characteristics exhibited by older tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums. As a unique and effective audio processor, the FATSO EL7x musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels. The FATSO EL7x builds on the Original FATSO by adding a new compressor ratio called “ELEVEN” which emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1 ratio, with the slowest attack and fastest release. This 1176 setting has been used on countless hit records through 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 sitting in a nice little place in the mix. One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression. Users will find it great on Vocals, Bass, acoustic guitars, drum room mikes, pianos etc.
The original Fatso Jr could operate quite warm. Since heat is the enemy of reliability, Empirical Labs has incorporated ways of cooling the unit down it the re-design. By replacing discrete logic with a microprocessor, and eliminating warm running and often unreliable display circuitry, the current draw was dropped over 20%, allowing the power supply and analog circuitry to benefit from a cooler running product. The new FATSO also has greatly improved interface operation. Holding any button in for a second will make the control step backwards, so the user doesn’t have to cycle around to go back one step in setting one parameter. In addition, the Stereo Link is improved and offers a second link method by holding in both COMP buttons. It locks the compressors and Bypass logic together, and allows either channels’ buttons to control the settings, making operation much more foolproof. There is also now a separate LED for the TRACK (Tracking) compressor, so that two LEDs do not have to be used, and interpreted by the user. SPANK is now a Blue LED delineated from the other compressors off to the side, to indicate that it is different and can be used in conjunction with the other ratios. Users will find compressor selection more obvious and FUN!
With the FATSO, recording studios and audio production facilities can enhance and soften the sound of Hardware Digital Recorders (HDRs) and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). Mix engineers will have the option not to have to use bulky, expensive analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high end they’ve come to rely on for so many decades. Owners of DAWs and HDRs can finally put a stop to complaints about the coldness and brittle edge of their mixes and instruments. Even audiophiles can benefit from the FATSO, bringing back the warmth and ambience of LP’s and tapes to their CD players and other digital reproduction mediums.
As with most Empirical Labs products, the unit is incredibly easy and fun to use. Large Distressor-style knobs control the input and output levels. Four meticulously tweaked compression modes - including the extremely popular “Buss” setting and the legendary “Spank”, a subtle knee followed by hard limiting resembling the SSL talkback compressor - can be selected (and combined!) with the push of a button. Seven different high frequency saturation “Warmth” settings are accessed just as easily. The FATSO also features switchable transformer circuits, which can add the musical artifacts generated by classic devices like NEVE, API, etc such as low order clipping and inter-modular distortion, transient clipping... and some other very musical non-linearities. True to its name, the FATSO is rather sturdily constructed!
The FATSO has been the “secret weapon” of studio and live engineers for many years, allowing them to add the elusive magic of vintage gear to their sound.
Features
A new ratio “ELEVEN” which emulates the favorite classic UREI 1176LN compressor setting
Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation) - this class A circuit gently rounds the peaks like saturated tubes or tape
High Frequency Saturation (Warmth) - a one-of-a-kind dynamic low pass filter which softens high frequencies when they “pile up” on a source
Transformer & Tape Head Emulation - a simulation of the effect of input and output transformers of older devices, which adds the low frequency harmonics that characterize them, as well as analog tape..
Classic Knee Compression - typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on the overall buss, done in Empirical Labs styled compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!
Switchable transformer circuits, which can add the musical artifacts generated by classic devices like NEVE, API, etc. These artifacts include frequency "rounding", low order clipping & intermodular distortion, transient clipping... and some other very musical non-linearities
Four Compression modes including the extremely popular “Buss” setting, the legendary “Spank” setting, a subtle knee followed by hard limiting resembling the SSL talkback compressor, and “Track” setting for tracking
SPANK! - An additional limiter that musically smashes the dynamic range, and can be used to stop clipping before digital recorders – There is a subtle knee followed by hard limiting
Distortion indicator lights - A 0 VU LED and a "Pinned" (5%) LED – No hard clipping until a few dB past "Pinned"
Sidechain output and input for eq-ing control signals
Locked, calibrated, output level - Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels
Discrete and integrated combination - the best of speed/linearity with repeatability – Hand tested & selected components – All metal film and Roederstein resistors in the audio path - top quality components, most being high temperature military spec parts
Switchable 110/220 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit
True bypass - Know what it's really doing – All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability – No internal audio connectors
XLR and 1/4" phone ins and outs - XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot – Changeable by user to pin 3 hot
New Two Color Front Panel
Improved Logic
Separate TRACKING LED, more intuitive display
Backwards stepping when a front panel button is held
New extended stereo link functions. More choices of how to lock compressors
Cooler running Logic Circuitry, resulting in an overall cooler operating temperature
Improved overall noise floor, due to lower logic power consumption
Interface and features found nowhere else
Hand wired, calibrated in USA
Price£1,901.75
+ £155.30 Shipping
Only 1 left
Grab it before it's gone
30-Day Return Policy
Enjoy peace of mind with your new gear
