Empirical Labs FATSO (EL-7X) Stereo Compressor [Backordered, Delivery Time: 2-2.5 Months] [Official Japanese Product]

★ Stereo optimizer and compressor that lets you control the texture of analog devices

FATSO is an optimizer and compressor that digitally controls real analog circuits with complex routing, adding the warmth of various analog devices to your sound. It's not an emulation like a plug-in, but a sound derived from real analog circuits, adding a musical tone and texture.

FATSO combines complex processing to recreate the tones of every conceivable analog device, including transformer circuits, vacuum tubes, tape compressors, high-quality tape saturation, and analog records. It can also recreate the smooth tones of vintage equipment from brands like NEVE, API, UREI, and Fairchild.

It also features a DISTRESSOR-type program knee compressor circuit, allowing you to quickly add ideal compression.

Secondary and third harmonic components from transformers, vacuum tubes, tape compressors, etc. can be added in appropriate amounts from as little as 0.025% to 20% (this can be visually determined using the Distortion Indicator).

●New compressor preset position: Eleven. Previously, the FATSO Jr had a compressor preset called "GP," but this position has now become the Eleven preset.

The Eleventh position perfectly emulates the UREI 1176LN's 20:1 ratio, slow attack time, and fast release time. This classic setting has been heard on countless hit records. It delivers strong analog-style limiting while preserving dynamics, allowing you to create tracks that stand out in the mix. This sound produces excellent results on vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, drum room mics, piano, and more.

The unique character of the UREI 1176 was achieved by leading modern equipment designer Dave Derr, who spent months tweaking and listening to every detail, ultimately using a state-of-the-art digital oscilloscope and Derr's ears to recreate the ultimate sound of the UREI 1176 compressor.

Of course, the compressor presets built into the FATSO are not limited to Eleven; by combining them you can recreate the sound of any compressor, even the settings of legendary machines.

Other improvements to the new FATSO EL-7x include:

New two-color front panel design. New logic circuit, cooled and separate tracking LEDs.
- Further improvement of noise floor

●Four creative processing
1. Freely add various analog sound textures. The harmonic generator allows you to add second- and third-order harmonic components (harmonics/distortion), which are elements of sound created by transformers and vacuum tubes, to the source by adjusting the setting between 0.06% and 20%. Adding a small amount of these harmonic components can create a wonderfully musical sound, while adding excessive amounts can add freakout, extreme distortion. The 0VU LED (1%) and Pinned (5%) LEDs allow you to visually check the amount of harmonic addition. You can instantly determine the amount of warmth added to the sound.

2. Controllable analog tape saturation
The FATSO lets you freely adjust the texture of the tape saturation typically associated with analog tape using the Warmth control knob. It adds the distinctive texture of real analog tape to your sound without the annoying hiss. This control simulates the unique softness in the high frequency range that occurs when analog magnetic tape saturates. This is also the sound commonly referred to as tape compression. The amount of warmth can be visually checked with the Warmth meter on the top of the unit.

3. Switchable Transformer Circuit: This circuit simulates the edge in the midrange and rich harmonic content in the low range that are produced by input/output transformers such as those from vintage NEVE. The deep, distinctive transformer sound adds a texture that makes the source one level louder and deeper, without changing the peak level.

4. Total of 7 types of compressor/limiter modes

By combining four different compressor/limiter styles, you can achieve a wide range of soft knee compression sounds in the style of a famous Distressor. It suppresses level fluctuations and easily achieves a thick, tight sound quality. Of course, it is also possible to perfectly reproduce the texture of a famous vintage instrument.

There are four basic styles and seven different styles available depending on the combination.

1. BUSS - Soft knee type with a 2:1 ratio. Slow attack and fast release. DBX160 type.

2. GP - Medium attack and slow release. Features the natural compression of optocoupler (optical) types such as LA2A, MEEK, and ADL.

3. Tracking Comp - Selecting both BUSS+GP in 1+2 will create the classic Urei 1176-style sound. It can be used for a wide range of applications, from recording vocals and instruments to aggressive four-button sounds.

4. Spank - This mode simulates the high-ratio feel of a 1970s SSL talkback limiter. The SPANK button can be combined with the other three styles to create a particularly aggressive limiting sound. The unique release curve, which starts fast and then slows down, is synonymous with the FATSO compressor sound. This limiter mode smashes the dynamic range. It has a wonderfully radical sound quality and is also ideal for preventing clipping on digital recorders.

●The analog circuit is digitally controlled, adding a variety of analog textures, allowing you to use FATSO's rich and sweet analog texture in any situation, from mastering to mixing and tracking.

When mixing digitally recorded sounds using a transformerless head amp with minimal coloration, you can change them to sound like a vacuum tube, use the Tranny control to make them sound like a NEVE, make them sound as if they were recorded on high-quality 2-inch analog tape, or create a truly lo-fi distorted sound...the possibilities are endless. You can easily and freely control authentic analog sounds.

■SPECIFICATION
Frequency Response: 2 Hz to 60 kHz (clean audio, +0, -3 dB).
◎Dynamic Range - 110 dB (maximum)
Distortion - 0.06% to 20%
◎I/O - DC coupled input/output ◎Time Constants - Attack (1ms - 60ms), Release (0.05 sec - 3.5 sec)
Power Consumption - 15 W (Max)
◎Metal Chassis - EIA 1U (D=approx. 25.4cm)
◎Each channel is equipped with a Side Chain terminal, allowing you to insert EQ, etc. to further expand the range of sound creation. ◎Use with a voltage of 110-120V