Empirical Labs Fatso EL7 x - Compressor/Tape Simulator

The Empirical Labs FatsoEL7x Tape Simulator and Optimizer is a high-end and powerful analogue tape simulator and optimizer featuring 1176LN-based compressor, this innovative rack unit adds vintage warmth without compromising audio quality.

ELEVEN is a new compressor for the Fatso, replacing the old GP Ratio, and emulates the famous UREI 1176LN in 20:1, 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 your mix.  One can slam it, or just touch it with a few dB of compression.  You 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 decided to do what they could to cool the unit down in this 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 analogue 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.  Much more foolproof.

There is 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. 

The main features of the Empirical Labs FatsoEL7x Tape Simulator and Optimizer include:

• Tape Simulator and Optimizer
• Fully Analogue
• 1176LN-Based Compressor
• 110dB Range
• 2Hz - 60kHz Frequency Response