Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO

Name: Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO
Brand: Empirical Labs
SKU: EL7X
Price: 4432 AUD
Availability: InStock

Arguably the coolest and most unique device in the Empirical Labs arsenal, the Empirical Labs EL7X 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 tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums.

The Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO is available to audition in our showrooms.

Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO

This two channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels.

With the Empirical Labs EL7X 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.

The Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO Goes to Eleven
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. Click here to find out how to upgrade your EL7 to an EL7X.

Four Types of Processing

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 – your typical automatic leveling device found on just about every instrument and vocal track as well as on the overall buss, done Empirical Labs compression – smooth and sweet, but in your face!

Empirical Labs EL7X FATSO Reviews

Review by Bonedo

We switched on the FATSO, sent a signal through it, and were impressed. Experimenting is allowed, encouraged, and rewarded. The EL7 is easy to use and offers incredible versatility as long as you stick to the high-frequency range. With low-frequency signals, the FATSO is rather unobtrusive and muddy at extreme settings. This device truly gives you the ability to “paint” tones and enrich the signal with brilliance. Whether it’s giving a vocal signal more presence (speech intelligibility) or generating greater compression in a stereo mix (a veritable wall of sound), it’s a real ear-opener. Caution is advised with extreme settings! Likewise, once the settings are successful, you tend not to re-evaluate a new signal. Preset warning! It’s a joy to use! Anyone who has one can consider themselves lucky. “Producer tool” is probably the right term for the FATSO. A second-to-none sonic/musical addition to any studio!

Review by Mix

The FATSO should be considered by users of digitalaudio systems — DASH, DAWs or MDMs — who want theperfect unit-to-track through and for use across the stereo bus atmixdown. Analog audio users will find this another quality tool fortheir arsenal. Anyone who has longed for a 1-inch, analog, 2-trackmachine should check out a FATSO, as well.

Review by Sound On Sound

The FATSO Jr is a wondrous machine and, once experienced, you will find it hard to mix or record without one. This is so much more than just another tape saturation emulator, and it can add fantastic new dimensions to flat, lifeless and overly clinical digital recordings. The range of tonal effects available is vast, and they can be optimised easily to almost any instrument or voice. Used judiciously you can simulate very effectively the recognisable effects of valve or Class A semiconductor circuitry, with or without transformer and tape-saturation effects, though you’re not limited to these sounds. The ergonomics and the light-show may not be to everyone’s taste, but the machine is simple to use once its slightly obscure operation is understood.

Review by Studio 11

Overall, the Fatso Jr is definitely one of our most favorite pieces of gear here at Studio 11. It’s a beast when mixing or mastering clients bedroom productions or cheap studio recordings. Its come through for us so many times, well, we wish we could buy it a six pack and two hookers.

Review by Vintage Digital

The Empirical Labs FATSO is a versatile analogue processor that adds warmth, weight, and cohesion to mixes, especially on drums. With features like tape and transformer emulation, soft clipping, and dynamic high-frequency control, it delivers classic analogue tone in a modern studio setting. Its updated ELEVEN compressor adds even more flexibility, making it ideal for everything from vocals to bass. For those mixing in the box, the FATSO offers a unique analogue magic that’s hard to replicate digitally.

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 clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise.
Distortion – Ranges between .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings.
I/O – DC Coupled input and outputs.
Compressor Time Constants – Attack range 1ms – 60ms. Release range .05sec – 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected.
Power Consumption – 15 Watts Max.
Metal Chassis – single height 1.75″ high, 10″ deep, 19″ wide.
Shipping info – Box dimensions 22.5″ x 18.5″ x 3 1/4″