Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x Tape Simulator and EL-FTC Fatso Threshold Controller

Arguably the coolest and most unique device in the 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 tube and Class A electronics and magnetic tape mediums. This two channel audio processor musically integrates frequencies and transients, increasing the apparent volume while keeping tight control over peak levels.

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.

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.

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!

- 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″.

Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x Manual