Empirical Labs Fatso Compressor, from Empirical Labs

Two words- NOT SUBTLE. This box is not merely a compressor, but an awesome tool for breathing rich color and saturation back into a mix that has been thinned by the brutal digital world. The Fatso is an effects monster, with the ability to add dense analog coloration to mixes that need them the most. But, once again, the box really isn't subtle! If you are looking to add just a splash of color, it may not be the box for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for thick analog saturation, color, and warmth, this box isn't shy and does a hell of a job.

Given the thinness of mixes that we've been hearing lately, it is probably not a bad idea to have one in the rack at most studios. Because of just how thick this thing can get, it may not be the choice for every single mix, there will always be tracks in a mix that would greatly benefit from the help of a Fatso.

*Freq. Response: 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB).

*Dynamic Range: 110 dB from maximum output (20%THDsoft clipping) to minimum output. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise.

*Distortion Ranges: .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings.

*DC coupled Input and Outputs

*High quality audio caps used internally.

*Compressor Time Constants: Attack range 1mS - 200mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected

The EL7 FATSO is a modern digitally controlled analog device that offers many of the "musical non-linearities" exhibited by the older tube, class A discrete, and magnetic tape mediums. This two channel audio processor will musically integrate frequencies and transients and increase the apparant volume without actual increase in peak levels. In addition, two channels of famous Empirical Labs compression are provided. There are several compressor "types" with fixed attacks and releases (if you want a fully controllable compressor, you will need the Empirical Labs Distressor.) Users can enhance & soften the sound of mediums such as modular digital multitracks (MDM's), HD recorders, Dat recorders, Ram Recorders etc. Mixdown engineers will have an option not to use bulky, expensive, (and often flaky) analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high end they've come to rely on for so many decades. Owners of Adats, MDM's, RAM and modern hard disk recorders can finally put a stop to complaints about the "coldness" and "brittle edge" of their mixes and instruments with the "rounded" and "musically non linear elements" of vintage analog. Finally, audiophiles can bring back the warmth and cuddly sound of LP's and tapes to their CD players, and other digital reproduction mediums.