Empirical Labs Fatso - EL7X

5

2-channel analog tape simulation and optimizer

  • With Classic Knee compression
  • Inputs and outputs: XLR and jack per channel
  • Link connection for additional EL7X
  • Sidechain input per channel
  • Format: 19 "/ 1 HU
Available since October 2014
Item number 350378
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Compressor Yes
Gate No
Peak Limiter Yes
2-Channel Unit Yes
Attack/Release Adjustable No
9.879 AED 2.486,55 €
Plus 277 AED shipping
The price in AED is a guideline price only
Since we ship from Germany, additional costs through taxes and customs may be incurred
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High end reel-to-reel sound, for real!

Fatso means Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimiser. The Empirical Labs Fatso EL7X is an analogue, digitally controlled rack-mounted unit whose main goal is to bring the warmth and richness of analogue tape to audio signals, without the logistical complications of reel-to-reel tape recorders. Serving as the successor to the popular EL7 Fatso Jr, the EL7X takes things a step further, offering a distinctive sound profile, separate from anything else in the Empirical Labs catalogue. Although the Fatso doesn't possess the flexibility of the flagship Distressor, it offers four unique processors, which include saturation and soft clipping effects, as well a varied compressor section, while focusing on one element that is sorely lacking today: The typical sound of analogue tape.

Subtle warmth and punch

The Fatso is really four effects processors in one. The first is a soft clipping/saturation effect which emulates tape saturation, the second is a high-frequency effect called "Warmth" that controls high frequency build-up, the third is a low-frequency effect called "Tranny" which boosts the low end by adding harmonics to sub frequencies, and finally the compressor section which offers three "soft-knee" settings ("Buss", "Track", and "Eleven", which emulates the 1176 sound, but more about that later) and a hard-limiter (called "Spank") which can be used in combination with the three compressors, giving a total of seven possible compression settings. By shaping the high and low frequencies, and soft clipping, signals quickly gain the warm character of analogue tape. Featuring XLR and 6.35mm jack inputs and outputs, as well as side-chain inserts and dedicated jack sockets for connecting to other Fatsos, this unit will flexibly adapt to almost any audio setup.

Front view of the Empirical Labs Fatso - EL7X 2-channel analog tape simulation and optimizer

Aimed at professionals

Geared towards professionals wishing to perfectly recreate the warmth of tape-recorded sound, which hugely influenced the music industry and our listening habits, the Empirical Labs Fatso EL7X comes at a premium. The Fatso is also available as a UAD plugin, as are emulations of reel-to-reels from other manufacturers. While UAD plugins and emulations are impressive in their own right, a hardware device will always stand out for its authenticity, ergonomics, and usability. Whether used for mixing or mastering, the Fatso will prove invaluable when looking to soften a sometimes harsh digital audio signal and infuse it with analogue bliss.

Close up of the Empirical Labs Fatso - EL7X 2-channel analog tape simulation and optimizer

About Empirical Labs

Empirical Labs Inc. (ELI) designs and manufactures professional audio signal processing equipment used in recording studios, live, broadcast and other audio production facilities around the world. ELI also produces plug-ins for digital audio workstations (DAWs) and software for digital signal processors. The word "empirical" in its most positive interpretation means "designed from experience". This philosophy informs the design of Empirical Labs' high-quality products, which are made in the USA and calibrated and tested by hand.

These go to eleven!

The Fatso's four fixed compression settings, which total a possible seven combinations, are surprisingly versatile. "Buss" offers gentle compression with a soft-knee circuit at a 2:1 ratio. "Eleven" emulates the renowned 1176 circuit, perfect for vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, and drums and has the slowest attack/fastest release with a 20:1 ratio, while "Track", reminiscent of Empirical Labs' own Distressor, provides softer compression for individual tracks. The "Spank" preset is a radical hard limiter which is distinctively aggressive - and when combined with "Warmth" and "Tranny", becomes truly fat and unique!

Connections on the Empirical Labs Fatso - EL7X 2-channel analog tape simulation and optimizer

5 Customer ratings

5 / 5

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4 Reviews

T
Beautiful analogue goodness!
Tonehaven 12.02.2015
The Fatso is a device that really brings a mix alive. After checking out the millions of options available with the budget I had for a character piece, that was both distinctive and useful on an everyday basis, I settled on the fatso. I haven't been disappointed! Combined with a helpful manual, and an easy to use device, it didn't take me long to start to 'learn' the unit, and just see how versatile it really is.... There hasn't been a project at my studio since buying the Fatso, where it hasn't been used... Try it on... drum bus, bass, guitar, acoustic, violin, even vocals... it's awesome!
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G
Hardware lohnt sich (manchmal)
GPunkt 08.01.2021
Man muss vorausschicken, dass ich auch das Plugin von UAD habe und nutze. Die Frage ist ja immer: Wie sehr kann man die beträchtlichen Mehrkosten für die HW rechtfertigen. Die Antwort in diesem Fall: Mit den Ohren. Ich bin durchaus verwöhnt und mag Saturatoren und "Anwärmer" generell - aber der Fatso ist eine Klasse für sich selber. Seine "Wärme" ist im wesentlichen ein Hochfrequenz-Kompressor. Seine eigentliche Dynamik kommt mit der Balance Input zu Output. Nochmal eine THD Schippe drauf mit dem zuschaltbaren Transformer. Wenn man verstanden hat, wie alles ungefähr zusammenspielt, kann man sich Einzelspuren wie auch den Mixbus dicker machen, wie mit nichts sonst, dass ich kenne. Der Klang ist am ehesten vergleichbar mit einem Culture Vulture, der über einen Tegeler Creme läuft und der SSL Fusion Höhenkompressor die Harschheit in den zischelnden Höhen abrundet. Ich bin begeistert. Die Bedienung ist ein bisschen frickelig (was aber ganz egal ist, weil nur wenige Schlüsselparameter den eigentlichen Effekt ausmachen. Verarbeitung, Klang und Features sind über jeden Zweifel erhaben und rechtfertigen den schmerzhaften Aderlass im Geldbeutel. Ich werde den/die Fatso wohl noch lange und oft benutzen.
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K
Top Bandsättigung und Spurkompression
Keysknocker 23.03.2021
Der Fatso ist evtl eines der effektivsten Hardwaretools für Bandsättigungseffekte / Andicken von Spuren und Summen / Buskompression. Insbesondere bei rein digital erzeugten Tracks in der DAW merkt man nach der Bearbeitung den Sättigungseffekt. Zusätzliche Höhenkompression durch warmth einstellung möglich. Kein Vergleich zu Software Plugins beim Hands on Editing - hier findet man blitzschnell die passende Einstellung für die jeweilige Spur... Voraussetzung (wie immer): Bestmögliche Abhöre für A B Vergleich... Nutze den Fatso für Buskompression (Drums / Vocals) und teilweise Summe. Alle Features sind hier natürlich auch separat einzeln oder kombiniert nutzbar ( zb Einsatz von Warmth Höhenkompression oder Bandsättigung ohne dedizierte Kompression)
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J
Sehr gutes Gerät
Jan9778 07.05.2015
was soll ich sagen passt alles super Verarbeitung super Sound alles gut.
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