Empirical Labs EL7-X FATSO

FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer) was built to capture the character of older tube, Class A, and magnetic tape gear without needing an actual reel-to-reel machine in the studio. Large Distressor-style knobs control input and output level, and multiplexed electronics pack four processing sections into a 1U chassis: a harmonic generator with soft peak limiting, a dynamic Warmth filter, transformer and tape-head emulation, and classic knee compression.

Four compressors in one, combinable with a button

Instead of one adjustable compressor, FATSO offers four purpose-built modes with fixed attack and release times: Track for gentler compression on individual tracks, Buss with a soft 2:1 knee for mix-bus processing, Eleven emulating a UREI 1176LN at a 20:1 ratio with the slowest attack and fastest release, and Spank — a subtle knee moving into hard limiting reminiscent of an SSL console's talkback compressor. All four can be combined at the push of a button, giving seven possible combinations without patching several separate compressors in series, which normally means extra noise and more gain stages to calibrate.

Analog tape warmth without a tape machine

The Warmth section is a one-of-a-kind dynamic low-pass filter that softens the top end exactly when it starts "piling up" on a source — seven settings let you match the effect's intensity to the material. A switchable Tranny circuit simulates the input and output transformers of older gear in the Neve or API style, adding the low-frequency harmonics characteristic of that class of equipment, and a Class A harmonic generator rounds off peaks the way saturated tape or a tube stage would. Together, these three mechanisms solve the classic digital-mix problem — harsh, brittle top end and a lack of perceived density without raising actual signal peaks. Two External Link jacks let several FATSO units be chained together, matching gain reduction across them, which matters for 5.1 surround processing where channels need to respond consistently.

KEY FEATURES

• Two-channel analog tape simulator under digital control
• Four fixed-time compression types: Track, Buss, Eleven (1176-style at 20:1), Spank
• Compression modes combinable with a button press, seven possible combinations
• Warmth section: dynamic low-pass filter with seven settings
• Switchable Tranny circuit: transformer and tape-head emulation
• Class A harmonic generator and soft peak limiter
• External Link jacks for chaining multiple units (surround processing)
• Sidechain input per channel
• Hardwired bypass relay for accurate A/B comparison
• XLR and 1/4" inputs/outputs per channel
• 19"/1U format

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Frequency response (clean mode): 2Hz-60kHz (+0/-3dB)
• Dynamic range: 110dB (from maximum output at 20% THD to minimum output)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 100dB
• Distortion: 0.06% to 20% depending on mode and settings
• Compressor time constants: attack 1-60ms, release 0.05-3.5s (set by selected type)
• Power consumption: less than 28W max, 0.25A at 115V
• Shipping weight: 13.25 lbs