Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x

Full Analog Tape Simulator & Optimiser
The EL7X Fatso from Empirical Labs is a highly versatile swiss-army-knife for studio engineers and recording artists. The comprehensive design combines a high-end analog tape simulator circuit with classic knee compression. The multi-purpose functionality makes it ideal for a range of applications from treating vocals to adding analog warmth to your electric guitar recordings. This two-channel audio processor features four type of processing including: Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion Generation), High Frequency Saturation (Warmth), Transformer & Tape Head Emulation and Classic Knee Compression. It also features an additional limiter design to give a rounded sound to your dynamic range comprised of a subtle knee followed by hard limiting. Switchable transformer circuits are also included, designed to emulate musical artefacts generated by classic outboard devices for a range of applications.

Classic-Knee Compression
Boasting four compression modes, the unit is ideal for treating studio-grade recording for sound sculpting applications. The compression modes are comprised of the popular ‘Buss’ setting, the legendary ‘Spank’ limiter, one mode designed to emulate classic compression and one for tracking. These versatile modes allow you to cater to a wide variety of sound sources from vocals to guitars and everything in between.

Comprehensive Control Section
The two-channel configuration features a comprehensive control section, designed to give you full reign over all parameters. The control section features soft clip features, inspired by broadband tape saturation, providing smooth clipping up to 20 percent THD. There is also user programmable high frequency saturation, simulating the softening of analog tapes, providing warmth control. The improved interface features a button hold function for comparing settings for added flexibility. The huge Distressor-style knobs provide high-resolution numbering for quick and easy control. Additionally, a true bypass switch is included for comparing between sounds.

Robust Design, Versatile Connectivity
The robust all-metal chassis is not only highly-durable but features integrated rack-ears, allowing you to mount the unit within a studio or live rack. The specialised design combined discrete and integrated components for improved linearity and reliability. The unit features all metal film and Roederstein resistor in the audio path for optimised audio fidelity. The rear of the unit features XLR and 1/4-inch I/O connectivity. The XLR ifs fully balanced features a transformerless design. The unit also boasts no internal connectors and military-grade switches and relays.