Empirical Labs Fatso - EL7X

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.

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.

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.

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!