Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer Reviews
The Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x adds even more sonic goodness to the original Fatso analog tape simulator, one of the most popular "sweetening" processors we've used at Sweetwater. This version of the Fatso packs a new compressor model based on the classic Urei 1176LN, plus an improved interface, more stereo link functions, and cooler operating temperature. Whether you're tracking drums, creating electronic music, or finalizing a full mix, you'll soon be addicted to adding smooth analog saturation and compression to your tracks with the Empirical Labs Fatso EL7x analog tape simulator.
Earn $123 back in Bonus Bucks† OR pay $103/month with 24 month financing*
$123 Earn $123.00 back in Bonus Bucks† on this purchase when you use your Sweetwater Credit Card without financing. Select your offer in checkout. Terms
As low as $103/month
with 24 month financing*
See all payment options
Customer Reviews
Customer Added Media
Share Your Thoughts
Help other music gear aficionados by sharing your opinions of gear you've purchased.
Questions about the Fatso7X?
Or call us at (800) 222-4700
Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it.
Highest Rated Reviews
If you could only have one piece of equipment…
This unit is THE desert island hardware unit. It is the MVP of any studio if used to its full potential.
Best warming soft clip compressor/saturator
Need one for almost every channel! Great on any source especially vocals! Love the compression on this unit too! All around magic! The tape sim is unique and very valuable for drums! Not exactly my go to for master buss, for that I use the Avalon 747VT but I am also considering purchasing the Neve MBT to complete my saturation pallet but I think I'd honestly rather have a fatso on every channel! Amazing!
Great on the 2 Buss
Easy to dial in what you need, and it adds flavor that you can't seem to get elsewhere. Very unique. I don't use the compressor function as much, as I don't think it's its strength. Rather use it to "warm" the signal just a tad.
Rocks with a TG2
I wanted a two-channel compressor to pair with my TG2, and the FATSO quickly went to the top of my wishlist. I have the UAD plugin, and I had a chance to demo FATSO at NAMM and was sold right then. I absolutely love it on DI bass and guitar with the tranny on. My Matriarch synth sounds full without the tranny and warmth compressor keeps any harsh frequencies in check. Vocals sound even on the track compressor setting and mid-forward with the tranny on. For trumpet, I like the buss compressor with mild warmth and no tranny. I plan on running everything through this 1-2 combo and am pleased to have such a versatile unit like the FATSO!
Versatile compressor saturator
I've only had this unit a week so I'm still getting comfortable with it. It can simulation a variety of compressors from SSL buss to 1176 (20:1). It can run dual mono or linked stereo. I haven't even started exploring the side chain inputs yet.
This unit seems at home with more aggressive music. The compressor tends to be very big/in your face - easy to overdo. But when you find the right setting it's fantastic.
Awesome on the 2 bus!
Empirical Labs is just awesome. The Distressor is amazing and the Fatso is as well.
I bought it for the 2 Bus on my Allen and Heath dLive. I wanted something that would fatten up the sound a little and give it a more analog vibe. The Fatso did just that.
Tiny bit of 2 bus compression, tranny emulation, and warmth was all that was needed to make a big difference.
At first all the features can be a little confusing. Even the controls since the warmth and compression circuits interact with each other. Do yourself a favor and read the manual, you'll learn a lot.
I always figured that since I had a Distressor I didn't need a Fatso. But they're different beasts and both worthy of some rack space in any studio.
You can't have too many Fatsos
This my third Fatso, and the first of the EL7x. My two original Fatso's have been in service on every mix I've done since they were first introduced. I've enjoyed the revisions on the EL7x so much that I'm getting my old ones modified by Empirical Labs. As I've always said, a Fatso is "tape without the hiss". Keep in mind, I'm one of those people that don't miss analog tape. The only thing that was cool then was the saturation, so its brilliant that I can have that in a box. The Warmth, Tranny and Spank buttons add so much, and the combinations you can try allow the Fatso to be exceptionally versatile. I can't say enough about the Fatso, other than when I may be adding a fourth one. They are THAT good. Highly recommended
The Final Touch...
This is truly a great box. Over the past 5 years, I've tried a number of methods to "warm up" my recordings including vintage outboard pres, compressors, eqs, and even a few old German mics. All of these additions have made my recordings better and less sharp around the edges. And the new Fatso is the perfect end to my signal chain before ad conversion during tracking and mixing, providing that last amount of subtle character that gives everything its own space within a mix. The warmth circuit is really great paired with a good condenser mic hitting 0VU on most peaks. (It's addicting, so be careful not to overdo it... 3-5 db is usually plenty.) Really provides the final touch on vocals, drums, bass- maybe even on your whole mix depending on the genre. The new compressor presets also improve upon the many ways one can utilize this box (the new 1176 in 20:1 mode in particular).
In short, I really love this box and it's one of my favorite pieces. Like everything else in the audio world, it works best when the rest of your chain is also of high quality. And although I'm completely against the whole philosophy of one item improving an entire signal chain, this is the closest thing I've come across to a "magic box" that will improve your recordings immediately (albeit in a subtle but very pleasing way).
