September 15, 2000, Ringwood, NJ -- Hot on the heels of the incredibly successful "Distressor" Classic Knee Compressor, Empirical Labs' is proud to introduce the EL7 FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer). The EL7 FATSO will be exclusively distributed by Wave Distribution.

Fatso Jr., front and back view (click for larger image)

The EL7 FATSO is a modern digitally controlled analog device that offers many of the "musical non-linearity's" exhibited by the older tube, class A discrete, and magnetic tape mediums. The FATSO two channel audio processor will musically integrate frequencies and transients and increase the apparent volume without actual increase in peak levels. In addition, two channels of famous Empirical Labs compression are provided. There are several compressor "types" with fixed attacks and releases. If you want a fully controllable compressor, you will need the Empirical Labs "Distressor"! The "Distressor" is a unique analog compressor that allows the user to add 2nd and 3rd order harmonic distortion to the signal to emulate tape saturation like the classic tube compressors of the '60's and '70's. (For more info on the "Distressor", please refer to the Wave Distribution web site, http://www.wavedistribution.com/distress.htm).

The FATSO allows users to enhance & soften the sound of mediums such as modular digital multitracks (MDM's), HD recorders, DAT recorders, RAM Recorders, etc. Mixdown engineers will have an option not to use bulky, expensive (and often flaky), analog tape recorders to get the warmth and sweet high-end they've come to rely on for so many decades.

Owners of ADATs, MDM's, RAM and modern hard disk recorders can finally put a stop to complaints about the "coldness" and "brittle edge" of their mixes and instruments with the "rounded" and "musically non linear elements" of vintage analog. Finally, audiophiles can bring back the warm and cuddly sound of LP's and tapes to their CD players, and other digital reproduction mediums.

The FATSO offers four types of processing, which are available on both channels: Harmonic Generation and Soft Clipper (Distortion generation), High Frequency Saturation (ohhh, aaahhh... WARMTH!), Transformer & Tape Head Emulation and Classic Knee Compression - (Just the way you like it, Baby. Empirical Labs Style!)

The 1U FATSO is hand wired and calibrated in USA. US suggested List is only $2,499.00 and the FATSO is backed with a three year unlimited warranty.

Features

• Soft clip features modeled after broadband tape saturation. WITHOUT THE NOISE! Smooth clipping up to 20% THD.
• User programmable high frequency saturation, simulating the "softening" for which analog tape and phonographs are known. This is the "Warmth" control on FATSO.
• Switchable transformer circuits, which can add the musical artifacts generated by classic devices like NEVE, API, etc. These artifacts include frequency "rounding", low order clipping & intermodular distortion, transient clipping... and some other very musical non-linearities.
• Four compression modes - One for tracking, one general purpose, one "bus" compressor, and SPANK. All LINKABLE! Classic knee compressor sound that really grabs.
• SPANK! - An additional limiter that musically smashes the dynamic range, and can be used to stop clipping before digital recorders. There is a subtle knee followed by hard limiting.
• Huge "DISTRESSOR" knobs with high resolution numbering - For easy readability and repeatable settings. They also go to 10 1/2 .
• Distortion indicator lights - A 0 VU LED and a "Pinned" (5%) LED. No hard clipping until a few dB past "Pinned".
• Sidechain output and input for EQ-ing control signals.
• Locked, calibrated, output level - Allows speed in setting tape and live mix levels.
• Foolproof operation - it's almost impossible to get a bad sound.
• Discrete and integrated combination - the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components.
• Switchable 110/220 volt operation - Extra fuse provided inside unit.
• True bypass - Know what it's really doing. All contacts doubled up for maximum reliability. No internal audio connectors.
• XLR, 1/4" phone and RCA ins and outs - XLR fully balanced, transformerless design, pin 2 hot. Changeable by user to pin 3 hot!
• No internal connectors, high reliability parts and military grade switches and relays.
• Interface and features found nowhere else.
• Allows processing not readily available in our current digital domain. New life for analog processing!

The Geeky Specs Everyone Loves
The FATSO features a Frequency Response of 2 Hz to 60 kHz in clean audio mode (+0, -3 dB). The Dynamic Range is 110 dB from max. output to min. Greater than 100 dB signal to noise. Distortion Ranges between .06% and 20% depending on mode and settings. DC coupled Input and Outputs - High quality audio caps used internally. Compressor Time Constants - Attack range 1mS - 200mS. Release range .05 sec to 3.5 seconds. Attack and Releases are fixed by the compression type selected.

Wave Distribution, established in 1996 by Gil Griffith, former VP of Sales for Eventide Inc., offers a variety of high tech toys for audio processing and effects including products from Empirical Labs, Purple Audio and CLM Dynamics, as well as a line of custom PCs for music production under the Wave Digital brand.

Empirical Labs will be on display at the Wave Distribution and Wave Digital Systems AES Booth #240, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, September 22 - 25, 2000.

For additional information, contact Wave Distribution, 1170 Greenwood Lake Tpke, Ringwood, New Jersey 07470, phone: (973) 728-2425, fax: (973) 728 2931, web: www.wavedistribution.com, e-mail: gil@wavedistribution.com.

Source: Wave Distribution
Web: www.wavedistribution.com