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Empirical Labs' EL7 FATSO Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer

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Empirical Labs' has introduced the EL7 FATSO (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer). The EL7 FATSO will be exclusively distributed by Wave Distribution.

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 Empirical Labs compression are provided. There are several compressor "types" with fixed attacks and releases. 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.

The FATSO allows users to enhance and soften the sound of mediums such as modular digital multitracks (MDM's), HD recorders, DAT recorders, and RAM Recorders. Mixdown engineers will have an option not to use bulky, expensive 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 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, Transformer and Tape Head Emulation and Classic Knee Compression.

The 1U FATSO is hand wired and calibrated in USA. The US suggested List is $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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Discrete and integrated combination: the best of speed/linearity with repeatability. Hand tested & selected components.
• Switchable 110/220 volt operation, with an extra fuse provided inside the unit.
• True bypass. 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.
• Allows processing not readily available in current digital domain.

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.

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• Empirical Labs' EL7 FATSO Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer (2000-09-19)

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