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Empirical Labs

Empirical Labs FATSO EL7X

Analog tape/tube saturation compressor (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer)

Compressor / Limiter

$2,449Manufacturer list price

Specifications

Type
Compressor / Limiter
Description
Analog tape/tube saturation compressor (Full Analog Tape Simulator and Optimizer)
Topology
FET, Class-A, discrete
Signal path
Analog (recallable / digitally controlled)
Channels
2
Channel format
stereo/dual-mono (2 channels in one chassis)
Form factor
1U rack
Rack units
1
Powered
yes
Power (W)
15
Frequency response
2 Hz - 60 kHz, +0/-3 dB (clean mode)
Country of manufacture
USA

Details

Controls: Compressor type select (ELEVEN/BUSS/TRANNY/SPANK), Attack, Release, Warmth/tape saturation, Threshold, high-frequency saturation low-pass, transformer/tape-head emulation controls

I/O: Balanced DC-coupled analog audio in/out (XLR); no phantom power; optional EL-FTC external Threshold Controller accessory

Notable use: 2000 EQ Magazine Blue Ribbon Award; 2001 Studio Sound Award (FATSO Jr.)

Notes: FLAGGED: device_class set to Compressor/Limiter per task guidance though unit is a combined compressor + tape/tube saturation processor (harmonic generator, soft clipper, transformer/tape-head emulation). Current generation is EL7X; original EL7 is discontinued/legacy (not given a separate row - noted here only). Price is Sweetwater street price.

Where to buy

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