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Overview

FATSO™ Jr./Sr. Tape Sim. & Compressor Plug-In

The Empirical Labs EL7 FATSO’s ingenious design and creative feature set gives users the wonderfully warm and pleasing sound of magnetic recording tape, class A transformers, and tube circuits. Endorsed and scrutinized for accuracy by designer Dave Derr of Empirical Labs, Universal Audio has painstakingly recreated the FATSO Jr. in this highly anticipated UAD Powered Plug-In, capturing the sonic nuances of the original hardware. Specifically, the FATSO is designed to musically integrate frequencies and transients — and increase the apparent volume of your source material — in the same way classic analog equipment does.

  • Recreates the warm, musical qualities of magnetic recording tape, tubes, and class A transformers
  • Licensed and endorsed by Empirical Labs, created by Universal Audio
  • Additional UAD Powered Plug-In exclusive, FATSO Sr., provides original concept developed by Empirical Labs’ Dave Derr
  • Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide
  • View All Features

Legendary engineers including Ed Cherney, Al Schmitt, and Brendan O'Brien, and artists including Paul McCartney, Trent Reznor, Blackalicious, Jack Johnson, and Avril Lavigne, have helped make the EL7 FATSO Jr. a modern studio standard. As part of the FATSO Powered Plug-In, UA has also worked closely with Dave Derr to model his never-before-available original concept of the FATSO, the FATSO Sr., at no additional charge.

The FATSO's Input control gives the ability to dial in harmonic generation/distortion while “Tranny” and “Warmth” allow the user to dial in just the right amount of tape and tube tone. The FATSO also operates as a highly versatile compressor, and is useful for mixing and stereo buss compression. From tame to trashed, the FATSO offers a wide palette of possibilities for adding analog character and cohesiveness to your DAW tracks. Adding Dave Derr's own custom mods to turn the original FATSO into an unbelievable tonal-shaping powerhouse, the FATSO Sr. offers a “Tranny” saturation control, sidechain filtering and deeper compression parameters including Threshold, Attack and Release. These special FATSO Sr. mods are only available with the UAD Powered Plug-In version of this essential studio tool.

$239.29
$299.00

Features & Specs

FATSO™ Jr. /Sr. Analog Tape Simulator & Compressor Plug-In

FEATURES:

  • Recreates the warm, musical qualities of magnetic recording tape, tubes, and class A transformers
  • Licensed and endorsed by Empirical Labs, created by Universal Audio
  • Clipping, Warmth, Tranny and Compression Select allow for a wide variety of analog tonal shaping possibilities
  • Additional UAD Powered Plug-In exclusive, FATSO Sr., provides original concept developed by Empirical Labs’ Dave Derr
  • FATSO Sr. features include Tranny Saturation, Sidechain Filtering plus Threshold, Attack and Release
  • Stereo or Mono operation with independent Left/Right controls
  • Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide

FATSO Jr.

  • Input Gain operates as processor threshold and allows for clipping distortion
  • Output Gain operates as makeup gain/gain reduction
  • Warmth circuit and cycling button offers seven degrees of saturation simulating the softening of the high frequencies that occurs with analog tape
  • Tranny circuit adds frequency "rounding," low order harmonic clipping, intermodular distortion and transient clipping
  • Tranny/Bypass cycling button allows for Tranny enable/disable and independent channel Bypass of all processing
  • FATSO Comp cycling button offers seven compression options:
    • Buss - Slow attack, fast release, soft knee buss compression
    • G.P./General Purpose - Medium attack, slow release, transparent compression
    • Tracking Compressor - Fast attack, medium release “1176-type” compression/limiting
    • SPANK - “SSL talkback-type” aggressive limiting, can also be combined with Buss, G.P. or Tracking
  • Warmth and Compression metering via horizontal LED meters
  • Distortion metering via the "0 VU" yellow LED light indicating 1% THD, red "Pinned" LED indicating 5% THD or more
  • Link Compress links or unlinks compressor sidechain between Channels 1 and 2
  • Link Controls links or unlinks Ch 1 and 2 controls for ease of use in stereo operation
  • Processing can be bypassed globally via the Power switch for comparison to the original unprocessed signal

FATSO Sr.

  • All of the FATSO Jr. controls plus…
  • Threshold Lvl knob adjusts compressor threshold
  • Tranny Lvl knob adjusts transformer saturation
  • HP Side Filter enables high pass filter in compression sidechain, selectable between 60, 120, 240, and 480Hz
  • Attack cycling button manually adjusts compressor attack time between 0.9, 10, 30, and 60ms
  • Release cycling button manually adjusts compressor release time between 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5s
Reviews / Ratings

Reviews

1 of 6
  • Jono Buchanan

    (Future Music UK)

    "UAD owners are going to flock to the FATSO plug-in in huge numbers. As they should ... this processor is irresistible."

    11/2009

    Garrett Haines

    (Tape Op Magazine)

    "Should mix engineers buy this [Manley Massive Passive] plug-in? YES. If they don’t have a UAD-2, should they buy one just for this plug-in? YES. You’re also going to want a license for the FATSO and Cooper Time Cube as well."

    Review
    11/2010

    Paul Moak

    (Third Day, Matthew Mayfield)

    "The FATSO underneath the primary voice chain adds a cool sonic character that brings the voice out."

    08/2010

    Review

    (Computer Music)

    "So, what's FATSO Jr. good for? Unsurprisingly, fattening snares and adding low-mid punch to kicks proved successful."

    Review
    06/2010

    Review

    (Computer Music)

    "Overall, you should buy FATSO for its sonic footprint (from a proven hardware unit) and its excellent custom upgrade FATSO Sr."

    Review
    06/2010
  • Ivan Barias

    (Musiq Soulchild)

    "The FATSO is a 'must own' UAD plug-in. I love it on the kick & bass tracks. It's also amazing in the master buss chain."

    04/2010

    Reviewer

    EQ

    "FATSO is a 'magic wonder box', and again, UA has nailed what the original is all about—but also gone further, by including a FATSO Sr."

    02/2010

    Reviewer

    EQ

    "You can't go wrong with UA's plugs, and these three [EMT 250, FATSO and Trident A-Range EQ] are no exception."

    02/2010

    Reviewer

    EQ

    "Granted this is Universal Audio's forte, but even so, this [FATSO] is a very impressive plug-in."

    02/2010

    Reviewer

    EQ

    "Anyone who's a fan of 'the analog sound' but uses digital because of cost and convenience will welcome what FATSO brings to tracks."

    02/2010
  • Jacquire King

    (Norah Jones, Tom Waits)

    "And the FATSO Sr. That’s the [FATSO jr.] companion plug-in. Yeah, that is super, super cool."

    11/2009

    Elliot Mazer

    (Neil Young)

    "FATSO is just that ... It is amazing that it can make something sound warmer and bigger and more present at the same time."

    09/2009

    Young Guru

    (Jay-Z)

    “These are the best plug-ins I have ever used. God bless you for the FATSO Jr./Sr.”

    09/2009

    DJ Richard Devine

    "When you need something to really punch but still have that warmth, the UA FATSO plug-in is the weapon of choice."

    07/2009

    Jono Buchanan

    (Future Music UK)

    "If you hanker for tape-like warmth, with an irresistibly wide and rounded sound, this [FATSO plug-in] you'll love."

    11/2009
  • Paul White

    (Sound On Sound)

    "[Cooper Time Cube, EMT 250, or FATSO] ... for the real vintage character, I don't think UA have any rivals at the moment."

    10/2009

    Paul White

    (Sound On Sound)

    "[FATSO] makes a fabulous bus compressor for adding a touch of analog magic and density to a mix ..."

    10/2009

    Ed MacFarlane

    (Friendly Fires)

    "I use the FATSO plug-in as a buss-compressor ... I really like what it does – it can change the timbre of the drum kit."

    Review
    10/2009

    Paul White

    (Sound On Sound)

    "[FATSO is] Perfect for making aggrssive things even more aggressive! ... Definitely one to have on your team, if you can."

    10/2009

    Jeff Balding

    (Amy Grant, Faith Hill)

    “I'm knocked out by the FATSO! It sounds absolutely amazing!”

    09/2009
  • Elliot Mazer

    (Neil Young)

    "FATSO is a fantastic multi-use plug. I used it on some toms the other day and kaboom!"

    09/2009

    Justin Niebank

    (Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts)

    “That FATSO plug knocks my socks off, period. I'm always finding new things to use the FATSO on"

    09/2009

    Charlie Clouser

    (NIN, "Saw" Soundtracks)

    "I have to say, the FATSO sounds better than any plug-in I've ever heard. I'm utterly amazed."

    08/2009

    Roy Davis Jr.

    "[The FATSO plug-ins] can breathe life back into your digital system!!! I'm riding with UAD all the way!!!"

    08/2009

    Roy Davis Jr.

    "UAD FATSO is my #1 choice for compression on drums or vocals it can give you that upfront presence that you need with alot of warmth."

    08/2009
  • Charles Scott

    (Star Trek, Hung, Fringe)

    "The new FATSO Jr/Sr [plug-in] is amazing. It may be the only dynamics module you need — it’s that versatile."

User Ratings

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Average Rating (50 Reviews)
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    by James Fischer(Thursday 22 December, 2011)

    Ok so I admit, ive only tried the demo since I just picked up my first UAD card. But I could tell within 10 min of using this plugin that it really is that good. I slapped this baby on the output bus of a test track I put together a while back and everything really just came together. I compared the … Read more

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    by Patrick Putzolu(Sunday 4 September, 2011)

    My go-to Plug-In for the snare drum. I just can't resist to make use of the warm and close to analogue sounding fatness on guitar and bass tracks also. Get this little fat maker! … Read more

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    by Ivan Komlinovic(Tuesday 19 July, 2011)

    This thing really blows away! I tryed it on different sources(it works great on drums, vocals, even guitars), but using it on master bus. Fatso is probably first high end plufin that could fool me on blind test. I would never guess such warm andn sound can be pulled out of DSP card! As a producer o … Read more

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    by Christopher Hilding(Thursday 30 June, 2011)

    An absolutely FANTASTIC sounding compressor with THE most pleasing warmth algorithm I have ever heard in a plugin. It adds a very airy, pleasing distortion to the source material, which seems to reside above the original material by adding new harmonics instead of distorting the source frequencies. … Read more

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    by Tom Trochimczuk(Wednesday 29 June, 2011)

    Oustanding. Tracks after FATSO are warm, fat and glue with other better in the mix. … Read more

Artists
  • Rik Simpson

    Rik Simpson has engineered, produced, or mixed hit artist such as Jay Z, PJ Harvey, and Portisthead, but his latest project was producing Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto. Read more

    Phil Tan

    With more than 24 #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, 3 Grammys®, and nearly 300 album credits, there are few engineers that can touch Phil Tan’s recent track record. Read more

    Thievery Corporation's Chris “Stone” Garrett on UA

    Chris Garrett an integral part of Thievery Corporation's tight productions, which emphasize a unique blend of spacious organic elements and electronic grooves. Read more

  • The Glitch Mob

    UA sits down with edIT, Boreta, and Ooah of The Glitch Mob to hear about their latest release, their life on the road. and their studio workflow with UAD Plug-Ins. Read more

    Josh One & Ian Boxill

    DJ/Producer Josh One and engineer Ian Boxill walk us through their grooving, slickly-produced new single, "After It," featuring Julie Walehwa. Read more

    Mike Shipley

    GRAMMY®-winner Mike Shipley is one of the music industry’s top mixers; his hit-making career spans over thirty years. Read more

  • Arabian Prince

    Veteran hip-hop/electronic producer Arabian Prince has enjoyed a steady career of hits spanning 25 years, and he’s not stopping now. Read more

    Jacquire King

    Jacquire (pronounced Ja-KEER) King has emerged as one of the most exciting engineer/producers of his generation. Read more

    Justin Niebank

    Justin Niebank could very well be the nicest guy on the planet. He is also more than eager to talk about Universal Audio. Read more

  • Matt Boudreau

    I know — we interviewed Matt Boudreau back in March about his racks of UA outboard gear and four UAD-1 cards... Read more

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