Empirical Labs EL-7 UBK Fatso
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Manufacturer Information
Empirical Labs
https://www.empiricallabs.com
info@empiricallabs.com
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Safety manager:
Sound Service Musikanlagen-Ver
Email: info@sound-service.eu
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From Fatso Jr. to UBK Fatso: The Legacy Revisited
Born from UBK's admiration for Dave Derr's Fatso Jr., the UBK Fatso inherits the DNA of the classic Vintage Fatso - tape-style saturation, harmonic thickening, and independent "warmth" control - and adds three new ear-tuned compression Presets. The result: an outboard unit that continues the analog aesthetic while speeding up decision-making in the studio.
For Whom and For What Uses?
Designed for engineers and producers seeking musical compression without hassle, the UBK Fatso excels in both tracking and mixing. It tames vocal peaks, densifies drums, stabilizes bass, thickens guitars, and brings cohesion to loops and keyboards. Used in parallel processing or insert, it delivers punch, color, and level stability.
Features and Sonic Signatures
"Splat" Preset
Vintage console spirit: with moderate settings, it locks drums in place, pushes vocals forward, and enhances attack. When driven, it delivers massive impact, creamy old-school vocals, and thick guitars that stay put in the mix, even with heavy gain reduction.
"Smooth" Preset
Follower-style limiting to shave 6-10 dB of peaks without artifacts. In tracking, takes naturally nestle together; in mixing, it shifts from a smooth, velvety sound to a fast, punchy behavior, ideal for loops, parallel overheads, or vocals with chaotic dynamics.
"Glue" Preset
Low-frequency specialist: controls dynamics while preserving clarity and punch, raises perceived level, and unifies notes. Also formidable on drums, acoustics, and keyboards for a "glued" mix cohesion.
"Spank" Mode and Stacking
The famous "Spank" adds incisive console-style punch, stackable with one or more Presets. Treatments layer for textures that are both powerful and musical; activate the transformer circuit to make the low end sing.
Technical specifications
| Three proprietary Presets | "Splat," "Smooth," and "Glue" (fixed settings optimized by ear). |
| Recommended sources | vocals, drums, bass, acoustic/electric guitars, pianos, loops, and keyboards. |
Questions frequently asked
What compression treatments does the Empirical Labs EL-7 UBK Fatso offer?
Three fixed presets, ear-tuned, are available: "Splat," "Smooth," and "Glue." The "Spank" mode can be combined with one or more of these presets.
Can the Smooth preset strongly control vocal peaks?
The "Smooth" setting is designed to limit 6 to 10 dB of peaks without artifacts. Its behavior ranges from a smooth sound to a fast response, suitable for vocals with chaotic dynamics.
Which preset should be used for a more stable bass?
The "Glue" preset specifically targets low frequencies to unify notes, raise the perceived level, and preserve punch. It can also be used on drums, acoustic guitar, or keyboards.
Does the Spank mode add attack to drums?
The "Spank" mode provides a console-style sharp punch and can be combined with the "Splat," "Smooth," or "Glue" presets.
What sources can be processed with this outboard gear?
Recommended sources include vocals, drums, basses, acoustic and electric guitars. Pianos, loops, and keyboards can also be treated. The transformer circuit can be activated to enhance the character of the low end.
