Wave Distro UBK EL7 Fatso Stereo Compressor

The Wave Distro UBK FATSO is a dual-channel compressor that builds on the legendary Fatso. In addition to all the tone-sweetening characteristics and features of the classic Fatso - harmonic thickening, tape-like saturation, independent 'warmth' control to soften and tame high frequency harshness - the UBK-designed Fatso features 3 new presets, lovingly crafted and exhaustively tested in the trenches on every sound you're ever likely to find in your mixes, and a few you probably never will… just in case!

COMPRESSION TO ENHANCE ANYTHING

Splat is an API console inspired compression setting. When used at modest settings, stiffens and reigns in drums, focuses a vocal, and enhances the vibe of the original sound while making it easier to manage. But when you dig in, wonderful things begin to happen. Drums develop thwack and hit you in the chest. Vocals get utterly creamy with a pleasing, old school hair. Loops come alive and breathe organically. Electric guitars get thicker, deeper, and stay pinned where you want them. But don’t be afraid of those meters: push it farther, past that red light. 20 dB of reduction? Don’t worry, keep going. Ever heard your drum buss do that? Didn't think so.

WELCOME TO 'NO RULES' COMPRESSION

The Smooth setting provides classic limiting with a twist. The original intent was to design a tracking-style limiter that would allow the engineer to shave 6-10 dB off peaks of instruments without affecting the sound too drastically - yet things are somehow sweeter, they behave better. When you print elements through this preset, you’ll find your mixes come together easier and faster, with less EQ and compression. Things just fit the way they did when tracked to tape.

But again, what happens if you start to abuse this preset in the mix? ‘Fast and smooth’ begets ‘fast and aggressive’ - that’s what. Slap it on electronic drum loops and watch the Germans seethe with envy. Put it on a room mic in parallel, maybe a little Abbey Road really is what that kit needs. Crazy hip hop vocal refusing to behave? Clamp it down, ruthlessly, effortlessly!

ONE COMPRESSOR DOES IT ALL

The Glue preset will lock the bass in place, punch it up, let all the notes ring clear as a bell, and make it loud while getting it out of the way. Engage the transformer to make the low end sing, even on iPod docks. If gluing the bass were the only thing the UBK Fatso did, it would still be worth the price. But Glue is every bit as versatile and surprising as the rest of this box, especially when pushed. It’s an extraordinary drum compressor, imparting a distinct smack even as it makes the room explode. It’s lovely on acoustic guitars, Rhodes, sitar… whatever.

SSL-STYLE SMACK

In addition to all of these useful compression modes, the UBK Fatso features Dave Derr’s classic "Spank" for that inimitable SSL-style smack. You can also combine any two presets, or all three, for even more unusual and unexpected results. So grab those knobs, experiment fearlessly, and ignore those meters: your ears will tell you all you need to know.