A RNP WITH A FATSO? WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

[Jedi]

Hey all, I've been thinking of grabbing a dual mic pre. Unfortunately, I don't have a couple of compressors hanging around to accomodate a new pre. Hence, the Fatso Jr. I was planning to get the Fatso for the Tape simulation, and then I realized it had compression as well. I know it's kind of limited in the compression dialing, but I don't need too much flexibility with compression so I was thinking that the RNP with the Fatso Jr. for the tape simulation and compression would be a good choice. What do you guys think? Lincoln Ross Dead Black Jedis

[S. Cruz]

I have a Fatso Jr. and use it for compression all the time, but I also have an Avalon 747, an RNC, a JoeMeek VC3 pre/comp and C2 stereo comp, a TC Gold Channel pre/comp/eq, and an 02R with comps. The point is, the Fatso won't work on everything. However, where it does work it is GREAT. It does 4 different kind of compressor emulations (2 different SSLs, a DBX-type VCA and an 1176ish thing). I've found it useful for compressing certain bass sounds (brings out the growl and fattens up the low end beef), some hard-edged vocals (don't put your intimate ballad vocal through this), nice on synths and keyboards, drum buss, and great "glue" for the stereo mix (careful, 2 - 3db of gain reduction is all you need here most times). Another plus is the transformer you can switch into the signal path to thicken up the sound - great on basses and drums and sometimes even the whole mix. The "Warmth" control is nice for taking some of the razor-edged death out of cymabals. The automatic tape-saturation (kind of adds some harmonic content) makes this thing essential to anyone working with digital audio. There is a downside: no attack or release control makes it hard to dial in to a desired effect. This is kind of why it either works or not on a given track. If you have an RNC to handle your general compression duties the Fatso will be a good additional tool. If not, get one - how can you go wrong for $180?

[Jedi]

Thanks S. Cruz. That's exactly what I was thinking. You say it is essential to recording in digital. The main reason I want the Fatso is the Tape simulation. I can't stand digital. Could you go into a little more detail on your experience with the Fatso and it's tape simulation. I really want to get this unit, but I'm a little hesitant throwing 2,000+ grand w/out hearing what it can do. I appreciate any incite you can offer. Thanks again, Lincoln Ross Dead Black Jedis