Pots are like snowflakes: No two are exactly alike. We select pots and then improve channel to channel match by offsetting the knobs on the pot shafts.

Check internal voltage select switch for proper settings (115/230). Otherwise, suspect a short or power supply problem. Inspect internal components for burned or bulging parts. Try to make sure there is nothing trapped under the PC board, shorting to the metal case. Attentive visual inspection is still the most effective troubleshooting tool available.

Older units used a Non-Volatile memory cap that could fail after years of use, or possibly have some other type of logic failure. Contact the factory for suggestions or servicing. Newer units have a delay of 6 seconds before storing last control change. Wait 6 secs and turn off to test.

You can alter the standard thresholds of the FATSO by inserting a level control in the Sidechain point. By turning the gain down there, the threshold will move higher, elevating operating distortion. Adding gain there will lower the threshold and lower Distortion/Saturation. Find your nearest retailer: https://wavedistro.com/dealers/

It is also possible to make the FATSO have frequency dependent compression using the Sidechain insert Jack (was previously labeled INSERT on older FATSOs). Send the tip of the Sidechain jack to an EQ, and return EQ to the ring. The sidechain must not have appreciable delay nor be out of phase since it will affect the response time and possibly comb filter the control signals when in Stereo.

Unlike the older units, the FATSO is uniform and predictable from one unit to the next. Precise factory calibration assures that if you go from one FATSO to the next, these settings will all sound the same. The only big variable is the input and output pots, which is why we use high resolution knobs, for recall. Differences in the new X version and the Older FATSOs The FATSO Jr was redesigned to lower power consumption and heat, as well as make the interface operate more like it was originally envisioned. The controls can now step backwards one setting by holding the associated button for less than a second. This enables the Bypass to be accessed with one button press from any state, as well as compare compressor and WARMTH settings more easily.

A “soft knee” is a compression curve where the first few dB of gain reduction occur at very low ratios, gradually increasing as the signal increases (gets louder). This makes the onset of compression very hard to detect. The knee usually extends for a few dB and gradually flattens out toward a final ratio. All the FATSO compressor types have dominant knees except for SPANK. The BUSS Type Compressor has a knee that can be as long as 15 dB, It was setup for 3 – 5dB to sound HOT like tape.

Place the FATSO at the output of your mixer before your power amps to level and fatten up the whole show. The BUSS compressor can level out volume differences while keeping the “smack” intact. Some house engineers use more aggressive FATSO compressors. The TRANNY may help on smaller systems to get the low freqs clearer, but it does gently roll off subsonic content, whereas many venues want to “show off” subs below 40Hz. There are dozens of clubs around the world warming their House PA systems with FATSOs.

This is because potentiometers never match perfectly. We test them at the factory and try to make them all match within two small tics of each other. Pots will change with use over the years. Also, in 2002, Clarostat discontinued pots that had been made for 50 years, forcing us to change to conductive plastic pots that have a different curve also. We can match pots on older units for a very small fee. New units are covered under warranty.

You really need several of each! Actually there is only a little in common between the two units. If you need a fully controllable compressor, that sounds like it has tubes and can emulate some famous older compressors, get the Distressor. If you do a lot of work in the digital domain and miss some of the smooth round bottom and softened high end of analog tape recordings, get the FATSO Jr. The FATSO does have some kick butt compressors in it but they are not fully adjustable. The Fatso was really intended to help get a good analog tape sound without analog tape… we just happened to have enough room to put in some really good compressors too.