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5.3 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

 

Q: 

The FAT 1 is a stereo unit yet there is only one set of controls, Why is this? 

A: 

The FAT 1’s single set of controls affect both channels simultaneously, since 
the unit always works in linked stereo mode. To operate in mono mode, simply run 
your mono signal through the left channel input/output (either the line input, or the 
instrument input if applicable). 

 

Q: 

The Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release and Knee controls aren’t working. 

A: 

This is because the Program control is not set to Manual mode, and these  
parameters are all fixed within the FAT 1.  

 
Q: 

Why is it I occasionally get some LF distortion on certain settings? 

A:  

This happens when a Fast Release time is selected on certain bass-heavy 

sources. The compressor is then forced in  and out of gain reduction within an 

individual cycle, and thus distortion is caused on the lower frequencies. Selecting a 
slow attack/release time will cure the problem. 

 
Q: 

Can I use the preset settings on instruments other than those recommended? 

A: 

Absolutely. If it sounds good, use it! 

 
Q: 

The Gain Make-Up control isn’t working. 

A: 

This control is only active when the ‘Compressor On’ switch is engaged. 

 
Q:   

The FAT 1 is a stereo unit but there is only one valve in it. Why? 

A:        The unit employs a single ECC83/12AX7A dual triode valve, so called 

 because it features two separate valve stages within one glass housing. Each 
 channel of the FAT 1 employs one of these stages. 

 
Q: 

How long do the valves last before they need replacing? 

A: 

This very much depends on the valve itself, whether the unit is left switched on 

            all the time and how much the unit is moved around. On average we’d say 
            about three years. The valve itself is easily sourced and relatively inexpensive -  
            contact your dealer for details. 
 

 

 

 

Summary of Contents for FATMAN FAT 1

Page 1: ...ted Sonic Touch Iceni Court Icknield Way Letchworth SG6 1TN England Tel 44 0 1462 680888 Fax 44 0 1462 680999 E Mail info tlaudio co uk www tlaudio co uk interstage Phistersvej 31 2900 Hellerup Danmar...

Page 2: ...4 OPERATION 4 1 What is Compression 4 2 Why Valve Compression 4 3 Overview of Compressor Operation 4 4 Input Gain 4 5 Output Gain 4 6 Gain Make Up 4 7 Program Control 4 8 Threshold 4 9 Ratio 4 10 Atta...

Page 3: ...l element of the FAT 1 is based around a special transconductance amplifier which avoids the use of VCAs and helps contribute to the smooth open sound of the unit A certain degree of program dependant...

Page 4: ......

Page 5: ...ard Replace the fuse with the correct type and rating only Warning This equipment must be earthed 3 INSTALLATION 3 1 AC Mains Supply The compressor is fitted with an internationally approved 3 pin IEC...

Page 6: ...event hum or noise pickup Refer to Figure 3 for rear panel connector identification 3 3 Instrument Inputs Each channel has a 0 25 jack socket on the front panel see Figure 2 A 2 pin mono jack plug is...

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Page 9: ...st not be obstructed Do not locate the compressor where it will be subject to external heating for example in the hot air flow from a power amplifier or on a radiator The FAT 1 may be free standing us...

Page 10: ...e more the level you feed to the valve stages the more of this harmonic distortion will be produced You should be able to hear this effect as you increase the Input Gain on the FAT 1 Secondly valves w...

Page 11: ...l can be turned down to preserve the same level at the outputs so a choice of sounds is available For a more pronounced valve sound turn up the input gain and reduce the output gain and vice versa for...

Page 12: ...ed along with the Input Gain Output Gain and Gain Make Up controls which are active at all times In this mode the FAT 1 works like a standard compressor in the sense that the user can create their own...

Page 13: ...detailed the settings for each preset in Figure 4 should you wish to re create any of the presets in manual mode and adjust them to suit your own application...

Page 14: ...knee fast attack and release 9 Electric Guitar 2 Harder compression for recorded or DI d guitars Hard knee fast attack and release 10 Snare Drum For tight control of snares Hard knee fast attack and r...

Page 15: ......

Page 16: ...ers a wide range of ratios from 1 1 5 gentle compression through to 1 30 limiting Limiting effectively clamps the input signal at the threshold level no matter how much the signal is increased this ca...

Page 17: ...ogram control is set to Manual mode In all of the Preset modes it is disabled and Knee setting is fixed internally 4 12 Meter The FAT 1 is equipped with an illuminated VU meter The Meter switch enable...

Page 18: ...means that any signal passing through that channel will pass directly though the FAT 1 Compressing a vocal for instance can be achieved by connecting the microphone directly to the console mic input t...

Page 19: ...levels and the subjective sound quality of the original and compressed signals With the Compressor active use the Gain Make Up control to set the level so that when disabling the compressor there is n...

Page 20: ...of gain reduction within an individual cycle and thus distortion is caused on the lower frequencies Selecting a slow attack release time will cure the problem Q Can I use the preset settings on instru...

Page 21: ...ed by deliberate or accidental misuse tampering operation on the incorrect mains voltage or without the correct type and value of fuse fitted It is the user s responsibility to ensure fitness for purp...

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