Universal Audio Releases Native UAD Empirical Labs FATSO Plug-Ins

Universal Audio has released native macOS and Windows versions of its UAD Empirical Labs FATSO Tape Simulator plug-ins. Developed with Empirical Labs founder and FATSO designer Dave Derr, the package brings UA’s FATSO Jr. and FATSO Sr. models to host DAWs without requiring Apollo or UAD-2 hardware.

Both versions combine tape-style saturation and compression. FATSO Jr. provides the core processing modes, while FATSO Sr. adds more detailed control. UA lists four compression modes—Buss, G.P., Tracking, and Spank—and extends the software beyond the hardware with sidechain filtering, adjustable transformer saturation, and expanded compression parameters.

The plug-ins are available now for macOS and Windows. Universal Audio lists an introductory price of $79 USD through December 31, 2026; the regular price is $149 USD. Owners of the Apollo DSP version can add the native version for $2.99 USD. FATSO is also included with UAD Spark Studio.

Manufacturer source: Universal Audio announcement